Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito is a big fan of nicknames. On Monday afternoon at Schembechler Hall, he noted everyone in his defensive line room has a nickname, but there’s one that appears to stand out above the rest.
“Mr. Payne is probably the best,” Esposito said.
Mr. Payne is a reference to Alabama transfer Damon Payne, a Belleville, Michigan native and one of several new players Esposito has up front to cause pain for opposing offenses.
Michigan is in an interesting spot on its defensive front. The Wolverines are suffering a major talent drain this offseason with arguably the two best defensive tackles in America heading for the NFL in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, while Michigan’s leader in sacks from last season, edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, is pro-bound as well. Most programs aren’t equipped to deal with that loss of talent in one offseason, but Michigan has a chance to still be plenty disruptive up front with a defensive line ripe with depth and versatility.
That begins with Rayshaun Benny, a returning fifth-year senior, and is followed up by transfers Tre Williams and the aforementioned Payne. Trey Pierce, Enow Etta and Ike Iwunnah also will likely see increased roles this fall on the interior.
When asked if the loss of talent can be offset by the depth, Esposito indicated one big way it can.
“As far as being fresh for sure,” Esposito said.
That “freshness” is something Michigan didn’t have much of in 2024 like it had in recent years. In 2023, the combination of Graham and Grant played 845 snaps across 15 games, per Pro Football Focus. This past year, that number jumped to 1,095 over 12 games.
Not only is Esposito encouraged by the volume of the group, he’s also pleased with the versatility.
“Each guy is unique in his own way and they do things that are…
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Publish date : 2025-04-02 20:00:00
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