The Michigan football team will need some new players to step up in 2024 as they are losing a lot from the 2023 team. The Wolverines were loaded with talent last season, and it resulted in a national championship. Now, Michigan wants to keep the momentum that they have built and it's time for new players to make their mark on the program. PFF recently identified numerous potential breakout players for the 2024 season, and they have their eyes on Wolverines defensive back Ja'Den McBurrows.
“Michigan’s roster will look a lot different in 2024, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be any less talented,” PFF said. “After all, there are plenty of big-time recruits waiting in the wings, especially at defensive back. McBurrows is one of those guys ready to step up and shine. He played 182 snaps last season, finishing with a 73.1 overall grade and a 73.9 coverage grade. In 2023, McBurrows recorded seven solo tackles with no misses and four run stops. He was targeted in coverage 13 times on the year but gave up just five catches for 40 yards, coming away with one interception and two pass breakups.”
Ja'Den McBurrows does seem ready to take the next step after having a solid 2023 season. He made his Michigan football debut during the 2021 season and had just two total tackles. He didn't play in 2022, and then he took some good strides last season. The Wolverines lost a lot of talented players from their secondary, and they will need to reload there. McBurrows is definitely a player to keep an eye on.
Michigan's defense will be their strength once again
Michigan football did lose a lot of talent from their secondary, but they are still getting some major pieces back, like the unit's best player, Will Johnson. Johnson is likely going to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he is expected to have a huge season in 2024. He is arguably the best cornerback in all of college football.
The Wolverines are losing some good talent, however. Mike Sainristil was the leader of the unit, and he is gone to the NFL along with Josh Wallace who had a good 2023 season. Keon Sabb was expected to be a starter in 2024, but he left via the transfer portal to go to Alabama. Rod Moore, who sealed the Ohio State win last year with an interception, is going to miss significant time because of a recent ACL tear. He could be back during the season, but it's hard to know how his recovery will go at this point.
There is a lot to replace there, but this defense should still be one of the best in college football, and a big reason is because of the defensive line. Mason Graham, another future first-round pick, is back on the defensive line along with Kenneth Grant and Josiah Stewart. That unit is going to be one of the best in college football.
If this Michigan defense is as good as it expected to be, the Wolverines will be able to hang with any team in the country. Last year, they didn't give up more than 24 points in a game. Doing that again this year will give the team a great chance to have another big season.
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