Jesse Minter Struggles To Contain Excitement When Discussing Potential Defensive Star

Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter spoke to the media after seven practices and almost lit up when asked about one of his potential stars within his unit.

"Kris [Jenkins] is playing really, really well right now," Minter said through an excited smile.

Minter revisited Jenkins' success in 2022 and then explained why 2023 could be truly special for the senior.

"Last year he got some accolades. He probably could have gone to the NFL and maybe been a day two draft choice but he came back with a mission of, these are the things I want to get better at," Minter explained. "No. 1, yeah, I'd like to really, really hold up. I need to get my weight up to a certain amount. But really No. 2, to really be a guy that they really want high up in the draft — not at a 325 maybe like Mazi [Smith] but at 300, 305, I needed also be an elite pass rusher."

Minter also mentioned Jenkins' mentality and how he's attacking everyday inside the building, in the weight room and on the practice field.

"I know I've heard him say the obsession that our guys have, but that is real. Kris has been obsessed with being better as a pass rusher since the day he stepped back here on campus," Minter explained. "And it's showing up — he's moving really well. He's still the same player against the run but with 20 extra pounds. Watching him battle with [Zak] Zinter — those are really fun, elite matchups. That's really the best on best in college football and so it's great every day to be able to go against those guys and for Kris to be able to iron his game against players like that. I expect big things from Kris this year."