Cameron Brandt and Mason Curtis continue to emerge as key defensive contributors for the Wolverines. Both players have displayed elite potential with increased playing time this season.
Michigan Wolverines edge rusher Cameron Brandt and safety Mason Curtis have continued to emerge as key defensive contributors with increased playing time in recent games. Both have displayed flashes of intriguing potential early in their careers, and their growth this year could lay the foundation for what is to come in future seasons for the sophomore and true freshman, respectively.
Brandt has impressed with his ability to make a significant impact in a reserve role in 2024, racking up nine tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in six games. In a narrow win over the Michigan State Spartans , Brandt had a breakout performance that included three tackles and one sack to help Michigan secure the victory.
“I just feel like I’ve been more productive,” Brandt told the media Tuesday night. “During the first bye week, I changed my mindset on how to attack things and I feel like that really started to show. I just want to go out there and play unstoppable. It benefited me a lot to see how older guys operate, take care of themselves and go about studying the game.”
Meanwhile, Curtis has also been steadily progressing in limited snaps and should continue to receive more playing time as the regular season wraps up. Despite being thrust into action due to injuries in the secondary, Curtis has demonstrated an ability to read opposing offenses and make open-field tackles, posting six tackles in just three games.
The former four-star recruit is considered one of the best tacklers on the team and has more versatility than just about any other player. Curtis has experience playing defensive back, outside linebacker and nickel in high school, and spent time practicing at edge rusher and wide receiver last spring before eventually sticking at safety.
“I just came in here trying to compete,” Curtis said. “I wouldn’t say I surprised myself because I just try to put myself in line to do those things. I try to stay confident throughout practice and make plays. It’s my first year, so guys like Makari Paige, Quinten Johnson and Wesley Walker helped me slow the game down and have dumped their knowledge onto me.”
Curtis will likely become an integral part of the secondary as he gains experience, while Brandt’s explosiveness and physicality should make him a cornerstone of the defensive front for years to come. Both players have received valuable playing time that should help them make a more consistent impact next season and beyond.
Michigan can clinch bowl eligibility for a fourth straight year with a win over the Northwestern Wildcats this weekend, which would be beneficial for the development of younger guys like Brandt and Curtis.