Michigan Football's Impact Players For 2023: Linebackers

As one of the deepest position groups on Michigan's roster, several Wolverine linebackers are poised to make a big impact this fall.

When it comes to depth, talent and experience at the linebacker position, the Wolverines are arguably the best in the country. 

Led by Junior Colson, who led the team with 101 tackles in 2022, Michigan returns a group of linebackers with 47 combined starts under their belt. Graduate student Mike Barrett opted to return for his sixth season in Ann Arbor, while senior Nikhai Hill-Green returns to action after missing all of 2022 with injury. The Wolverines also added Nebraska transfer Ernest Hausmann, who started seven games at linebacker as a freshman for the Cornhuskers. 

Here's a look at the guys who should have the biggest impact on the 2023 season.

Mike Barrett, LB - Graduate Student

Christopher Breiler

• All-Big Ten selection (third team, coaches; honorable mention, media, 2022)
• Named the team's Most Improved Player on Defense (2022)
• Five-year letterman (2018-19-20-21-22)
• Has appeared in 49 games, with 20 starts at linebacker
• Appeared in all 14 games at linebacker with 13 starts (2022)
• Finished second on the team with 72 tackles including five for loss, 3.5 sacks, and three pass breakups including two interceptions

Nikhai Hill-Green, LB - Senior

• Two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2021, '22)
• Two-year letterman (2020-21)
• Has appeared in 18 career games, including six on special teams and six starts at linebacker
• Did not see game action as a junior in 2022 (injury)
• Appeared in all 14 games with six starts at linebacker, also played special teams (2021)
• Contributed 50 tackles including two for a loss and one pass breakup to earn his second varsity letter (2021)

Junior Colson, LB - Junior

Christopher Breiler

• All-Big Ten selection (second team, coaches; third team, media, 2022)
• Recipient of the team's Roger Zatkoff Award (2022)
• Shared team Defensive Rookie of the Year honors (2021)
• Two-year letterman (2021-22)
• Has appeared in 28 games in his career with 21 starts at linebacker
• Started all 14 games at linebacker; led the team with 101 tackles including six for loss with two sacks, one pass breakup, and one quarterback hurry to earn his second varsity letter (2022)

Ernest Hausmann, LB - Sophomore

• Earned one varsity letter playing at Nebraska (2022)
• Appeared in all 12 games with seven starts at linebacker during his freshman year to earn his first varsity letter
• Totaled 54 tackles (36 solo) with two tackles for loss, one sack, and one fumble recovery
• The fifth true freshman linebacker to start a game for the Huskers in the last 30 seasons

Depth:

Kalel Mullings, LB/RB - Senior

Jimmy Rolder, LB - Sophomore

Micah Pollard, LB - Sophomore

Joey Valazquez, LB - Graduate Student

Jaydon Hood, LB - Junior

Jerome Nichols, LB - Senior

Alexander Lidback, LB - Junior

Joel Metzger, LB - Junior

Trevor Andrews, LB - Junior