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Daily Brews: Stanford graduate transfer could be eyeing Michigan

Defensive tackle could provide much needed depth up front for Wolverines

NCAA Football: Southern California at Stanford Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan could be getting help up front defensively in 2020 coming via a 6-foot-2, 290-pound graduate transfer.

Sports Illustrated’s Wolverine Digest on Monday published a report that Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Michael Williams could be eyeing Michigan as a potential landing spot.

Williams, who spent four years at Stanford and who will gain immediate eligibility upon transferring, recently said he is visiting with Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive line coach Shaun Nua to discuss the possibility of him joining the team.

Wolverine Digest quoted Williams saying Harbaugh and Nua will be flying west to see him soon after the team’s Jan. 1 Citrus Bowl matchup against Alabama.

”I know it’s a very well-connected school,” Williams said. “I’ve also heard stories about Harbaugh as a coach. I feel like I know a decent amount but in-person visits will be the most important for me.”

The report indicates Williams is also considering a few other lower level schools — SMU, Rice and Vanderbilt. Williams hails from All Saints’ Episcopal in Fort Worth, Texas, so looking at SMU and Rice isn’t surprising. However, Michigan appears to be the better of the schools, so they do have that going for them.

Williams has totaled 72 tackles in 38 career games played at Stanford. He redshirted during the 2016 campaign. He also had two sacks and eight tackles for loss.

Michigan’s desire to bring in added depth on the defensive line is not a secret. Recently, reports have come out about the Wolverines monitoring three-star JUCO defensive tackle Almosse Titi.

The Wolverines are currently set to be getting four defensive line additions in its 2020 recruiting class. Braiden McGregor, Jaylen Harrell, Aaron Lewis and Kris Jenkins will join Michigan for next season, but all four appear to fit the mold outside, rushing players, as opposed to the run-stuffing sort Michigan may need to stop the top rushing teams in the Big-10.

Michigan commits prep for All-America game

Speaking of those committed to the Wolverines, Michigan will have a few of its 2020 class playing Thursday in the Under Armour All-America game.

Four-star defensive back Andre Seldon, three-star offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua, four-star running back Blake Corum and McGregor will all be suiting up in the game.

Seldon, Corum and McGregor have been spending some time with the Wolverines as they practice for their game tomorrow against ‘Bama. Mazzccua, meanwhile, has yet to sign his letter of intent, but assured reporters that he will be sticking with his commitment to Michigan.

“Everything is good with Michigan. I should be signing in February,” he told reporters at UA All-America Game practice.

Milton preparing to be 2020 starter

With Shea Patterson leaving after the Citrus Bowl, there are some question marks surrounding who will be under center for Michigan in 2020.

Much hoopla has been made about Dylan McCaffrey, a former highly touted quarterback recruit who has played well in brief appearances for the Wolverines the past two years. But sophomore quarterback Joe Milton doesn’t want people to sleep on him.

Milton said as much when talking to reporters Monday in Orlando:

“Ever since he stepped on campus we’ve all just been working. Now that I know he’s leaving, it’s all work still. Everybody’s goal is to be the starter, but my goal is to keep working and get better. There’s always room for improvement. So I just keep doing that.”

Other Brews

  • Everyone seems to have an opinion about how Michigan will fare against Alabama in the Citrus Bowl. That included former Ohio State coach turned Fox Sports analyst Urban Meyer, who said Alabama will “walk away with it” if they are motivated to play the game.
  • The latest AP polls have been released, with Michigan dropping one spot to No. 12 and Michigan State staying put at No. 14 ahead of the rivals’ matchup Sunday.