It is no secret that the Michigan Wolverines boast a talented roster as the 2016 season approaches. Offensively, the quarterback situation is muddy at best, but aside from that position, Jim Harbaugh's team is loaded with high-end talent, including All-American tight end Jake Butt and All-Big Ten candidates in wide receiver Jehu Chesson and offensive lineman Mason Cole.
The defense, though, is the main reason for Michigan's preseason hype, and Matt Brown of Sports On Earth credits that group as the reason he is picking the Wolverines to claim the conference title in 2016.
The backbone of Michigan's Big Ten title push is defense. Harbaugh lost Durkin to Maryland but brought in acclaimed Boston College coordinator Don Brown. Brown has a lot of talent and experience back from a defense that finished fifth in yards per play allowed and sixth in points allowed. The secondary is filled with seniors, headlined by CB Jourdan Lewis. The defensive line is one of the best in the nation and adds top overall recruit Rashan Gary. And while linebacker is not as proven, Brown can get creative with all-around star athlete Jabrill Peppers, who's expected to play a hybrid linebacker position.
Harbaugh is one of the nation's best coaches, and he has an excellent coaching staff. The foundation is here for Michigan to control the line of scrimmage, improve on offense, continue playing stellar defense and take advantage of the attrition at Ohio State and Michigan State.
Players like Lewis and Peppers are well known at this point, but the infusion of Rashan Gary to an already deep and talented defensive line is significant. Chris Wormley, Ryan Glasgow and Taco Charlton have the ability to reach an All-Big Ten (or even All-American) level if deployed correctly, and the Wolverines now have a full rotation of quality talent for the first time in many years.
The big question mark is how Don Brown's system will be integrated, but early returns are solid and Brown's reputation is sterling. Michigan will be put to the test with road games against Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State, but the Wolverines can get by on what should be an astounding defense in paving the way for quarterback growth over a 12-game sample.
With Jim Harbaugh coaching the quarterbacks, that is a pretty solid recipe.
