TJ Guy has spent the offseason staying prepared and being proactive, which has made him a serious contender for Michigan football’s edge rotation.
Last season the Michigan football team’s defense rotated four edge players. But this year, the Wolverines no longer have two of those rotational options with starters Jaylen Harrell and Braiden McGregor now in the NFL.
When asked about if that means a heavier workload will fall on junior Derrick Moore and senior Josaiah Stewart — the other two players in the rotation last season — Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore wasn’t fazed.
Because the Wolverines’ edge depth goes beyond just Moore and Stewart — it extends to senior TJ Guy as well.
“A guy like TJ Guy, it started in spring and he just went over to fall camp and he’s put himself right in the conversation with Derrick and Josiah,” Moore told the media on Monday. “Nobody’s talking about him and that’s great we kind of like it that way, he’s gonna have a heck of a year.”
There may not be much chatter about Guy, but from within the program he’s certainly getting respect for the work he’s put in this offseason. Often regarded as making one of the most notable leaps during spring and fall camp, Guy has put in the necessary work to see the field early and often.
“I see a lot of guys stepping up, but definitely TJ Guy,” Stewart said earlier this month. “He’ll be there playing for us a lot this year.”
This will be a major step for Guy, who has not played a significant amount a time as a Wolverine. Guy has played in 24 games throughout his career, but did see the field in 11 games a season ago, compiling 10 tackles, 1.5 for a loss and one sack.
In addition to playing edge, Guy has also contributed to special teams. He did just that in both the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. But now his main focus is contributing to the edge rotation, something that can come to fruition based on how he’s put in work this offseason.
“Just detailing things more, staying prepared, always being proactive not reactive,” Guy said. “I would say just staying more prepared has definitely helped me improve.”
With Harrell and McGregor no longer at Michigan, there are big holes that need to be filled. Guy understands that, which is why he’s put such an emphasis on staying prepared and ready. Clearly, that’s paying off.
Beyond the preparation, the support Guy has received from his coach has been monumental in his progression.
“Coach Moore has always believed in me since I was a young guy, seen the potential in me,” Guy said. “He’s always been on me about staying out and working hard and waiting my turn so it’s definitely a blessing having a coach like that who cares about his players like that, it feels good.”
With spring and fall camp under his belt, Guy certainly has a lot to feel good about. And with the season just around the corner and the opportunity to bring his potential to fruition, there’s a lot more he could feel good about, too.