Michigan football targeting DT transfer once committed to MSU

Michigan football is determined to fortify its defensive depth chart and the Wolverines aren’t stopping in the secondary.

It’s been clear that Michigan wants to add another defensive tackle. The Wolverines targeted CJ West and Jay’viar Suggs only to see them wind up at Indiana and LSU.

Players are normally in the transfer portal because they want to play more. Some are looking for better NIL paydays but most of the time, guys are just looking for a better opportunity.

So for Michigan, it can be tough. The Wolverines have two of the best defensive tackles in all of college fooball in Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. Rayshaun Benny is also on the roster and he would start for the majority of Big Ten teams.

That means any defensive tackle is coming to Michigan as a backup or a depth option. That’s just the reality. There are still snaps to be had though and important ones at that. Grant and Graham can’t play the entire game. And if I was a defensive tackle, I’d love the chance to spell those guys.

A new DT transfer target for Michigan football

Former Stephen F. Austin transfer Brandon Lane looks willing to take on that role. He was committed to Michigan State but backed off that in early May and according to Trevor McCue of Maize and Blue Review, Lane will visit the Wolverines.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder was a 12-game starter for SFA last season and notched 44 tackles (6 1/2 for loss) and 1 1/2 sacks. He was also stellar against the run.

Michigan lost an elite run defender in Kris Jenkins. Cam Goode was another depth piece that graduated and Lane would be an ideal fit. Not only can he provide depth next season, he could become a starter in the future (2025) after Grant and Graham become first-round picks.

In the big picture, it would be another solid addition. The Wolverines need defensive tackle depth just like they needed corners.

I was about to toss in the towel and count on development, but the defending national champions have made some bold moves, and the way they outbid LSU for Wesley Walker and flipped Ricky Johnson from Washington State, the aggressiveness Sherrone Moore talked about on the recruiting trail is starting to shine through.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms.