Michigan football coach has positive news for the defense

Right now, the Wolverines’ defense ranks No. 1 in the nation in the most important area there is: scoring defense (points allowed). Through three games, Michigan has given up just 16 points — that number would be even lower if the Wolverines’ starters were left in for the fourth quarter, yet even the backups have been playing well thus far. Today, Michigan football coach Jesse Minter (second-year defensive coordinator) had some great news for the defensive unit — it sounds like Rod Moore, Will Johnson, and Makari Paige are getting close to 100% and could be ready to go this weekend.

Michigan football coach Jesse Minter offers the latest injury news for his defense

Earlier today, Michigan football defensive play-caller Jesse Minter addressed the media ahead of the Wolverines’ Week 4 matchup. This weekend, the Maize and Blue will begin Big Ten conference games at the Big House, officially marking the start of the team’s crucial nine-game conference slate.

With some of the defense’s top players — including defensive backs Rod Moore, Will Johnson, and Makari Paige — still battling injuries, it is uncertain which will see the field this weekend. While the younger defensive backs have been stepping up just fine so far, getting these three back would be huge for the Maize and Blue.

“I think we’re really, really close to having a full tilt back there,” Michigan football coach Jesse Minter said today. “So we’ll leave it at that. It’ll be, hopefully, fun to see the guys back out there.

“… Things come up,” Minter continued, talking about this year’s injuries. “And so really pleased with how those guys (Michigan’s younger defensive backs) have played, how they’ve learned to prepare, which I think is just as big of a piece. They’ve learned our process and game planning our process and studying opponents. And so now they have some more confidence because they’ve played in games.”

Younger players will still see a role, even when Michigan heals up from injuries

Jesse Minter added that — even when Rod Moore, Will Johnson, and Makari Paige are healthy again — the Michigan football defense will still rely on some of these younger defenders throughout the year.

“I expect all of those guys to still have roles for us, even when we get healthy,” Minter said.

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