ANN ARBOR, Mich. — While the national college football media might not be paying much attention to the Michigan football defensive line, as the coaches tell it, they have an embarrassment of riches. All the national media sees are the departures, unsure of what lies beneath in terms of depth.
Michigan feels like it has six defensive tackles who are starting caliber — Rayshaun Benny, Tré Williams, Damon Payne, Trey Pierce, Ike Iwunnah, and Enow Etta. But with fall camp ongoing, it’s also a time that others could rise into the mix.
Defensive line coach Lou Esposito is pleased with how many of his players are rising to the occasion, as it creates some quality problems for him and the staff, whittling down who may get into the rotation.
“I think the biggest thing with the depth is those guys have to continue to keep getting better,” Esposito said. “They can’t just assume that, hey, I’m going to be the starter. There are guys in there that are all very, very close, that all bring a unique aspect to what they do. I think there will be times where you see a lot more of them, and there will be games where we’re in a bunch of different packages and maybe not as much.”
Of those who could get in the mix, perhaps one underrated player is second-year tackle Deyvid Palepale.
A three-star who had looked as if he would end up at Penn State or USC, Palepale made a late decision for Michigan. He’s 335 pounds (up from 305 as a recruit) but has trimmed down on the bad weight and added more good mass to his frame.
Esposito has seen him grow over the past year and sees his trajectory as a positive one.
“Deyvid’s done an unbelievable job in the offseason,” Esposito said. “He’s trimmed down. He’s put his body in a situation where he can be totally effective. He’s had two really good practices—the last practices. He’s still a…
Source link : https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/wolverines/football/2025/08/06/michigan-football-2025-defensive-tackles-deyvid-palepale-benny-patterson-lou-esposito/85552703007/
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Publish date : 2025-08-07 01:48:00
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