A Michigan football position battle that is being overlooked

The Wolverines kicked off fall camp last week on Wednesday, August 2nd. As a result, players have begun vying for playing time leading up to the season opener, which sits just 26 days away as of Monday. One Michigan football position battle that is currently being overlooked is at linebacker, where transfer portal addition Ernest Hausmann and long-time Wolverine Mike Barrett are competing for the starting spot opposite 3rd-year linebacker Junior Colson.

A Michigan football position battle that is being over looked during fall camp — linebacker

The competition between Mike Barrett and Ernest Hausmann at linebacker is currently being overlooked, potentially for valid reasons. Regardless of the victor in this significant contest for a starting role on this year’s defense, both individuals will receive ample playing opportunities, positioning the Wolverines’ defense for success in pursuit of a third-straight Big Ten title and more. That being said, both of these players are exceptional, rendering this a top position battle to monitor during the remainder of fall camp in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mike Barrett has amassed considerable playing time for the Michigan football defense in previous years. He began as Don Brown’s “Viper,” a linebacker/safety hybrid akin to the position Jabrill Peppers occupied during his tenure in Maize and Blue. However, Barrett has since transitioned into a bona fide linebacker. As the 2023 season approaches, Barrett, a five-year letterman, is likely feeling good about the coming season, having secured All-Big Ten (3rd team) accolades last season while assisting with the Wolverines’ impressive 13-1 campaign.

On the other hand, transfer portal linebacker addition Ernest Hausmann distinguished himself as a starter for the Nebraska Cornhuskers last season. He particularly stood out during the Huskers’ Week 11 loss in Ann Arbor (34-3), where he clearly caught the eye of Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football coaching staff.

Now, boasting increased experience, additional weight, and enhanced development, it appears that Hausmann is primed to take the next step and emerge as a significant impact player for the Michigan football defense throughout the upcoming season. In fact, his commitment to the Wolverines last year elevated him to the status of the No. 1 transfer portal target nationwide at the time of his commitment to the Wolverines following the 2022 season.

Presently, it seems that Ernest Hausmann has garnered the attention of the coaching staff. However, seasoned Michigan football linebacker veteran Mike Barrett also appears poised for the spot, making this a massive clash of top-tier defenders during the Wolverines’ fall camp.

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