Cameron Brandt wants 'no drop-off' at EDGE

In the last half-decade-plus, Michigan football has turned into a hotbed of elite pass-rushers. Whether it be Kwity Paye, Aidan Hutchinson, David Ojabo, Mike Morris, Braiden McGregor, Jaylen Harrell or a slew of other pass-rushers whom have contributed to Michigan’s success the past few years, the Wolverines clearly know how to develop talent at EDGE.

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During Michigan’s 2023 national championship season, the Wolverines leaned on a four-man rotation at EDGE. McGregor, Harrell, Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore all contributed greatly to Michigan’s perfect 15-0 season.

Last year, Stewart and Moore headlined the room. Although Moore didn’t have impressive stats to show for it Michigan coaches constantly raved about the impact the true junior had on nearly every passing play.

Now, this season, Moore is back for his senior year, and fifth-year senior T.J. Guy, who had 5.5 sacks last season, is ready to blossom into the starting role that was left vacant when Stewart departed for the NFL.

But Michigan coaches have already admitted that they feel the Wolverines have a “third starter” at EDGE in Cameron Brandt, a junior out of Carson, California.

On Friday, Brandt spoke with reporters to preview what he hopes is a breakout season.

“Derrick, TJ, honestly just great guys to learn from, like three years in now,” Brandt said. “Honestly, I pick their brain all the time, always asking them how they like to set up their rushes, how they like to do things, how they go about their business each and every day. And it’s like really inspirational just seeing them be able to thrive in this system and see it all on the field. It kind of brings up the whole room. It’s a really fun vibe.”

Entering his third season with the program, Brandt has learned what it’s like to play EDGE at Michigan, oftentimes having to wait behind other uber-talented players before getting a chance to shine. Brandt explained to reporters what that process has been like for him.

“I feel like you just got to stay grounded in what you believe in, what you’ve been putting out on the field,” Brandt said. “You’re worth that, just knowing that, all right, yeah, these guys have already obviously already done their time, put in the work and shown that. But the way you could progress is, okay, well, let me elevate myself to their level and try to match that. So that way there’s no drop off whenever we’re out on the field, the twos go out on the field, there’s no drop-off at all.”

“So it really just gives you a chance to see the standard and continue to match that standard. And then when they go on to the NFL, do whatever they do, all right, now I’m in that role. Continue to match that standard. And then for the young guys, they see that, continue to match that standard. So I feel like it’s just a whole room thing. You just got to continue to see the guys that are ahead of you. And even though you may feel like, all right, I want to do something, just continue to work, keep your head down and continue to work.”