Michigan LB Ernest Hausmann took Jesse Minter's challenge to heart: Nebraska transfer explains why he 'truly loves' competition

In his first meeting with sophomore Nebraska linebacker transfer Ernest Hausmann, Michigan Wolverines football defensive coordinator Jesse Minter issued a challenge, to go take a starting job from incumbent starters Junior Colson and Michael Barrett. While speaking with those two, he tasked them with holding Hausmann off and retaining their spots on the depth chart. From there, a healthy competition formed.

A 6-2, 237-pounder who totaled 54 tackles, 2 stops for loss and 1 sack with the Cornhuskers in 2022, Hausmann already knew any playing time would have to be earned, choosing Michigan because he felt the Wolverines’ staff could help develop him better than anybody else. He’s worked since January and appears to have put himself in position to play early and often, though the competition for a starting job is still ongoing.

“When I chose to come into the transfer portal, that’s one of the things that I knew had to be done. When I came to Nebraska as true freshman, you start at the bottom of the depth chart and try to work your way up there,” Hausmann said. “I had the same mentality when I came to Michigan, that I would be at the bottom of the depth chart and have to work my way up there. I love that. I truly love that.

“The competitiveness in doing what you need to do to be where you want to be on the depth chart. It’s an every-day process. I also know the depth chart is out of my control. I never get to choose where I get to be on the depth chart, but what I can control what I do each and every day. With that, I do what I think is necessary every single day.

“With Coach Minter, in my first meeting I had with him, that challenge was made very clear, and I took that to heart. I knew that when I chose to come to Michigan that was going to be a battle. I love it, because we make each other better.”

The battle has been competitive, but not combative, Minter has said, and that goes for every position on the defense. Barrett and Hausmann, for example, are two of the players who most help each other out on and off the field, the coordinator revealed.

“With our room, it’s very special and unique. We’re all looking to help each other,” Hausmann said. “There’s no conflict while we’re battling; we’re all in there together, because at the end of the day, we all have one ultimate goal, and that’s to win each and every game we step on the field for. We bounce ideas off each other.”

Hausmann believes there is “absolutely” a role for he, Colson and Barrett to all play major snaps this fall for Michigan, too.

“With that, it’s not our job to choose when and where to be out there on the field, but it is our job to stay ready when our name is called,” he explained. “That’s my main focus, to stay ready and be able to do my job, my assignment when my name is called.”

Michigan defensive talent is ‘special’ … linebackers working to make defensive line ‘right’

Hausmann has enjoyed playing on a talented Michigan defense with six returning starters and plenty of depth. It doesn’t just help to have talent all over the field, he explained, but it makes every man’s job easier, from position to position.

“The talent here on defense is something very special,” Hausmann said. “Defense is such a unique side of the ball, because you need each individual doing your job for you to be successful. Being able to play off each other is something that gets overlooked.

“Us linebackers, we have a great D-Line and edge-rushing team. To give them the freedom to do what they need to do to be successful in their rushes and be able to cause havoc in the run game, that in return, we need to be able to play off that and make them right in certain situations. We know that they can make plays. Giving them freedom allows them to do that. The back end, as well, everything works hand in hand.”

The Michigan interior defensive line has been vocal about “obsessing” over improving its pass rush this season. Per the offensive linemen who have spoken during camp, coaches and other players, the work has paid off. A consequence of that focus, however, may be that the front won’t be holding up blockers in the run game as much. Hausmann and the linebackers are intent on making sure it’s not an issue in run fits.

“With our incredible interior D-line, it’s our job to get them out of double-teams,” the Michigan linebacker said. “We know that offenses need to double them, because we know in a one-on-one, our D-line is going to win that battle. So, in turn, we know that offensive lines are going to double them, so it’s our job to get them out of double teams. We work hand in hand in that.”