Grading each Michigan group on defense on their performances through the first half of the season.
DEFENSIVE BACKS — B
This group has generally been solid, though it’s also missed some opportunities. Junior safety Brad Hawkins has been one of the pleasant surprises on defense this year, playing at a high level. Senior Josh Metellus has been solid, though he’s missed on a couple of plays — we’d have liked him to make the interception on a deep throw at Wisconsin, and his misplay on a 35-yarder to Josh Imatorbhebhe at Illinois helped allow the Illini to get back into the game.