ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines defensive coordinator Jay Hill is not interested in making bold predictions before the season.
Instead, he wants his defense to let its performance speak for itself.
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Speaking after Michigan’s first Fall practice Wednesday (Aug. 5), Hill said the Wolverines are focused on continued improvement as they install a complex defensive system built around disguises, pressure and versatility.
“I think in general, it’s always a good policy for all of us to let your actions speak for themselves,” Hill said. “We’re not in the business of just talking about what we can do. We’re in the business of letting our actions show it.”
Hill, who joined Michigan’s staff after serving as defensive coordinator at BYU, said the team has made significant progress during the offseason but still has work ahead.
“We’ll just get better and better and better and then take the nation by storm hopefully,” Hill said.
Facing familiar offense
Hill said his experience facing Michigan offensive coordinator Jason Beck last season at BYU helped prepare him for the Wolverines’ offensive approach.
Beck was Utah’s offensive coordinator while Hill was at BYU, and the two faced each other in the Big 12.
Hill said Beck’s offense creates challenges because of its ability to exploit matchups and keep defenses guessing.
“Their offense is extremely creative,” Hill said. “They do a good job of finding mismatches and trying to get you out-leveraged in different ways.”
Hill added that Beck’s offense forces defenders to stay disciplined because of its balance.
“When you think they’re going to run it, they throw it. And when you think they’re going to throw it, they run it,” Hill said.
Defensive identity built on confusion
Hill said the identity of Michigan’s defense will be based on making opponents uncomfortable before the snap.
The Wolverines will use multiple fronts, coverage disguises and pressure packages designed to prevent quarterbacks from quickly identifying weaknesses.
“I don’t want quarterbacks sitting in the pocket just saying, ‘Oh, I know they’re in man, or I know they’re in cover three or I know they’re in cover two,’” Hill said.
Michigan plans to mix pressure looks, including man pressures, zone pressures, fire zones and simulated pressures.
“The thing with us is I just don’t want an offensive coordinator to just say, ‘I know what they’re doing, and we’re attacking this specific area,’” Hill said. “You’re going to have to try to figure us out first.”
Defensive line expected to be a strength
Hill said Michigan’s defensive line could become one of the team’s biggest strengths.
He pointed to the depth across the unit and the development of several young players as reasons for optimism.
Four freshman defensive linemen, including defensive tackles Titan Davis and Alister Vallejo, along with Tariq Boney and Carter Meadows, have impressed Hill early.
“Those four guys have very bright futures,” Hill said. “We’re going to try to get them on the field right away.”
Hill acknowledged the freshmen still have plenty to learn about Michigan’s defensive scheme but believes they have the talent to contribute.
Competition remains intense
The battle for playing time along the defensive line remains wide open, according to Hill.
He said players including Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols, Lugard Edokpayi, Benny Patterson III and others are competing for roles.
“There’s no pecking order,” Hill said. “It’s going to be a dog fight in that room.”
Hill said that level of competition is necessary for Michigan to develop an elite defensive front.
“You’ve got to have competition, and then you let the cream rise to the top,” Hill said.
John Henry Daley progressing
Hill also provided an update on defensive lineman John Henry Daley, who is returning from an Achilles injury after earning first-team All-American honors last season.
Hill praised Daley’s work ethic and recovery process, saying the senior has progressed faster than almost anyone he has seen with a similar injury.
“He’s about as far along in this progression as I’ve ever seen anybody with this injury,” Hill said.
Hill said Daley will be managed carefully but expects him to contribute this season.
Rod Moore returning from injury
Safety Rod Moore was another standout during the first practice, Hill said.
Moore, who missed last season because of injury, recorded an interception during practice.
“It was pretty fun to see Rod Moore out there again today,” Hill said.
Hill said Moore will remain on a pitch count as he continues working back into full form.
“I don’t need him ready to play tomorrow,” Hill said. “I need him ready to play here in a couple weeks.”
Multiple options at nickel
Hill said Michigan has unusual depth at the nickel position, with Smith Snowden, Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill taking reps.
He believes the Wolverines can use different players based on matchups.
“I’ve never had three interchangeable guys that are so different at that position,” Jay said.
Jay said nickel players must be able to cover, tackle and understand complex assignments because of the responsibilities they have within the defense.
Building the defense over time
Jay said Michigan’s defense will continue evolving throughout the season.
He estimated the Wolverines have installed about 60% of what the defense is capable of running.
“We’ll have a wrinkle every game so that it’s something new that they really haven’t seen,” Jay said.
However, Jay emphasized that complexity only matters if players execute.
“It sounds fun and exciting to fans, ‘Oh, they’re so complicated, they do all this stuff,’ but it doesn’t matter how much you do if you don’t do it well,” Jay said.
As Michigan continues through fall camp, Jay said the focus remains on building toughness, discipline and a culture that matches head coach Kyle Whittingham’s vision for the program.
“The best teams aren’t always the most talented,” Jay said. “It’s the best team.”