LATEST: Fall camp update bodes well for the Michigan football defensive line

Since arriving in Ann Arbor as the head coach of the Wolverines in late 2014, Jim Harbaugh has emphasized winning the battle in the trenches. Because of this, the Michigan football defensive line has become a priority in recent history and played a huge role in both of Michigan’s Big Ten title-winning seasons in 2021 and 2022. According to third-year quarterback JJ McCarthy, this year’s defensive line is looking incredible during the early stages of fall camp, which officially began just under a week ago.

Latest fall camp reports on the Michigan football defensive line

Last Wednesday, Michigan football began its fall camp — the team’s final stages of preparation ahead of the 2023 college football season. With camp starting and the Wolverines’ 2023 season opener looming less than four weeks away, the Wolverines’ defensive line is starting to come together, according to quarterback JJ McCarthy, who likely has the best perspective on how the pass rush is looking so far.

“Yes — the defensive line is moving, they are going to be a threat this year,” JJ McCarthy said of the Michigan football defensive line yesterday. “I give them props every single day so far that they’re just getting to me really quick. It’s just great to see, it helps our offensive line out tremendously.”

JJ McCarthy identifies early standouts

Hearing that the Michigan football defensive line is improving is a massive step for the Wolverines’ defense ahead of the 2023 season, especially since Michigan football has seen a great deal of turnover across the D-line in recent seasons. So, who is standing out the most so far to JJ McCarthy?

“A couple of those boys out front like Josaiah Stewart, he’s gonna be great this year,” JJ continued. “Braiden (McGregor) is doing great things, D-Moore (Derrick Moore) obviously, Jay (Jaylen Harrell) obviously. And then in the interior guys — those three up front? Mason (Graham), KG (Kenneth Grant), and Kris (Jenkins)? They’re gonna be not fun for my fellow quarterback friends, that’s for sure.”

Keep an eye on the defensive line this year — if Michigan football is to win the Big Ten and appear in the College Football Playoff for the third season in a row, the Wolverines need to continue their trend of incredible play in the trenches on both sides of the football.

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