3 Key Defensive Players For UofM heading into 2016

It is no secret that Michigan Football is on the rise yet again. Whether the storied program is where it needs to be, is up for debate, yet this historic Big Ten football school is only a few pieces away from the College Football Playoff. With outgoing and ambitious coach Jim Harbaugh at the reigns, the team is poised to build upon their impressive 9-3 season that was topped off with a dominating bowl win over the SEC's Florida Gators. It is obvious that the quarterback position can be seen as the most important position on the field, but in the case of Michigan, the positions of importance may be located elsewhere on the field.

#5 Jabrill Peppers- JR. Safety/Cornerback

The highly touted defensive product of Paramus Catholic in New Jersey has exceeded expectations since joining the maize and blue and there is no sign of that changing. In 2015, Peppers added an offensive element that shocked the nation and the big ten. Throughout history, the best Michigan football teams were backboned by their defence and with this saavy veteran anchoring this defence, we should expect much of the same.

#26 Jourdan Lewis- SR. Cornerback

Enterting his final year at Michigan, the local corner out of Cass Tech in Detroit will be handed the keys to this secondary and will be expected to man the ship along side the aforementioned Peppers. The senior, who was top 5 in the nation in passes deflected last season, will be challenged with defending the nation's best wide outs throughout the season as Michigan makes it's way through the nation.

#3 Rashan Gary- FR. Defensive Tackle
 The country's number one recruit will be thrown into the pressure cooker right away. He scored 5 stars out of 5 from all three major recruiting programs and dominated in his time with Paramus Catholic. By adding Gary to the already dangerous defence, signing the 287 pound tackle also helps keep Paramus Catholic High School as one of Michigan's best pipelines for recruiting. (Jabrill Peppers and Junior defensive player Juwann Bushell-Beady also attended.)



The defence will surely do it's best to carry this up and coming Michigan team in 2016, which will indeed aid those on the offensive side of the football. Whether it's John O'Korn or Wilton Speight under center come September, they will have an easier time slinging the ball to Jake Butt and company knowing that their defensive companions are as dominant as they are. Surely, regardless of what side of the ball dominates the most, this year's edition of Michigan Football will be one you wont want to miss.

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