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Michigan football's new defense is 'a lot different' this spring
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- Michigan football's new defense is 'a lot different' this spring
ANN ARBOR, Mich. --Earlier in spring ball, new defensive coordinator Jay Hill said his defense isn't terribly different from that of Jesse Minter's Michigan football defense in 2023. However, that only explains part of it.
Of course, there's a lot of movement and disguises, just like Minter's. But a lot of what Minter did (though not all) was movement up front, and Hill's also moves players around a lot on the back-end. Thus, players like fifth-year cornerback Zeke Berry could be lined up all over the field, as could fellow corner Jyaire Hill .
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Berry played in Minter's defense, having joined the Wolverines the same year that his former defensive coordinator did in 2022. And he notes that this is a departure from that previous iteration.
"It's a lot different from the past and what we had. We're doing a lot more stuff now." Berry said. "We're doing a lot more moving around. We've seen different formations and personnel that we can use on the field. I feel like this defense has surprised a lot of people."
Many have thought that the offense would be the stronger of the units, but the defense has reportedly been up to the task this spring. If the offense is as expected and the defense is better than anticipated, the Wolverines could end up being a surprise across college football.
As far as Berry's seen it thus far, the team as a whole is playing a lot better than many might have thought -- at least so far in spring ball.
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"From the practices that we've had and what I've seen, and the guys that we have in the offensive and defensive room, I feel like this team is going to be a lot different," Berry said. "We have a lot more playmakers on both sides of the ball. We challenge each other each and every day in practice, and this is a battle. I feel like we're really going to get each other better, so this team is going to be really strong coming out."
While he discussed the defense and the team as a whole, the defensive back room hasn't made a ton of changes from a personnel standpoint. There have been two transfer additions in cornerback Smith Snowden and safety Chris Bracy. But otherwise, many of the familiar names return -- such as starting corners Berry and Hill, reserves Jo'Ziah Edmond and Shamari Earls, and safeties Rod Moore , Mason Curtis , Jordan Young, Jacob Oden, and Kainoa Winston.
Given how much experience the room has, Berry is excited to see how everything shakes out, not only through spring ball but also once the season comes. Because there's a lot more depth to the room.
"In the DB room, we have a lot of guys that are really competing to have a starting spot," Berry said. "Even though we did that throughout the years of being here, they really believe in themselves and challenge each other. Even the older guys, I'm challenged by some of the younger guys to make sure I pick up on my technique and actually work for a starting spot. I feel like we're going to be a hard-working, relentless, crazy defense."
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Fans will get an opportunity to see the Michigan football defense in action on April 18, when the Wolverines host the annual spring game at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football defense 'a lot different' in spring
