ANN ARBOR, Mich. — When you’re a Michigan football edge rusher, there’s a good chance you’re going to be an early-round NFL draft pick, at least if you’re a starter. In the Jim Harbaugh era, every starter thus far who has departed for the NFL has been a high-level draft pick, while Mike Morris is set to await his turn in April. Thus far, Chris Wormley, Taco Charlton, Chase Winovich, Rashan Gary, Kwity Paye, Josh Uche, Aidan Hutchinson, and David Ojabo have all been, at worst, third-round NFL picks, with many of the aforementioned going in the first round.
But for the unproven younger players, they first need to show they can play up to the level of their predecessors.
Michigan needs a replacement for the aforementioned Morris, and Braiden McGregor, entering his fourth year with the program, is hoping for a complete turnaround. McGregor tore his ACL in his senior year of high school and then had to overcome both the physical and mental hurdles that came along with that. With the latter, he didn’t quite realize how debilitating it was until things started to click for him — which it did late in the season last year.
His difficulties held him back, but now that he’s gotten a taste of success, he’s letting go of any of his constraints.
“I think a lot more than I thought,” McGregor said of feeling held back by his physical ailments. “First year, freshman, edge guy, you’re not really expected to do anything. But I think just mentally was the biggest thing for me of I was this recruit in high school and all that. And, thinking like, when I first got here, man, maybe I pick the wrong — I should have played tight end, or, just something different from like — why is it not working? Something’s not clicking.
“And then sophomore year, I felt like it started to click a little bit. And then last year, I felt like my body and the way that I moved was good, but I think it was all like, the confidence, you know? I haven’t played real football…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football | WolverinesWire…