The long offseason is nearly over, and as the National Champions, the Michigan Wolverines are set to take the field next month with thousands packing the Big House.
With many key players from last year’s team now in the NFL, several new faces on both offense and defense could emerge as breakout stars in 2024. After covering offensive breakout candidates on Thursday, today we focus on three defensive players poised to make a significant impact this fall.
Defensive Tackle Rayshaun Benny
Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are among Michigan’s top players and will be central to opposing teams’ strategies. However, when they’re not on the field, defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny has the potential to shine. Despite breaking his fibula in the Rose Bowl victory, Benny expects to be ready for the 2024 season.
As noted by Nick Durand, Benny had limited playing time as a freshman due to Mazi Smith, Chris Hinton, and Kris Jenkins being ahead of him. However, he became an important part of the defensive line in 2022 and 2023, accumulating 40 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. This included a crucial fumble recovery in the second half against Penn State.
Entering his senior year, Benny would be a starting defensive tackle for most college teams, but Michigan benefits from having him rotate in. Playing alongside Graham or Grant, he is less likely to face double teams and could significantly impact the Wolverines’ run defense.
Linebacker Jaishawn Barham
Barham could be considered already broken out, having amassed 95 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble in two seasons at Maryland.
As Durand’s projected depth chart indicates, Barham is expected to start at linebacker with Junior Colson and Michael Barrett now in the NFL. The linebacking unit lacks depth, and if Barham quickly adapts to Michigan’s defense, he could be the most influential portal addition this season. It will be exciting to see how new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale utilizes him.
Cornerback Jyaire Hill
Will Johnson is among the best players in college football, and his presence will likely force teams to target the other side of the field, putting pressure on his counterpart.
Hill, who will compete with Aamir Hall and potentially play alongside nickel corner Ja’Den McBurrows, is a strong contender. Although Hill played only four games last season, he was one of the highest-ranked recruits in Michigan’s 2023 class and has significant potential.
Listed at 185 pounds, Hill may face challenges against larger, more physical Big Ten receivers. Hopefully, he can build muscle throughout the season.
Defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan recently praised Hill during spring camp on a podcast.
“I think he’s a unique player. I think he loves football. I think he’s growing up,” Morgan said on In The Trenches in July. “He has a silly personality, but it’s a good thing. He can have fun in the hallway, clown and stuff like that. His parents have done a great job with him. And then all of a sudden when it’s football, he’s gonna hook it up; he’s not playing around.”
If Hill performs well opposite Will Johnson, Michigan could have one of the best secondaries in the Big Ten.
Who do you think will be a breakout player on Michigan’s defense in 2024? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
