Get a FREE 30-day trial using promo code Blue30

CHICAGO — During Monday afternoon's session of Big Ten media day, we went around and talked to as many opposing players to get their real thoughts about Michigan's offense and defensive units. The offense side of this story can be found HERE.

This piece will focus on what those players said about the U-M defense. Given how impressive the unit was last year, there wasn't a whole lot of negative stuff to be said — in fact, most of it was praise.

In respect to the student-athletes, we have not listed their names, nor the teams they play for.

• On Michigan's cornerbacks: “They’re good. They compete and play at a high level.”

Said Michigan has the best cornerbacks in the conference outside of his own team.

• On the challenge U-M presents: “Michigan is always a team that has a lot of talent. We only look forward to opportunities to compete against those guys.”