Michigan Football: 14 Wolverines Make All-Big Ten Defensive Team
Once again, the Michigan Wolverines have put together one of the top defensive units in all of college football. With 12 games under their belt, the Wolverines currently rank No. 2 in the nation in total defense, and No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense - allowing just 10.25 points per game.
On Tuesday, it was announced that 14 members of Michigan's defense had made the All-Big Ten defensive team.
- Will Johnson, DB - 1st team coaches and media
- Mike Sainristil, DB - 2nd team coaches, 1st team media
- Mason Graham, DL - 1st team coaches, 3rd team media
- Junior Colson, LB - 2nd team coaches, 2nd team media
- Kris Jenkins, DL - 2nd team coaches, 2nd team media
- Kenneth Grant, DL - 2nd team coaches, 3rd team media
- Mike Barrett, LB - 3rd team coaches, honorable mention media
- Rod Moore, DB - 3rd team coaches, honorable mention media
- Jaylen Harrell, DL - honorable mention coaches, honorable mention media
- Braiden McGregor, DL - honorable mention coaches, honorable mention media
- Derrick Moore, DL - honorable mention coaches, honorable mention media
- Josh Wallace, DB - honorable mention coaches, honorable mention media
- Makari Paige, DB - honorable mention coaches
- Josiah Stewart, DL - honorable mention coaches
Via MGoBlue.com:
The Michigan defense ranks top-10 nationally in the following categories: red zone defense (sixth), rushing defense (sixth), interceptions (fourth), pass yards allowed per game (fourth), pass efficiency defense (third), total defense (second), defensive touchdowns (tied-first), and scoring defense (first).
U-M leads the nation with a scoring differential of +27.3 points per game thanks in part to its fierce play on defense and special teams. The Wolverines have 16 interceptions to seven passing touchdowns allowed with at least one interception in 10-of-12 games, while the run defense gives up fewer than 100 yards per game on the ground. Michigan allows an FBS-low 4.8 points per game in second halves. On special teams, U-M has the seventh-ranked kickoff coverage unit and the 10th-ranked punting unit, plus a field-goal unit that has made nine attempts in a row.
Along with the 14 defenders mentioned above, three additional Wolverines were named to the All-Big Ten special teams unit:
- James Turner, K - 2nd team coaches, honorable mention media
- Tommy Doman, P - 3rd team coaches, honorable mention media
- Semaj Morgan, RET - honorable mention coaches, honorable mention media
