The list includes quarterback Shea Patterson, who transferred to Michigan from the University of Mississippi.
The Michigan football team’s defense could be one of the best in the country this fall thanks in part to the personnel it returns.
Nine of its 11 starters are back from 2017, a season in which the Wolverines finished 8-5 despite having the third-best defense nationally.
Of those nine starters, three are on ESPN’s list of Top 50 college football players in 2018 unveiled Monday. Defensive ends Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich and linebacker Devin Bush join quarterback Shea Patterson, the transfer from the University of Mississippi, on the list.
Here’s the rundown:
8. DE Rashan Gary (No. 3 on Mel Kiper’s NFL draft board)
What they said: « One of several talented juniors on Michigan’s defense, Gary has great speed and impeccable footwork for a 285-pound pass-rusher. He approached offseason workouts with renewed focus, which should help him keep pace with the high expectations he created the past two seasons and as the No. 1-ranked prospect coming out of high school. »
22. LB Devin Bush (Kiper’s No. 1 underclass ILB)
What they said: « The new leader of Michigan’s stacked defense had a team-high 102 tackles and five sacks in his first season as a starter. Good instincts and a fearsome attitude will make Bush the tone-setting centerpiece for another fast, aggressive group in Ann Arbor. »
25. QB Shea Patterson
What they said: « The former Ole Miss starter is now the preordained savior in Ann Arbor. Patterson’s ability to extend and make plays will — provided he wins the starting job — give Jim Harbaugh’s staff a weapon it has not had under center at Michigan. Wolverine faithful are hoping he’s the missing piece to a Big Ten title run. »
46. DE Chase Winovich (Kiper’s No. 5 senior DE)
What they said: « Winovich built on a solid 2016 season by boosting many of his key stats, from tackles for loss (9.5 to 18) to sacks (5 to 8) to forced fumbles (1 to 2). The first-team All-Big Ten selection bypassed the NFL draft for one more shot at a Big Ten title as he joins fellow All-American candidate Rashan Gary on Michigan’s line. »
You can see the full list — which includes Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver at No. 1 — here. Michigan opens the season on Sept. 1 at Notre Dame.
