Rashan Gary (image via Rivals)
Name: Rashan Gary
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 287 lbs.
High school: Paramus (NJ) Catholic
Position: Defensive end
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #3
Last year: I ranked Gary #23 and said he would be the starting strongside end with 35 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. He made 27 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.
TTB Rating: 100
Gary was one of the most well known recruits in the 2016 class, especially when considering that he doesn’t throw the ball, run a 4.3 forty, catch touchdown passes, or return kickoffs for touchdowns. He was just a big, lithe defensive lineman whom many thought of as a future first round pick. Prior to the season, word started to filter out of insiders that Michigan planned to start Gary at Anchor (a.k.a. strongside defensive end) with Chris Wormley at defensive tackle. That turned out not to be true, and probably for good reason: Wormley was a 3rd round pick. Still, Gary played well and probably would have been just fine as a starter.
This year there’s a lot riding on Gary. Not only does he have immense talent, but Michigan lost all four defensive line starters. With an even more unproven secondary, the Wolverines need the defensive line to be outstanding, make plays in the backfield, and pressure quarterbacks into quick or bad decisions. Because of that, Gary is a very important player. Michigan can’t afford to take injuries on the defensive line, and the backups are totally unproven. Carlo Kemp has been earning rave practice reviews, and he’s Gary’s primary backup. Beyond him is Ron Johnson and air. If Gary or Kemp were to get injured, there would probably have to be some reshuffling of personnel. Practice observers have been salivating about Gary, and I hope the hype comes true this year, but I’m trying to reserve outlandish excitement until we see him putting things together on game day.
Prediction: Starting Anchor
