Michigan assistant Lou Esposito and edge Derrick Moore stopped by the “In The Trenches” podcast this week to preview the “run wall” that is the Wolverines’ defensive line heading into the 2024 season:
The state of Michigan football ’s defensive line is one of formidable strength and potential, as highlighted in the latest episode of In The Trenches with defensive line coach Lou Esposito and edge Derrick Moore.
Esposito, who was thrust into his role following the resignation of Greg Scruggs, has quickly embraced the talent and challenges of molding a defensive front that could define the team’s 2024 season.
“Unbelievable toughness, physicality, great traits of athleticism,” Esposito said. “Each guy in that front line brings something different that you need to be a great defense — whether it’s (Josaiah Stewart’s) ability to be physical rushing the passer, drop into coverage; (Derrick Moore’s) job of being able to be an elite edge setter, rush the passer, drop into coverage, play with great effort; Mason and KG’s ability to stone at the line of scrimmage and create a wall.”
This “wall” is a concept Esposito was introduced to by head coach Sherrone Moore — who was a key part in turning around Michigan’s offensive line play the last few years — and quickly adopted that as a cornerstone of the defensive strategy.
“That’s what those guys do and they take pride in that, and it’s something special,” Esposito said. “Those guys work and do things that are uncommon to most people at their position.”
Esposito’s philosophy of building a defense “from the middle back” emphasizes the importance of having dominant forces in the interior line. In Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, Esposito knows those two players will take attention away from others along the defensive line, creating a ripple effect that enhances the performance of the entire defense.
“When you put those two guys together, they command double teams. You can’t single block those guys. And when teams do, you have to make them pay for that,” Esposito said.
The duo’s impact was evident last season, as they were part of a fluid rotation that kept them fresh and effective in key moments. However, with depth a concern in 2024, Graham and Grant are expected to take on an even heavier load. Esposito identified Ike Iwunnah, Enow Etta and Trey Pierce as players who could step up and provide much-needed support in the interior.
“We have some guys that people don’t really know their names yet that are going to be good players for us,” Esposito said. “Ike has been doing a great job. He has progressed probably the most out of everybody since I’ve been here. Enow — he’s 308 right now and he’s not a bad body guy.”
The edge room is another area of strength, headlined by Moore and Josaiah Stewart. Accompanying Esposito during the podcast episode this week, Moore spoke up for second-year edge Cam Brandt as someone who has shown promising development.
“Cam kind of reminds me of myself when I first got here,” Moore said. “Freshman year, you just kind of get comfortable with a lot of things, and then your sophomore year, you’re going into being one of them guys to be in a playing role for this team.”
Esposito’s focus on fundamentals and resilience is evident as the Wolverines prepare for their season opener against Fresno State.
“Stuff is going to go south. Something bad is going to happen. They’re going to do something that we didn’t prepare for,” Esposito said. “What do you do when adversity hits? You fall back on your training. You fall back on throwing your hands. You fall back on great eyes. You fall back on good keys. And those are the things that are going to help us win.”