Despite losing stars Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart, Michigan still has the size, depth and versatility to be disruptive along the defensive line in 2025:
Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito is a big fan of nicknames. On Monday afternoon at Schembechler Hall, he noted everyone in his defensive line room has a nickname, but there’s one that appears to stand out above the rest.
“Mr. Payne is probably the best,” Esposito said.
Mr. Payne is a reference to Alabama transfer Damon Payne, a Belleville, Michigan native and one of several new players Esposito has up front to cause pain for opposing offenses.
Michigan is in an interesting spot on its defensive front. The Wolverines are suffering a major talent drain this offseason with arguably the two best defensive tackles in America heading for the NFL in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, while Michigan’s leader in sacks from last season, edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, is pro-bound as well. Most programs aren’t equipped to deal with that loss of talent in one offseason, but Michigan has a chance to still be plenty disruptive up front with a defensive line ripe with depth and versatility.
That begins with Rayshaun Benny, a returning fifth-year senior, and is followed up by transfers Tre Williams and the aforementioned Payne. Trey Pierce, Enow Etta and Ike Iwunnah also will likely see increased roles this fall on the interior.
When asked if the loss of talent can be offset by the depth, Esposito indicated one big way it can.
“As far as being fresh for sure,” Esposito said.
That “freshness” is something Michigan didn’t have much of in 2024 like it had in recent years. In 2023, the combination of Graham and Grant played 845 snaps across 15 games, per Pro Football Focus. This past year, that number jumped to 1,095 over 12 games.
Not only is Esposito encouraged by the volume of the group, he’s also pleased with the versatility.
“Each guy is unique in his own way and they do things that are special,” Esposito said.
Esposito also mentioned by having lots of players that offer different skillsets, the defensive line would be able to attack in “waves” rather than needing one or two guys to take over the game.
Michigan was in a similar boat in 2023 on the edge. Without one standout star, the Wolverines relied on a versatile and deep group of Stewart, Jaylen Harrell, Braiden McGregor and Derrick Moore. The Wolverines will likely be relying on a similar approach at tackle this fall to re-create Graham and Grant in the aggregate.
Esposito noted a focus this spring has been getting the guys to play together in different combinations, since they’ll all end up playing plenty of snaps and need to gel together much like an offensive line does.
“I tell them all the time they’re all starters,” Esposito said. “You gotta have those guys up front, whether we’re playing four down linemen or five down linemen, you gotta have those guys knowing who they’re playing against or playing with.”
Playing together in the bowl game against Alabama represented a great stepping stone, as it offered them their first real chance to get extended playing time together against a high-caliber opponent. Esposito said it was a great confidence-building experience, particularly for the younger guys like Etta and Pierce.
Size is something the defensive front also has in spades, with six potential contributors weighing more than 300 pounds, something Esposito feels is important.
“Football is still a game of big people leaning on little people,” Esposito said. “Sometimes if you’re bigger it’s a little bit easier.”
While the Wolverines appear to be in a good spot with their defensive tackles, the edge rushers seem to be in a good spot as well . Esposito mentioned Derrick Moore and T.J. Guy have been impressive, particularly with their leadership and knowledge of the defense. Esposito also said Cam Brandt was “just like a starter,” while he’s also been pleased with the development of sophomore Dom Nichols.
While it might not be the star-studded group on the surface, there are reasons for optimism. The Wolverines have shown the ability to put good units on the field year after year, even if the names aren’t well known going into the season. With a stable of players of various skillsets and plenty of size, it’s a good bet Michigan will be bringing the pain (or Payne) once again in 2025.