Sports Illustrated released a list of their top 100 players for the 2017-18 season. Two Wolverines cracked the list:
No.71 Mo Hurst:
Hurst put up solid numbers in 2016, finishing the year with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He considered entering the NFL draft early but opted to return to Michigan—and finally take on a starting role. Hurst spent last season rotating in behind starters Ryan Glasgow and Matt Godin, but with Glasgow and Godin gone, he’ll finally get a chance to dominate on every down. That’s exactly what the Wolverines need, as they return no starters on the entire defensive line and just one starter on the whole defense. Given the efficiency with which Hurst compiled his numbers in 2016, there’s no telling what he could put up in a starting role. He and defensive end Rashan Gary should form one of the most lethal end-tackle combos in college football this fall.
No. 22 Rashan Gary:
Michigan supporters justifiably celebrated Gary’s commitment on National Signing Day 2016, but that decision didn’t pay major dividends right away, as Gary took a backseat to seniors Taco Charlton and Chris Wormley last season. To the extent Gary needed to be brought along slowly as a college player, Michigan shouldn’t hesitate to take off the training wheels in 2017. He drew plaudits for his performance and leadership this off-season, and while strong intra-team workouts don’t always augur success in real games, the positive reviews were particularly encouraging for a defense that brings back only one starter. It’s time for the Wolverines to unleash Gary in full.