Dangerous Michigan football weapon identified as 2024 star

The Michigan football team will need new players to step up in 2024, as they lose a lot compared to the 2023 team. The Wolverines were loaded with talent last season, resulting in a national championship . Now, Michigan wants to maintain the momentum it's built and it's time for new players to make their mark on the program. PFF recently identified numerous potential players for the 2024 season, and they have their eyes on Wolverines defensive back Ja'Den McBurrows.

“Michigan's roster will look a lot different in 2024, but that doesn't mean it will be any less talented,” PFF said. “After all, there are a lot of important recruits waiting in the wings, especially at defensive back. McBurrows is one of those guys ready to step in and shine. He played 182 snaps last season, finishing with a 73.1 overall grade and a 73.9 coverage grade. In 2023, McBurrows recorded seven solo tackles without a miss and four run stops. He was targeted 13 times on the year, but allowed just five catches for 40 yards, coming away with one interception and two assists.

Ja'Den McBurrows looks ready to take the next step after having a strong 2023 season. He made his Michigan football debut during the 2021 season and made just two total tackles. He didn't play in 2022, then made good progress last season. The Wolverines lost a lot of talented players from their secondary, and they will need to reload there. McBurrows is definitely a player to watch.

Michigan's defense will once again be its strength

Michigan football lost a lot of talent from its secondary, but it is still getting major pieces back, like the unit's best player, Will Johnson. Johnson will likely be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he should have a huge season in 2024. He is arguably the best cornerback in all of college football.

The Wolverines are losing some good talent, however. Mike Sainristil was the leader of the unit, and he left for the NFL with Josh Wallace who had a good 2023 season. Keon Sabb was expected to be a starter in 2024, but he left via the transfer portal to go to Alabama . Rod Moore, who sealed Ohio State's victory last year with an interception, will miss significant time with a recent torn ACL. He could be back during the season, but it's unclear how his recovery will go at this point.

There's a lot to replace there, but this defense should still be one of the best in college football, and a big reason why is the defensive line. Mason Graham, another future first-round pick, is back on the defensive line alongside Kenneth Grant and Josiah Stewart. This unit will be one of the best in college football.

If this Michigan defense is as good as it should be, the Wolverines will be able to hang with any team in the country. Last year, they didn't give up more than 24 points in a game. Repeating that this year will give the team a great chance to have another great season.