STOCK REPORT will be a season-long feature where we rank and rate Michigan football players within their position groups. SR is more than a depth chart as we consider the player's impact and potential. After each game, we will reassess the rankings as players see their stock rise while others may see their stock fall. Stock Up players are in bold.
READ: Stock Report Offense Post Week 2
READ: The Final Word: 3 final thoughts on Michigan's win over Hawaii
READ: PFF grades and snap counts: Michigan vs. Hawaii
Mike Morris had himself a game. He was Michigan's highest-rated defender and was strong in the run game and generating pressure in the passing game. Morris was one of the few EDGE players to stand out in the pass rush as the unit as a whole took a step back from last week.
STOCK UP: It was hard to find a lot of strong points after Morris, but Braiden McGregor was the other bright spot. McGregor continues to show potential on the EDGE but still feels he needs to take another step. He hasn't played much football since arriving in Ann Arbor, so I believe he will get better each week he gains experience. McGregor ascending as a pass rusher would be a big plus for this defense looking for consistent pressure.
Taylor Upshaw had a better game than last week against Colorado State, but he still hasn't shown the level of pass rush expected. He is behind Derrick Moore and many of the defensive linemen in pass rush grade two games into the season.
TJ Guy and Julius Welschof saw decent snaps in this game. It was nice to see Guy get a lot of run in this game, as he looked like a strong candidate to make an impact in the two-deep coming out of the spring. A common theme this week, Guy was strong in the run game but struggled to create pressure in the passing game.
Different story with the inside of the defensive front as quite a few players saw their stock rise against Hawaii.
Mazi Smith didn't play much in this game and didn't register any big stats or analytic metrics. An interesting note with Smith, in 18 snaps, he spent seven as the nose tackle and 11 as a DT, often in 3T. No big conclusions to make here. Mazi is going to be a force throughout the season.
STOCK UP: Kris Jenkins, alongside Mazi, continues to look like potentially the best DT duo in the Big Ten. Jenkins also didn't play a ton, but his body transformation is clearly paying dividends on the field, where he can line up at multiple spots on the line. Jenkins can push the pocket back in the middle, or help move the edge on the outside. He saw five snaps inside, and six snaps lined up as a true DE.
STOCK UP: It was a strong day for the young trio of Mason Graham, Rayshaun Benny, and Kenneth Grant. Each player's stock is rising for different reasons.
Graham, of course, has been a hype train favorite all offseason and saw his first stock up when Harbaugh named him a "starter" at the DT spot in Michigan's base. His stock is rising again because, against Hawaii, Graham was Michigan's 3rd highest-rated defender and the best player in run defense. Graham lined up at nose and as a DE but spent 30 of his 34 snaps at DT. He is finding a serious role in this defense.
Benny and Grant were seemingly behind Graham coming out of camp, with Grant more of a primary backup for Mazi Smith. Benny and Grant were solid and consistent in limited snaps, with Grant actually finishing as Michigan's second-best pass rusher in the game. Grant is simply a freak and will keep earning run throughout the year.
George Rooks will want to forget this one after two missed tackles and the lowest rated pass rush grade among all defenders.
The linebackers were strong against Colorado State but a little more average in this one against Hawaii.
Saturday's tape will likely be what a "bad game" looks like for Junior Colson, which is not that bad at all. He continues to fly over the field, sometimes to a place out of position. With Nikhai Hill-Green out again, Kalel Mullings spent more time at the MIKE, and Colson was back where he played last year at WILL. Colson also found his way to the defensive line 4 times in this game.
STOCK UP: Michael Barrett continues to perform well in all areas you want to see an LB excelling. He is not necessarily the best at anything, but he is excellent against the run, pass, and tackling. Going to be interesting to see the snap counts with Hill-Green coming back.
Jaydon Hood was a player I thought could take a big step this season, but I talked about less and less as we didn't hear his name often mentioned throughout camps. He only saw nine snaps against Hawaii, but he maximized his opportunity with 3.5 tackles and a great play in coverage. He finished Michigan's second-best defender for the game.
Jimmy Rolder was Michigan's 5th best defender against Colorado State, but he looked like a freshman at times against Hawaii. A missed tackle and the inability to win matchups saw him finish as one of the Wolverine's lowest-rated defenders in this one. He's still way ahead of schedule and will get more consistent with more playing time.
DJ Turner was the same physical corner we saw late last season.
On one play, he was also the same player that can sometimes over pursue or make a mistake by trying to do much, when he let a receiver get 10 yards after a catch when he didn't bite on the dig. Turner hasn't been shut-down, but he has been very good, and I still expect an All-B1G caliber season from CB1.
Mike Sainristil continues to be that dude. I have to remind myself this is his first season on the defensive side of the ball. His physicality got him on the field as a wide receiver, so it shouldn't be too shocking to see the plays Sainristil makes at the line and in the run game. Obviously, he lined up at nickel but also got snaps on the outside, in the box, and even on the defensive line. He is a valuable piece of this secondary.
STOCK UP: Gemon Green, take a bow. Green had himself a day with four targets and 0 completions. While some on the Michigan beat keep talking about Green eventually losing his job to Will Johnson (me, I've been doing that), he just goes out and has a game as Michigan's 4th best defender and best player in coverage. Johnson was no slouch either, finishing as Michigan's 6th best defender and 3rd in coverage. Johnson was targeted six times but held his own, giving up three receptions for 13 yards. He spent 16 snaps at nickel, 15 on the outside, and three as a box safety. His versatility will continue to get him playing time.
Kody Jones saw decent snap counts in the game, made a few nice tackles, and played well in coverage. Jalen Perry did not play a lot of snaps and, unfortunately, suffered an injury that ended his game early. Amorion Walker saw action at corner, but it did not go well. Obviously, he was thrown to the wolves after spending only one week practicing with the defense, so it will be interesting to monitor his usage.
Rod Moore made a lot of noise in the season opener but wasn't heard from much in this one. Not a huge deal as he wasn't targeted once in coverage and didn't have much to do in the run game.
RJ Moten was much more consistent in this one, and we got to see part of what will make him such a weapon in the defense. While he spent seven snaps at his primary free safety position, he had 10 snaps inside the box. He's big and physical and can work like a linebacker, which is helpful as Michigan currently lacks depth.
STOCK UP: Makari Paige continues to be one of my favorite stories early in the season. He nailed down the third safety role coming out of camp, played very well against Colorado State, and Hawaii was Michigan's 2nd best player in coverage and got a top 5 grade in overall defense. What a value he can bring to the secondary.
---
Discuss this article with our community on our premium message boards
Not a subscriber to Maize & Blue Review? Sign up today to gain access to all the latest Michigan intel M&BR has to offer
Follow our staff on Twitter: @JoshHenschke, @BrandonJustice_, @ZachLibby, @TrevorMcCue, @DennisFithian, @BrockHeilig, @DanielDash_, @StephenToski, @Baird_CJ, @JimScarcelli
Subscribe to our podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify
Check out Maize & Blue Review's video content on YouTube!
Follow The Maize and Blue Review on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
