Michigan football: 2022 NFL season proves the Wolverines are ‘Edge U’

One of the favorite debates of college football fans is whether their school can claim “Position U,” meaning that they produce elite players at a particular position. Some examples include LSU as DBU, Ohio State as WRU, and Notre Dame as OLU. Michigan football fans have staked the claim that the Wolverines are EDGE U or DEU, with Ohio State fans quickly dismissing the claim because of former Buckeye’s Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, and Chase Young all being highly rated elite edge players and high draft picks.

Michigan has also had its fair share of highly-touted, elite-caliber edge players like Rashan Gary and Brandon Graham. Still, the Wolverines have also made stars from some underrated gems. We’ll examine what former Wolverines did to strengthen Michigan’s claim for EDGE U.

Wolverines in the NFL

Starting with the three Wolverines playing for a Lombardi Trophy in the Kanas City Chiefs Frank Clark, Mike Danna, and the Philadelphia Eagles Brandon Graham. Clark recorded 5.0 sacks and 25 tackles this season and had a massive game in the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals, totaling 1.5 sacks and 1.0 tackles for loss (TFL).

Before transferring to Michigan football, Mike Danna was a three-star prospect and former Central Michigan Chippewa star. Danna recorded 5.0 sacks and 12 tackles and is a disruptive piece along the Chiefs’ defensive line. Eagles’ Star Brandon Graham racked up 11.0 sacks and 19 tackles, and two forced fumbles (FF) in another stellar season for the 34-year-old.

New England Patriots EDGE Josh Uche had a breakout season with 11.5 sacks, 23 tackles, and 2 FF.

Green Bay Packers EDGE Rashan Gary was looking to build off a breakout 9.5 sack, 27 tackle, 8.0 TFL season from the previous year; Gary was sidelined with an injury nine games in. Gary still totaled 6.0 sacks, 21 tackles, and a forced fumble.

Michigan football Legend Aidan Hutchinson was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Hutchinson won the AP Defensive Rookie of the year and Pepsi Rookie of the year. With 9.5 sacks, 9 TFL, 34 tackles, and three interceptions (INT) season.

What does this mean for Michigan football recruiting?

Although NIL has become a massive part of recruiting, things like development and getting players to the NFL are still essential to incoming prospects. Michigan Football can pitch all the success above in bringing in the next crop of EDGE players.

The 2023 Michigan class has a pair of EDGE rushers in (TX) four-star Enow Etta and international France three-star Aymeric Koumba. The 2024 class could be special for the Wolverines, as they have some very talented EDGE players on their radar. Some of those players include four stars (OH) Brian Robinson, (DC) Dylan Stewart, and five-star (IL) Justin Scott.

-information provided by sports-reference.com and 247sports.com.

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