Michigan fall camp quick-hitters: Increased snap counts for defensive linemen, Jyaire Hill ready for increased role, more

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Wolverines football junior defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, sophomore cornerback Jyaire Hill, sophomore wide receiver Semaj Morgan and graduate left guard Josh Priebe met with the media Monday morning at Schembechler Hall. Here are bullet points on the most noteworthy things that were said.

DT Kenneth Grant

• Grant stressed the importance of the interior defensive line collapsing the pocket. He’s spoken to Michigan’s quarterbacks about it, and they said it makes it “so much harder.” Grant understands that even if he doesn’t get home, he can still impact the pass rush.

• Grant said he doesn’t “really pay attention” to the preseason accolades he’s gotten, including being named the No. 3 ‘freak’ in the country. He said his goal is to be No. 1 on all the lists at the end of the season. He has “high expectations” for himself, but also for the players around him. He’s been pushing them and himself.

• Grant was a four-star recruit in the 2022 class but ranked outside the top 250 nationally per the On3 Industry Ranking. He said that has fueled him in college. He said since then his life has changed from an “NIL perspective,” but not much else.

• He said Michigan’s incoming freshman defensive linemen are doing better than Grant did as a first-year college player.

• Conditioning has been a key for Grant and the entire defense this offseason. He said it’s been stressed by coordinator Wink Martindale, who has indicated that the starters may have to play more than last season, including because of the enhanced regular-season schedule with a tough non-conference slate and the expanded Big Ten. Grant said he feels comfortable playing 50-60 plays per game.

• Head coach Sherrone Moore is “like my best friend,” Grant said. He said he’s a great communicator and has positive relationships with the players.

• The offense got the better of the defense in a recent practice, and Martindale “got on our ass about that.” He said the battles have been about 50-50 in terms of offense or defense winning them during fall camp.

CB Jyaire Hill

• Hill’s nickname — ‘Suga’ — was passed down to him from his uncle who passed away. He typically carries candy with him at all times; he didn’t today, but that’s because he had already ate it (it’s worth noting the press conference began around 8:30 a.m. ET). His favorite sugary snack is ‘Gushers.’

• Hill didn’t play after Michigan’s fifth game last season, retaining his redshirt. When asked if it was challenging to watch from the sideline, he said he must have been “there for a reason.” He used that to get better, and noted that he had to learn the play book.

• Hill said this season he knows the defense much better and is following leaders such as junior cornerback Will Johnson and graduate safety Makari Paige.

• Hill has taken after Johnson, following his technique, how he warms up and takes care of his body. Hill has adopted Johnson’s stretching routine before practice.

• The standouts Hill has noticed at the nickel position are junior Zeke Berry and senior Ja’Den McBurrows. He said both have improved from spring ball to now.

• The defensive line “starts everything” for the secondary. He noted that their pressure makes quarterbacks “panic” and throw interceptions or make mistakes.

• Graduate cornerback Aamir Hall, an Albany transfer, is “aggressive” and “smooth.” Hill added that he’s “quiet” and they call him a “silent reaper.”

• Graduate cornerback Ricky Johnson, a UNLV transfer, is “physical” and “can tackle.” They call him “Crash Out Ricky” because he crashes hard. Hill added that Johnson is knowledgable about the game.

• Hill was asked about freshman cornerback Jo’Ziah Edmond. Hill said he’s helping him with the play book, but that he’s “smooth,” has “good feet” and is “physical.”

WR Semaj Morgan

• Morgan said he’s viewing this year as one that he and the Michigan team can “make a statement.” He noted that he didn’t really play much last season and that he’s been focusing on the details more to become a complete receiver.

• He’s working “on everything” with his game to be more complete. He added that blocking has been a focal point, since position coach Ron Bellamy tells the group, “no block, no rock.”

• The quarterback competition is a “true battle.” Morgan said it’s “so pure.” He’s caught balls on good throws from all of the quarterbacks, all of whom “bring something different to the table.” He said they’re “all great.” Whoever the starter is against Fresno State will “be ready,” and the team will “be behind whoever is thrown into the fire.”

• Morgan believes Michigan’s wide receiver room is “dangerous,” and that will help recruiting at the position going forward.

• Junior wide receiver Tyler Morris has stepped into a “leader role” this season. Morgan said there’s more in Morris’ arsenal than people have seen in games — “the play against Alabama, he’s way crazier than that.”

• All of Michigan’s quarterbacks have great “attitudes, moxie and aura.”

LG Josh Priebe

• The “camaraderie” and “closeness” of Michigan’s offensive line room is “impressive” to the Northwestern transfer. He said it allows them to play “five as one.” He said everyone is dedicated to the craft, and they’ve put in “extra work.” There’s a “phenomenal culture” with the position group.

• Priebe said the offensive line has “a lot of depth,” and there hasn’t been a “drop-off” no matter who’s been next to him. He trusts whatever decision position coach Grant Newsome makes at center, where seniors Greg Crippen and Raheem Anderson are battling.

• Priebe said he understood Michigan’s play book even before spring practices started, but there was still an adjustment once he got onto the field. Now, he’s been able to play without much communication because he knows what he and his teammates are doing.

• Priebe believes Michigan has one of the best interior defensive tackle groups in the country — “we’re elite in the middle” — and that will help make the games easier. “It’s tough to put into words” going against Grant and junior Mason Graham in practice. But executing against them gives the offensive line confidence.

• The offense as a whole is playing “better together,” and is “jelling together.” The emphasis on off-field bonding has paid off, per Priebe.

The post Michigan fall camp quick-hitters: Increased snap counts for defensive linemen, Jyaire Hill ready for increased role, more appeared first on On3.