Look Ahead: Will Michigan Be Better At LB in 2020?
Michigan's linebackers have been a predictable strength this season, albeit in an unpredictable way.
Probably nobody had former walk-on Jordan Glasgow a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker. Heck, folks were skeptical when he was moved from backup at viper to linebacker in the first place. But there's little doubt the senior has been one of Michigan's top overall players, regardless of position, this fall.
Then there's Josh Ross, whom defensive coordinator Don Brown called the most intelligent linebacker he's ever coached before the season. And Ross was off to a strong start before getting hurt back in September. Ross' injury paved the way for the sensational debut of arguably the most dominant Wolverine of the fall.
Enter Cam McGrone.
The former top linebacker prospect in the 2018 class has been nothing short of a revelation this season. Flashing the force of nature speed and athleticism that almost has Michigan fans forgetting about Devin Bush. Almost.
Still, McGrone due to return next season as a redshirt sophomore is one of the primary reasons fans are rightfully optimistic this unit could be even better next season:
Pairing McGrone with Ross, who will likely be moved to weakside linebacker to replace the graduating Glasgow, could give Michigan one of its better linebacker duos in recent memory. At the very least, it should be at least as dynamic as McGrone and Glasgow have been this season. And if that's your ceiling, you'll take that in any year.
Behind them, though, will be a lot of youth, which is why don't be surprised if Devin Gill is invited back for a fifth season. Sure, the former starter has clearly been passed on the depth chart, but he continues to make an impact on special teams. And he's played meaningful snaps, something freshmen eligibles in 2020 Charles Thomas, Nikhai-Hill Green, Kalel Mullings, Osmane Savage, and Cornell Wheeler have yet to do.
At viper, expect two athletic youngsters -- currently making an impact on special teams -- to battle for the position Khaleke Hudson has held the past three years.
Michael Barrett was a decorated high school quarterback in Georgia, who bounced around the roster early on as a Wolverine, before finding a home at viper. He's a plus athlete, who will be a redshirt sophomore next fall.
Former Florida prep star Anthony Solomon has already burned his redshirt on special teams. Unlike Barrett, he came out of high school as a linebacker. Thus, he came to Michigan with more experience on the defensive side of the ball than Barrett.
His path is similar to the aforementioned Bush, who was also considered an undersized linebacker prospect when he ventured north to Ann Arbor from the sunshine state. And then when Bush played so much on special teams as a true freshman, that was a sign the coaches had big plans for him in his second year.
