Coming in and playing right away as a true freshman on either offensive or defensive line is a rare feat that not many players can say will happen throughout their careers. For Mason Graham, his impact has been felt in both Michigan's games so far this season.

Coming in as an early enrollee, Graham did get a kickstart to college conditioning and working on his strength. On top of that, he also had to learn a collegiate playbook, adjust to a new level of play and throw in school as well.

So far, so good for Graham who is still adjusting to the game but credits the strength and conditioning staff for getting him ready.

"These college offensive linemen are obviously bigger than the ones I faced in high school," Graham said. "I played in one of the best leagues so it was the best competition for me coming out of high school. Coach Herb and the rest of the strength staff, we prepare for these games and do specific stuff for these games. It really helps. Spring training, winter training and even during the season, it helps. All of it."

It wasn't promised or guaranteed to Graham that he would come in and play right away. He knew he would have to work hard to see the field.

The work he put in during the winter and spring saw him realize that he had an opportunity to grasp.

"Probably earlier in camp," Graham said when asked when he realized he had the potential to play this season. "Probably the first week. Started to go with the ones, so that was the point that I started to realize I was probably going to play this year."

Not only a star football player, but Graham's strong wrestling background has also aided his quick ascension to the playing field.

When asked about how wrestling makes him a better football player, he didn't hesitate to give his background credit for his development.

"I think that's a big part of how I play today," Graham said. "Wrestling gives you the ability to leverage. Leverage the other person. That's a big thing going against offensive linemen, they're going to try to block you this way and you have to leverage them that way."