2 Michigan football linebackers earn high praise from Pro Football Focus

On Tuesday, two Michigan football linebackers earned high praise from Pro Football Focus ahead of the upcoming 2023 college football season, which is set to kick off in just a few months. For the Wolverines, a strong defensive performance this fall will be crucial for securing a third-straight Big Ten title and potentially making a run for the national championship — a feat the program has come close to achieving in the past two seasons but has narrowly missed out on each time.

Pair of Michigan football linebackers earn high praise from Pro Football Focus

Today, Junior Colson and Mike Barrett, two veteran Michigan football linebackers, received high praise from renowned football analytics outlet Pro Football Focus. PFF released grades for the top 10 linebackers in the Big Ten, and both of these standout Wolverines made the cut among the conference’s best.

Senior linebacker Mike Barrett represents the first Wolverine mentioned on PFF’s list, coming in at No. 8 among Big Ten linebackers as he enters his final year with the Maize and Blue. Despite changes in defensive play-callers over the past few seasons, Barrett has truly come into his own and is expected to take another step forward heading into the 2023 season. He aims to lead an elite Michigan defense to victories over Ohio State, a Big Ten title, and potentially more prestigious achievements. Barrett boasts a PFF grade of 75.7.

Junior Colson, entering his third season with the Maize and Blue in 2023, is the first Michigan football linebacker mentioned in Pro Football Focus’s top 10 Big Ten linebackers list. Colson secures the No. 9 spot on the rankings, just below Barrett. Following impressive performances during his freshman and sophomore seasons under Jim Harbaugh’s guidance, Colson carries high expectations this year.

With an overall grade of 75.5, Colson closely trails Barrett in the rankings. After gaining two years of experience, Colson is poised for a significant breakout season this fall and has even been named an early candidate for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

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