Michigan Hires Former SEC Running Backs Coach

Michigan football is making moves ahead of its first game of the season.

The Wolverines added former Vanderbilt Commodores running backs coach Jayden Verrett to its staff, according to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.

Michigan is expected to hire former Vanderbilt running backs coach Jayden Everett, sources tell @247sports/@cbssports.

At Vanderbilt, he helped Sedrick Alexander become the first Vandy player since 2018 to be selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team. Before Vandy, he worked at… pic.twitter.com/drco2YF0Js

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 29, 2024

Everett spent one season at Vanderbilt before parting ways with the program in January. His departure came as Commodores head coach Clark Lea overhauled his staff following a 2-10 season in 2023.

While his role at Michigan is unclear, he will likely serve as an analyst working with running backs coach Tony Alford.

Michigan projected to be among the best defenses in the nation

The Michigan Wolverines have not named J.J. McCarthy’s replacement with the 2024 season opener just two days away. Whether it is Alex Orji or Davis Warren under center, they will be supported by a defense that figures to remain elite. Brad Crawford of 247 Sports projects Michigan will have the strongest defense in the nation this season.

The Wolverines have two returning All-Americans – cornerback Will Johnson and defensive tackle Mason Graham – on the defensive side of the ball. The two stars are projected to be top-ten picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, while defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is also a projected first-rounder.

Check out Brad Crawford’s projections of the strong defenses below:

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