Everything George Helow said about Michigan football linebackers

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Perhaps it’s the least talked about position group in Michigan football, and that may be for a good reason rather than a bad one. Though the Wolverines lost starter Josh Ross to the NFL, there’s a lot of confidence in what the linebacking corps brings in 2022.

While there may be a new defensive coordinator in Jesse Minter, George Helow returns to coach the position for a second-straight year. He has something of a ringer in Junior Colson, who was a freshman All-American a year ago. He figures to improve, as do some of the players who got significant minutes a year ago.

So what does Helow think of his position group? He shared an update on Wednesday as the Wolverines prepare to take on his old school, Colorado State, on Saturday.

What he’s seen from Michael Barrett

Mike’s had a great camp, really good. He understands the defense being year two in, really runs to the ball, knows what’s going on. Really pleased with what Mike’s done and how he’s attacked fall camp.

What he’s seen from the freshmen

Jimmy, Deuce, Micah Pollard, all three of them, they’ve had really good camps. They’re still continuing to learn. The defense’s complex, there’s a lot of things to learn but they’ve been coming along, bringing really good effort and energy every day.

Why move Micah Pollard from EDGE to LB?

Yeah, right now Micah’s is probably 205-207 pounds, in that range right now. And he’s got really great athletic ability so he’s done a good job coming off the edge and using him as a rusher in certain situations. He’s getting some reps in inside backer, being a guy that can kind of play behind the ball and still be able to blitz and do some stuff.

What’s the defensive coordinator transition been like as a position coach?

Yeah, it’s been great. Jesse’s done a tremendous job. Mike…