Fall camp has begun for Michigan Football so we are going to revisit our Position Breakdown series with the season right around the corner.

How does the current depth chart shake out? What are the storylines or things you should be watching heading into the summer and eventually of course the season? What's the X factor, whether it's a player, coach, or situation that could change the way the group looks?

Let's talk about the backend of the secondary.

Michigan returns all of its production at safety, led by possibly the best all-around safety in the nation, Rod Moore. Moore was a surprise breakout as a backup/fill-in starter for Daxton Hill in 2021. The versatile defender excelled in multiple positions on the field in 2022.

There aren't many better stories on the Michigan roster than Makari Paige. Unlike Moore, Paige did not have a great introduction as a freshman during his 2020 season. His role took a major step back in 2021, but he fought back and eventually won the starting job from RJ Moten. With Moten off to Florida, there is an opportunity for Keon Sabb to carve out a role as third safety in this defense. Sabb could also take over the hybrid S/LB role Moten would have taken.

Caden Kolesar returns after a season ending injurie in 2022 to add valuable depth. Quinten Johnson performed very well as a backup last season and should be a valuable piece of rotations this season as well. Michigan late received the commitment of former Notre Dame commit Brandyn Hillman. This group is one of the strengths of the 2023 roster and it appears positioned to be very good for years to come. An interesting to name to watch in the fall and moving forward is former QB Brandon Mann. At 6'3" 231lbs the former QB is a monster now playing safety.

Moore is one of the most valuable players on the team in 2023 but his backup needs to see the field this season. Keon Sabb was a dynamic athlete in the 2022 class and despite not seeing the field much last year, his talent and skillset have him ready to contribute this year.

Sabb is big body safety who can play zone or lineup in man coverage. His physicality allows him to come up into the box and play hybrid linebacker as well, either impacting the run game or blitzing the passer. This defense thrives on versatility and Sabb is about as versatile as it gets. He is very reminiscent of the Viper position occupied by the likes of Jabrill Peppers and Khaleke Hudson the last time linebackers coach Chris Patridge was in Ann Arbor. Sabb isn't likely to take Moore or Paige's job, but with a coaching staff that wins by utilizing the strengths of its roster, Sabb is a player that needs to have a big impact in 2023.

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