Year Two Loading: Mason Graham Taking Game To New Level

As a sophomore, Mason Graham is expected to help the Michigan defense in a major way.

Mason Graham was probably one of the biggest surprises for Michigan in 2022. He wasn't exactly a huge recruit, but he ended up working his way into the rotation early and played more than 300 snaps, which was more than any other true freshman not named Will Johnson. Now, Graham is viewed as a mainstay on Michigan's defense and he's expected to take his playmaking to new heights based on what he's been working on.

"I think I've gotten better in my pass rush," Graham recently said during a press conference. "I mean, collectively, as a D-line I think that was our main goal this year is taking that step in the pass rush; creating more tackles for losses. Pass rushing is something especially that I would say I focus more on.

"I'm a little more experienced now with all the snaps I've gotten last year and I'm trying to be more of an impact on the defense this year."

As a young player, Graham already understands the importance of a pass rush, especially up the middle. Quarterbacks at all levels will tell you, defenders in their face are the toughest to deal with.

"It's more negative plays for the offense to put us in a better position," Graham said.

It's not just Graham, though. He said that he can truly feel a collective effort from everyone in the defensive line room when it comes to getting after the passer and working better together as a unit.

"'It's just like we're working on it more," Graham said. "Obviously we're working on all the run game stuff still, but we're spending more time and individual time even watching more film on say, what are the top guys are doing? What moves are working? How can we be more productive, putting pressure on the quarterback to help our back end?"

As productive as Graham was last year, expect a major leap in year No. 2 for No. 55. He looks bigger and stronger, is definitely more confident and now understands exactly what he has to do individually and as a part of the collective unit.