Zeke Berry’s versatility will be invaluable for Michigan Football’s secondary

Zeke Berry’s versatility will be invaluable for the secondary in 2025 because his ability to play multiple positions at a high level will allow the defense to be flexible and adapt to opposing offenses:

This spring, the Michigan Wolverines have been cross-training their defensive backs to be able to play all over the secondary. One player the coaching staff can already rely upon to be able to do that at a high level is Zeke Berry.

The soon-to-be redshirt junior played at both outside corner and nickel in 2024, with most of his corner reps coming at the end of the season. And that’s when he played at his best — Berry racked up PFF grades of 80 or more in the final four games of the season, including a season-best X against Indiana.

“We can put him basically wherever we need him,” Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale told the media this spring. “He’ll have some reps inside at nickel and outside at corner.”

Berry’s ability to line up at cornerback, nickel and safety provides Michigan with sole major flexibility. Martindale will lean on Berry to able to line up anywhere, depending on certain matchups.

The Wolverines are expected to start Berry at outside cornerback opposite Jyaire Hill, but the coaching staff won’t hesitate to shift him around if needed. Defensive adaptability is especially valuable in an era where offenses are more diverse than ever.

Whether it’s shifting him to nickel to or to safety, Berry’s presence gives Michigan a tactical advantage that many defenses don’t possess.

With guys like Rod Moore, Brandyn Hillman, Mason Curtis, and TJ and Tevis Metcalf set to play big roles, the Wolverines have a ton of depth in the secondary , and Berry’s positional flexibility allows them to maximize it.

“That’s the value of Zeke Berry, is that he can play both inside and outside,” Martindale said. “That’s rare when you’re talking about coaching cornerbacks. He’s done a nice job in the offseason of getting his body right and getting ready to go.”

In 2024, Berry flashed his versatility with 37 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He should be able to build on his breakout season and he takes on an even bigger role in 2025 .

Berry proved he can cover wide receivers on the perimeter, patrol the middle of the field and drop back as a deep safety. The ability to contribute in multiple ways has set the stage for him to be a cornerstone of the defense in 2025.