Ernest Haussman Talks Linebacker Depth At Michigan

After fielding the top defense in the country last season, Michigan is working swiftly to replace a large group of both graduates and now-NFL prospects. Particularly, Wolverine Digest has discussed the secondary, a group also losing Rod Moore to injury, and the defensive line unit thus far. Both position groups have a contingent of returning playmakers, so there should be some continuity on defense in Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Will Johnson and others.

However, Michigan’s defensive success will likely hinge on how quickly U-M linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham can get up to speed under new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Both linebackers transferred into the Michigan program with Hausmann arriving in Ann Arbor last year as opposed to Barham, who joined the Wolverines squad this offseason from Maryland.

“I know for spring ball, it's huge for him, and myself as well, to learn to play off each other and stuff like that,” Hausmann told the media on Monday. “But I always guide him just to know that he can just be free out there to play, because he knows if he has any questions that he can always ask me, and I'm going to answer them.”

Last season, Hausmann racked up 46 tackles on the year playing both linebacker and chipping in on special teams, but the 6-2, 237-pounder will be asked to step into a more prominent role for the 2024 campaign. In doing so, Hausmann is working with new linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary to be as prepared as possible for U-M’s opening kickoff against Fresno State on Aug. 31.

“When Coach BJ came in, he understood the standard that had been set at the linebacker room, and he's going to do everything in his power to make sure that standard is withheld and striving to even increase that standard as well,” Hausmann said. “So, obviously with that there's a level of time it takes as well for us players and himself to gain trust. You can't just come into a program and trust will be automatically given, and he understands that. But as well as in terms of the urgency, the sense of urgency that we have, we've lost two key players that have been in the system for a long time and the urgency in terms of making sure that standard is withheld and increased.”

READ MORE: Projecting Michigan’s Starting Offensive Line

Throughout his 23-year coaching career, Jean-Mary has developed his own techniques and strategies in the coaching ranks, and this added perspective, one that comes from a wealth of experience, is an exciting element for Hausmann.

“Coach BJ, the way he sees the game, he sees it a different way— all coaches do,” Haussman said. “I've had a point of emphasis on being able to be more productive in the past games in terms of being more ball-destructive, stuff like that. So, I think he's going to add a key component to that because that's obviously an area of my game that I want to improve in.”

And although both Hausmann and Barham will be expected to contribute mightily on defense this fall, they will also be joined by Jaydon Hood and Micah Pollard. Hood, who entered the program as a four-star prospect from IMG Academy, played in 12 games last season with 13 tackles and a forced fumble to his name. Pollard, on the other hand, appeared in all 15 U-M games last year and recorded seven tackles. Together, both Hood and Pollard have posted strong spring practices according to Haussman. 

“I can tell this spring,” Hausmann began, “just being more comfortable with the scheme and what to do and how to see things. I think they both made strides in terms of the recognition, the play recognition, in terms of being able to anticipate what things are going to happen based upon the offensive formation.”

The Wolverines have a tall order ahead in replacing the experience of Mike Barrett and the consistency of Junior Colson, but the four-man rotation of Hausmann, Barham, Hood and Pollard will be looking to stop ball carriers in their tracks this fall.

What do you expect from Michigan’s defense this fall? Let us know and follow @EricJRutter on Twitter for more Wolverine Digest updates.