Michigan’s secondary is embracing versatility and competition as the defense works through the first weeks of fall camp, with several defensive backs emerging as leaders and playmakers.
Michigan’s secondary is embracing versatility and competition as the defense works through the first weeks of fall camp, with several defensive backs emerging as leaders and playmakers.
TJ Metcalf and Zeke Berry met with the media on Friday. Each gave clues into how the depth chart is shaping up for Michigan, and highlighted a few players.
Positionless Defense
We have highlighted Metcalf often since the spring, and have him pegged as the starting nickel for some time. During the spring game, I noticed Metcalf moving back and forth between safety and nickel. That now looks like a plan for the season, as Metcalf said he has been working across multiple spots in the back end.
“Yeah, they got me playing a couple different (spots). Both safety spots. Playing nickel, too,” Metcalf said. “We got a lot of guys rotating different positions. I like it for us.”
Metcalf confirmed his place in Michigan’s secondary heading into the season.
“I’m a starter,” Metcalf said. “I think my role is going to be big for this team this year. The coaches constantly let me know. You got a voice, too. You’re a leader, too. You’re a vet. Just take over.”
At cornerback, Berry enters camp widely viewed as Michigan’s top option on the outside, though he isn’t taking that status for granted.
“I don’t feel like I really have my spot,” Berry said. “I feel like I’m still fearful to get my spot taken. So I keep coming in each and every day and try to win my spot.”
Michigan’s secondary coach LaMar Morgan has stressed versatility, having players play in multiple spots. Not only for flexibility on the field, but because it makes the defense better. Players are better able to anticipate what other players are going to do, because they have a grasp of all positions.
Berry has moved between corner, nickel, and safety during his time at Michigan. “If I’m at a corner, I know where my help is at nickel or safety,” Berry said. “If I’m at nickel, I know where my help is at corner and safety. So I feel like just being able to have those tools to help me was really good.”
At the opposite corner spot is Jyaire Hill. A common breakout candidate pick among the media, Hill is entering his third year and is expected to take a big leap. He’s had some up and down moments in Ann Arbor, but seems poised to settle into his role. Hill has also gotten work at nickel, meaning all three corners can move inside.
Metcalf said Brandyn Hillman and Mason Curtis have been the primary safeties during his nickel reps.
“B. Hill and Mason, they’re pretty much the two that are at hand,” Metcalf said. “Really, all the safeties … B. Hill, he’s flying around. Mason’s flying around, making plays.” He also pointed to freshman Jaden Mangham as a young player “making plays, flying around, attacking well.”
Curtis is an intriguing piece of the secondary. He had a breakout year of sorts last season, but despite playing free safety, Curtis can also play nickel. More teams are utilizing a “big nickel”, bigger and more physical players to cover the slot as offenses utilize more tight ends there. Makari Paige saw success there late last season. Some have said Curtis can be Michigan’s Kyle Hamilton, the former Notre Dame safety, who plays that role for the Baltimore Ravens.
Rod Moore
Rod Moore’s return from injury is also a storyline in the secondary.
“I think he’s getting better every day,” Metcalf said. “Nothing too much is holding him back.” Berry, who considers Moore a mentor, added that the veteran safety has encouraged him to “just be confident, like, believe in yourself because if everybody else believes in you, you should too.”
Competition has brought standout moments in camp. Metcalf noted Joziah “JoJo” Edmond has “caught one today, caught one I think last week” on pick-sixes, while Berry said Edmond “has been stepping up” and “is gonna have a high ceiling.” Freshman Shamari Earls has impressed with his length and athleticism, though Berry said all the young defensive backs are still learning the complexity of the scheme.
With Metcalf, Berry, Hill, Hillman, Curtis, and a healthy Moore forming the core, and players like Edmond and Earls pushing for roles, Michigan appears to have a deep rotation ready for the season. The group’s ability to cross-train has given the Wolverines more options in personnel packages. As Metcalf put it, “Everybody getting different reps at each position … it’s just good for everybody to make sure they’re on the same page and knowing what they’re doing.”
Category: General Sports
