It’s undeniable that Michigan football had talent inside on the defensive front last year, with both Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant being picked early in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. That’s led many to question just how good the Wolverine defense will be this season, given that both are now gone.
Well, the maize and blue should be just fine. That’s because the next man up is pretty good himself.
Despite losing star talent up front, the Wolverines have done a great job recruiting, building depth, and adding via the transfer portal. It’s through the former, recruiting, that Michigan has gotten itself to a place where 2025 should still see great defensive line play.
PFF lists a Michigan DT near the top of its rankings
Though Graham was the No. 1 defensive tackle overall according to PFF last year, Rayshaun Benny, though technically a reserve, was pretty good in his own right. In fact, PFF has him as its No. 2 returning defensive tackle this year, behind only Alabama DT Tim Keenan III.
Benny, entering his fifth year this season, was No. 17 overall last year. He is tied with former Washington State DT David Gusta (who transferred to Kentucky this offseason), and ahead of Iowa State DT Domonique Orange and Georgia tackle Christen Miller.
Further depth
Though none graded out nearly as high as Michigan’s primary trio last season, there is depth behind Benny entering 2025. Returning this year are fifth-year tackle Ike Iwunnah (who broke out last year), as well as juniors Trey Pierce and Enow Etta. The Wolverines also added two key transfers in former Clemson tackle Tré Williams and Alabama DT Damon Payne.
Spoken of as if they have six starters, Michigan should be able to rotate the tackles in three series of two — although in the spring game, we often saw three tackles on the field at the same time.
Source link : https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/wolverines/football/2025/05/28/michigan-football-2025-dt-rayshaun-benny-pff-ranking/83899389007/
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Publish date : 2025-05-28 16:18:00
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