Michigan EDGE Dominic Nichols speaks on development, battles with offensive tackles in practice

With Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart headed to the NFL, Michigan football is set to have a new look up front on defense this season. One Wolverine expected to see a bigger role is EDGE Dominic Nichols.

Nichols spoke to the media Friday and discussed what the trenches look like so far in the spring.

Michigan EDGE Dominic Nichols shares insight on offensive line

Nichols recorded three total tackles in two games last season, including two (1 solo, 1 assist) against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Nichols said he weighed around 240 pounds against the Crimson Tide, but is now closer to 250 pounds.

“Stopping the run, forsure. When I got here that was definitely an issue of mine, was being light in the run game,” Nichols said of what he tried to improve the most this offseason. “I was a little underweight, (but) I got my weight up and now I’m strong holding the edge. It was definitely an important piece for me this spring.”

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The Wolverines will have some new faces protecting the quarterback this season. Iron tends to sharpen iron, so if the Michigan defensive line is close to where it was last year, the front five on offense should be a strong unit.

Nichols said the offensive line is gelling.

“They’re doing well, they’re working well. It’s good to see the O-line progressing this year. It’s a lot different than last year,” Nichols said. “I’m pretty close with (Andrew) Sprague, he’s been doing really well. Babs (Andrew Babalola), it’s good to see him come along, he’s a young guy, he’s a little underweight but he’ll get that weight up and he’s going to be just fine.

“(Brady) Norton, the transfer, he’s good. He’s got good feet. There’s a couple more but all those dudes are just working and they’ve been getting better everyday just like I have.”

Nichols is moving up the depth chart, but he still sits behind guys like Derrick Moore, TJ Guy and Cameron Brandt. Nichols said he’s ready to be the next man up after seeing what can come from it.

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“… It was good to see them get their stats this year, they both had good years,” Nichols said of Guy and Brandt. “I’m looking to get in that rotation and get my minutes and have some good stats this year.”

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