Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishANN ARBOR, Mich. — Despite returning all but two players who started in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama last year, some pundits question the validity of the Michigan football defense returning to form. With Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Will Johnson, and Josaiah Stewart departing the program (none of whom played in the bowl game), many anticipate that the Wolverines will take a step back.However, the defensive tackles that dominated in the bowl game all return, and the Wolverines also added two ballyhooed interior linemen via the transfer portal in former Clemson DT Tré Williams and Alabama’s Damon Payne.One player who has had to go up against them in spring ball is right guard Nathan Efobi, who didn’t hesitate when asked who has impressed him the most this offseason. One was one of the transfers while the other is a junior who shined against the Crimson Tide in December.”Tré Williams. Tré Williams, Trey Pierce,” Efobi said. “They’ve grown a lot. Tré Williams, being a transfer from Clemson, he’s a dog — animal. “And Trey Pierce, I’ve been with him. He’s in my class. I hang with him every day. He’s improved a lot, and I think he should be a starter. He’s a dog.”What about Williams, in particular, has been impressive to Efobi? Especially considering that he didn’t hesitate to name him as a standout-in-waiting. He shared more about Williams’ technique and how it isn’t flashy, but it gets the job done.”Just the way he plays, he just gets vertical,” Efobi said. “He goes from point A to point B. No distractions, no hesitation, no crazy moves. Just goes vertical once to get to the quarterback.”Defensive line coach Lou Esposito noted earlier in spring ball that Michigan essentially has three sets of starters with six players who will likely be in heavy rotation (Williams, Payne, Pierce, Rayshaun Benny, Enow Etta, and Ike Iwunnah). With that kind of depth, Efobi notes that practice is often harder than games, because the fresh legs just keep coming in, with the same amount of disruptive ability as their predecessors.It’s difficult for an offensive line to wear down a defense that just comes in waves.”I almost say it’s good luck,” Efobi said. “Because, you know, Michigan defense, one of the best defenses in the country, and you’ve seen the depth. We’ve got the players that do numbers. We have the players that destroy any offense in the country.”Fans will get an opportunity to see Efobi as well as the new-look defensive line in action on Saturday in the annual spring game at The Big House.
Keep Reading
