FOOTBALL

Michigan football defense has a new “freak” emerging

After yesterday’s game, one of the Wolverines’ captains identified a new “freak” for the Michigan football defense.

Published

8 months ago

September 17, 2023

Michigan football defense, Jaylen Harrell, Kris Jenkins, defensive line

Sep 9, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Jaylen Harrell (32) is pumped after a sack of UNLV Rebels quarterback Doug Brumfield (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The Michigan football defense has been nothing short of elite so far, holding opposing offenses to just nine points while the starters are in and 16 points all season. Yesterday, following the Wolverines’ 31-6 victory over the Bowling Green Falcons, defensive star and team captain Kris Jenkins identified a new freak on the defensive line: junior edge rusher Jaylen Harrell.

Jaylen Harrel is making an impact on the Michigan football defense

Yesterday, Jaylen Harrell recorded two tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, and forced a fumble. His impressive performance against Bowling Green is his third great game of the 2023 season, prompting Kris Jenkins to praise the Michigan football edge rusher after the game.

“Well, Jaylen (Harrell) has been an absolute freak,” Michigan football defensive lineman Kris Jenkins said. “We all know this. The dude’s a heck of an athlete, a heck of a player. And on those past two plays, you just saw him fly around and get after the quarterback. He’s been the type of guy, he’s been doing nothing but working on his pass-rushing mechanic and finishing on the QB with his throwing arm. So he was able to get that, especially on the second drive out there, and he was able to make a big-time play.”

On the season, the Michigan football defensive line has gotten a lot of production out of Harrell. Through three games, Jaylen Harrell is at nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and more. This weekend, Harrell and the Wolverines’ impressive defense will take the field to kick off Big Ten play against Rutgers at the Big House.

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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.