Michigan’s offensive linemen have had the benefit of going against some of the best defensive linemen in the country in practice, ultimately leading to an easier time on Saturdays. It appears that this spring, things are no different:
“Iron sharpens iron” is how the old adage goes. However, if you’ve ever listened to former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh (or Ric Flair), it should go something like, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man.”
In Michigan’s recent football history, it’s been characterized by dominating in the trenches. Great offensive linemen have been built by squaring off against great defensive linemen in practice each day. As the Wolverines approach the end of spring practice, it would appear the new-look offensive and defensive lines are going back to the old principle of making each other better.
One hopeful new contributor for Michigan this year is junior right guard Nathan Efobi. On Tuesday, he was asked if he thinks it’s a benefit to be at Michigan where he has the chance to practice against some of the best defensive linemen in college football.
“Definitely. I think that practice is like way harder than games, especially at Michigan,” Efobi said.
Efobi also said mentioned Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant as players he’s had the privilege of practicing against the last two seasons. Even though Graham and Grant aren’t around anymore, Michigan has no shortage of players that can help push the offensive line. Rayshaun Benny is an experienced veteran entering his fifth season, while Damon Payne Jr. comes over from Alabama, a program that has produced plenty of elite defensive linemen over the last couple decades.
Tre Williams, a transfer from Clemson, has been standing out to Efobi so far this spring. Efobi described him as a no nonsense defender that doesn’t need much help getting into the backfield. Trey Pierce has also stood out, and he’s expected to take on a larger role on Michigan’s defensive front this season.
Regardless of who it is, the Wolverines have no shortage of options up front that should continue to give the offensive line a challenge. Having a rotation that’s 4-5 players deep should help keep the defensive line fresh, while simultaneously keeping the pressure on the offensive line to perform at a high level in practice.
Efobi acknowledged this can be tough to handle at times, but he’s welcoming the challenge to help him and the rest of the offensive line improve.
“They get frustrating when you’re out there and they just keep coming in waves,” Efobi said. “I need to go against the best — to be the best I have to go against the best every day.”
Based on the rave reviews Michigan’s defensive line has gotten this spring, it’s encouraging the Wolverines should be formidable once again on at least one of their lines of scrimmage. The defensive front should use a good blend of experience, talent and overall depth to do its damage.
What the Wolverines got on the offensive line last year was a sizable step back from what it had been used to in 2021-23. By having its players go against a stout defensive front every day in practice this spring, Michigan is hoping it can get better results from its offensive line this fall.
Earlier this offseason, edge rusher Dominic Nichols mentioned that physicality and intensity have been ramped up this spring , something he hopes would benefit the team as a whole as it hopes to “train soldiers” and “build towards winning every game.” With the offensive and defensive lines giving each other the business this spring, the hope is they’ll both become formidable forces by the time the season rolls around. That way, Michigan can truly get back to its identity and dominate both lines of scrimmage.