Michigan Wolverines Secure Lou Esposito as New Defensive Line Coach Following Greg Scruggs’ Departure
Michigan Wolverines have appointed Lou Esposito as their latest defensive line coach, swiftly filling the void left by Greg Scruggs, who resigned eight days ago after his OWI arrest.
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Esposito arrives at Michigan from Memphis, where he recently served as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for approximately two months. Prior to his tenure at Memphis, Esposito spent seven years as the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Western Michigan. He also boasts experience from smaller football programs in Michigan, including Ferris State and Davenport.
Despite his background in smaller programs, Esposito’s talent-recruiting prowess is notable. He has a knack for identifying promising players overlooked during high school recruitment, who subsequently develop into professional-caliber prospects.
One such player Esposito evaluated and recruited during his tenure in Kalamazoo is Braden Fiske. Initially ranked No. 1,590 overall on 247Sports’ composite, Fiske received only one other offer from Illinois State out of high school.
However, under Esposito’s guidance at WMU, Fiske flourished, accumulating impressive stats including 148 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one blocked kick. Fiske’s standout performance at Florida State, following his transfer, further underscored Esposito’s keen eye for talent and knack for recruitment.
Another notable player recruited by Esposito is Marshawn Kneeland, a Grand Rapids native who was ranked No. 3,427 overall by 247Sports’ composite. Kneeland received offers from Western Illinois and Grand Valley State University, but ultimately spent his entire collegiate career at WMU under Esposito’s guidance.
During his time at WMU, Kneeland amassed impressive statistics, including 149 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and one blocked kick. He earned recognition as a member of the All-MAC Second-Team in 2023.
Kneeland is currently preparing for the NFL Draft and is projected to be selected on Day 2, having received high grades at the NFL Combine, which likely contributed to boosting his draft stock.
Another player of note is Andre Carter, who initially committed to WMU before transferring to Indiana for the recent season. Ranked No. 1,406 overall by 247Sports’ composite, Carter played a pivotal role for the Hoosiers, starting in every game and garnering recognition as an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
Before his success in the Big Ten, Carter excelled at WMU, accumulating 68 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and one safety during his final collegiate season. His outstanding performance at WMU helped him gain national attention and facilitated his transfer to the Big Ten.
Brandon Kimble, the head coach of Godwin Heights, where Kneeland attended high school, commended Esposito for his recruitment efforts and development strategies.
Kimble highlighted Esposito’s ability to build relationships, his genuine demeanor, and his effective development plans for players like Kneeland and Carter. Esposito’s strategic approach and dedication to player development underscore his reputation as a coach capable of nurturing talent and cultivating NFL-caliber players.
