Michigan’s Next Defensive Star is Emerging: Who Is It?

On a defense that had five players drafted in April, a spot atop the Michigan football depth chart is hard to come by.

Junior linebacker Jimmy Rolder has seen an increase in snaps over the past couple of weeks, and he’s looked quite comfortable. 

Rolder saw the field as a freshman, which isn’t exactly common at a program like Michigan, especially on defense. Rolder missed much of his sophomore season due to injury, but he’s worked his way back onto the field.

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After Slow Start, Jimmy Rolder Is Gaining Momentum

Michigan linebackers coach and run game coordinator, Brian Jean-Mary, said in a September press conference that Rolder has simply been unlucky in the health department. 

“You can’t really become the player that you want to be if you’re not able to practice,” Jean-Mary said. “I think he’s done a great job taking care of himself. A lot of his injuries in the past have been unfortunate.” 

Rolder logged just 16 snaps against USC but had the highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade among linebackers that day.

Clearly, the Wolverine coaching staff noticed because Rolder nearly doubled his snap count against Minnesota (30) and, again, had the highest PFF grade in his position group. The junior finished with four tackles on Saturday.

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Why U-M Thinks Every Program Needs A Jimmy Rolder

After a strong start to Rolder’s first fully healthy season without a redshirt, Jean-Mary said every program could use a player like him. 

“He’s really played his way into being that third starter that most groups hope to have,” Jean-Mary said. “We have a lot of confidence in him and I just think he’s going to get better and better as the year goes on.” 

Keep an eye out on his snap counts against Washington on Saturday.

With his 6-foot-2, 240-pound frame, Rolder has a pro-ready build with an old-school MIKE linebacker’s style and the athleticism to thrive in today’s game.

If he continues making the most of his opportunities, especially as a redshirt sophomore, he will be a staple of the maize and blue defense for years to come.

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