The Michigan Wolverines are off to a hot start in 2022. They sit at no. 4 in the national poll and the Gridiron Heroics poll as well. However, after a close win against Maryland on Saturday many are questioning Michigan’s defense. After losing Aiden Hutchinson and David Ojabo, the question was how the Wolverines were going to generate a pass rush. Michigan has looked good but not great in the pass rush. However, there is one player that could drastically improve the pass rush. Eyabi Okie is the x-factor for the Michigan defense.
Eyabi Okie X-Factor For Michigan
Part of the 2018 recruiting class, Eyabi Okie (who recently went through a name change) was the top defensive end in the nation. After going to Alabama, he ran into some personal trouble which ended in dismissal from the program. After bouncing around he ended up at Michigan in late August as a grad transfer. Coming in so late in the season, he has been meeting with the coaching staff in order to learn the playbook fast. In his limited snaps he has been dominant. His very first snap against Colorado State resulted in a sack and he had multiple pressures throughout that game. If he can continue to see more playing time, he should have a huge impact on the game.
Jim Harbaugh Comments On Eyabi Okie
Harbaugh seemed to indicate in a recent press conference that Okie’s playing time should continue to go up. He praised his defensive end’s smarts saying, “Eyabi’s that talented that he can come in, and he’s that smart. He’s picked up most all of the defense.” He went on to say that the pass rush is a big point of emphasis as the Wolverines get their first road test against Iowa this week. Eyabi Okie is the x-factor in the pass rush for Michigan. He was an unexpected pickup and the Michigan coaching staff is working hard to get him acclimated.
Michigan looks to be a contender in this year’s college football playoff. Blake Corum and the running game has looked elite and quarterback JJ McCarthy has given the offense a new explosive wrinkle. The defense has looked pretty good but has some room to grown. Eyabi Okie is the x-factor for the Michigan Wolverine’s defense. If the former top recruit can play up to his potential, the Wolverines could be very scary late in the season.