ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines defensive coordinator Jay Hill said the defense is continuing to improve during fall camp, with several position battles still unsettled as the season opener approaches.
Hill said the linebacker group remains one of the most competitive areas on the defense, with five or six players he believes can contribute in games.
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“I think we’re getting better every day,” Hill said. “That comes from knowledge of the scheme, the culture, the run to the football, the hitting, the tackling.”
Hill said he would like some of the linebackers to separate themselves and establish themselves as starters, but he views the competition as a positive.
“That’s a good problem that we have right now,” Hill said.
The Wolverines’ secondary also has jobs available, particularly among the fifth, sixth and seventh defensive backs.
Michigan’s base defense is expected to feature three defensive linemen, three linebackers and four defensive backs.
Rod Moore making progress
Safety Rod Moore is among the players making encouraging progress after missing much of the spring.
Hill said Moore has practiced four consecutive days, something he had not done in a long time.
“He’s getting better physically every day,” Hill said.
Moore also missed much of spring practice, meaning he is still becoming comfortable with Hill’s defensive system.
Hill said having Moore healthy and fully comfortable with the defense would make the Wolverines better.
“Rod’s made a lot of plays here at the University of Michigan,” Hill said. “If we have him full speed and he has the defense 100%, he makes us better for sure.”
Hill also pointed to several players who have returned from injuries or made significant strides during camp, including John Henry Daley, Nathaniel Staehling and Smith Snowden.
Shamari Earls has also taken a major step forward, Hill said, while Nate Marshall has impressed over the past several practices.
Hill said Mason Curtis and Enow Etta also have had standout practices.
“It seems like every day somebody else really shines,” Hill said. “That’s the sign of a good defense is when you have different guys shining at different times.”
Michigan defensive line showing depth
The Wolverines also have considerable competition along the defensive front.
Hill singled out Marshall for his recent performance and said Dominic Nichols flashed early in camp before missing a few days.
Lugard Edokpayi has shown flashes at defensive tackle, while freshmen Tariq Boney and Carter Meadows have impressed.
“That group is deep right now,” Hill said. “Very talented and deep.”
Hill said the competition could continue throughout the season.
Rather than committing to a strict rotation, he wants players to earn additional opportunities through their performance.
“If your third guy that you have perceived as your third guy right now goes in, he’s making all kinds of plays through the first couple games, then he deserves to play more,” Hill said.
Michigan defense has installed its fall camp package
Hill said the Wolverines have now installed everything planned for fall camp.
Over the next several days, the coaching staff will begin adding game-specific calls for Michigan’s opponents.
“Right now, fall camp-wise, everything’s in,” Hill said.
Hill said he has been particularly encouraged by the physicality of the first-team defense.
“I see a defensive front that can be stout,” Hill said. “I see DBs that can cover. I see linebackers that have really picked up the scheme.”
Hill said the next step is improving the depth and execution among the second and third groups, particularly at linebacker and safety.
Hill sets lofty goals for Michigan defense
Hill said Michigan wants to be one of the elite defenses in the country and in the Big Ten.
One of the defense’s goals is to hold opponents to fewer than 85 rushing yards per game.
“If you want to be elite within the country in rush defense, that’s where that 85 number comes from,” Hill said.
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Hill also wants Michigan to excel in pass-efficiency defense and create turnovers.
The Wolverines are targeting a pass-efficiency mark below 100 and a combined total of seven turnovers and sacks per game.
As for turnovers, Hill said the defense’s goal is simple: finish with more takeaways than the opponent.
“We need to win the turnover margin,” Hill said.
Hill wants Michigan defense to be physical, fast
Heading into the season opener, Hill said he wants the defense to play with speed and physicality while limiting damage from mistakes.
“Physical, flying around and fast,” Hill said when asked what he wants the unit to look like in Week 1.
Hill said players need to pursue the football aggressively enough to compensate for occasional alignment or gap mistakes.
“I expect us to be out there and physical and dominant and executing,” Hill said.
Hill said the defense has made progress but still has work to do, particularly among younger and less experienced players.
Jay Hill emphasizes preparation over emotion
Hill described his coaching style as upbeat and energetic, but said he tries to keep his emotions under control during games.
He estimates that about 90% of his game-time adjustments are already anticipated before kickoff.
“We go into every situation with multiple calls,” Hill said.
Hill said the goal is to have answers ready if an opponent begins finding success against a particular defensive call.
Rather than trying to reinvent the defense during a game, Hill said coaches need to rely on concepts players already understand.
“You can’t reinvent the wheel in the heat of the moment,” he said. “You’ve got to stay stuck to the basics.”
Hill said Michigan also has plans for defensive snap counts, although those plans can change based on how a game unfolds.
Michigan’s third linebacker can have multiple roles
Michigan’s three-linebacker package will give the third linebacker different responsibilities depending on the defensive call.
Hill said the extra linebacker can line up near the line of scrimmage to help set the edge or drop into the box in a more traditional 4-3 alignment.
“Every one of those three backers has a very specific role,” Hill said.
The flexibility is part of Hill’s approach as he continues shaping the Wolverines’ defense heading into the 2026 season.