Don Brown talked about several players and position groups when he spoke to the media this week. Maurice Hurst has moved on from Michigan as a defensive stud to the Oakland Raiders, so the Wolverines are looking for that next man up.
The player that may rise to the occasion as most improved overall player is fifth-year senior Bryan Mone.
He only started three games last year and had seven total tackles, but Brown had great things to say about him and several other players that will rotate out. Mone will likely be a first and second down guy for the Wolverines.
“I expect good things out of him,” Brown added. “You just put him there and it’s ‘good luck,’ he’s like a fence post that’s been cemented in the ground, cause he’s not moving.”
While opponents will focus on Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich coming off the end, anyone that favors the run game will have a difficult time up the gut. Mone could very well be that most improved player on defense for the Wolverines at the end of the year with many younger players also ready to step up and potentially break out. He was also recently added to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watchlist.
Brown also mentioned they will rely on Michael Dwumfour and Kwity Paye playing big minutes, so one thing is certain — this unit has depth and more than just a few dudes that will be stepping up, and Mone may just be one that improves the most overall.
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