Michigan football: 3 breakout stars for the Wolverines in 2022
By John Buhler
Michigan football fans should look forward to breakout seasons coming from these players.
After making the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history, the Michigan football program must continue to find ways to build off last year’s success.
Even if Jim Harbaugh playing flirt with the Minnesota Vikings hurt all their recruiting momentum heading into National Signing Day, the Wolverines should be among the most formidable challengers to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten this fall. After all, they did beat those hated Buckeyes in The Big House only a season ago. Then again, last year was last year, and this is now.
If Michigan is to stay on top in the Big Ten, look for these players to break out for the Wolverines.
Michigan football: 3 breakout candidates for the Wolverines in 2022 season
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Michigan Wolverines. Junior Colson. 3. player. 811
Junior Colson looks to improve off a freshman all-American season for Michigan
Much will be made about the Michigan defense this season. It was the Wolverines’ pass rush that got them over the top a year ago. However, key players in the trenches like Chris Hinton Jr., Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo have all turned pro. Though other players are there to step up in their absences, a lot is riding on linebacker Junior Colson to break out on the Michigan defense this year.
Colson seems to have the highest potential of any player currently in the Michigan front-seven. He has a chance to leave Ann Arbor as the best Wolverines linebacker since Devin Bush. While Colson is fortunate to have several upperclassmen playing alongside him on this Michigan defense, his ascension to stardom will be paramount in the Wolverines’ quest to repeat as Big Ten champions.
With playing time increasing for him, look for Colson to improve with each passing game like he did a season ago. However, he needs to become a more consistent player in the front seven because the Michigan defense is counting on him. Though losing last year’s defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Baltimore Ravens is a tough blow, Michigan did promote two from within.
Colson is an exciting player on the Michigan defense but is one offering a great deal of variance.