Michigan football: 5 Wolverines poised for breakout seasons in 2020

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 30: Giles Jackson #15 looks to run back a kickoff during the second half of a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the game 56-27 over the Michigan Wolverines. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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Michigan football (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Michigan football breakout candidate No. 2: Aidan Hutchinson, DE

As mentioned, the Michigan defense has been something to bank on while the offense has been a bit worrisome under Harbaugh’s watch. They’ve consistently produced playmakers on every level of the defensive unit, including coming up with one effective defensive lineman after another. And now it seems like Aidan Hutchinson is ready for a starring role.

Kwity Paye returns for his senior season in the 2020 campaign and is the team’s returning leader in both tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks (6.5). However, with Josh Uche now gone, that leaves some production and larger role to be filled. That’s the opportunity that Hutchinson now has before him to step up and be a playmaker.

Hutchinson showed his overall ability to make an impact last season as the then-sophomore had 69 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. While those are good numbers already for his position that surely put him on the map in the Big Ten, the opportunity before Hutchinson paired with his ability gives him major potential.

Where I expect Hutchinson to really break out is in terms of making plays in the backfield. The defensive end should be able to easily reach double-digit tackles for loss and possibly get over 15.0 this season. Moreover, he should challenge Paye for the team lead in sacks, putting him heavily on NFL Draft radars.

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