'A lot of people will be surprised' by Michigan's veteran defensive tackle group in 2025

Michigan Wolverines football has four defensive tackles that are in their fifth or sixth seasons in graduates Tré Williams (sixth), Rayshaun Benny, Ike Iwunnah and Damon Payne. Position coach Lou Esposito also has emerging talents that just became juniors in Enow Etta and Ike Iwunnah, plus some other young players who are coming along.

Etta has had a positive spring, working on matching his “technique” with his “athleticism,” and putting “more of an emphasis on football,” watching film and meeting with coaches.

“Whatever the opportunity is, to be honest,” Etta said of what his role could look like this fall. “I’ve been playing inside, out, wherever I’m needed on the field. So, wherever the coaches need me in spring, this fall, that’s what I want to do. When I hear my name called, I want to excel to the best of my ability.”

Michigan brought in Williams (Clemson) and Payne (Alabama) to bolster the talent and depth in the room. The Wolverines were top-heavy last season with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, two projected high NFL Draft picks this spring, but not as deep as they would’ve liked to be.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s also a blessing,” Etta said of the depth. “Having a lot of guys that work well together. We’re on the sidelines having a good time. We’re in the locker room having a good time. And I think we push each other to be better. No one’s afraid to say anything to anybody. Sometimes, I’ll say something to Rayshaun, sometimes Tré Williams from Clemson will say something to me.

“It’s definitely a challenge, because there are a lot of good guys next to me, and there are guys that have to play — and I know that, and I respect that. A lot of guys have been showing what they can do, and I’ve been doing the same.

“I’m sure it’s gonna be great. I know you guys were there for the national championship season. We had like six D-tackles rotating. And I feel like we can do that this year. We have so many guys — even the young guys like [sophomores] Deyvid Palepale, Manuel Beigel — that are coming along. It’s great to see.

“There’s a lot of greatness in the room, and a lot of future greatness with the young guys stepping up. They push me to be better, I push them and I think people will be surprised with what we got this year.”

A concern of playing a lot of guys and not necessarily having one set lineup is the possibility that there aren’t good enough players who command those high snap counts. But with the way Benny has played and is leading, Etta is optimistic about Michigan’s chances to still have starpower.

“He’s right there,” Etta said in response to a question on how close Benny is to Graham and Grant. “He’s been getting better all spring. And one thing that really surprised me is how he stepped into a leadership role. We have like four fifth years in the room, and he’s the guy that’s been here since I’ve been here, before I was even a D-tackle. Him and Ike, it’s been great to see them step into that leadership role.

“Even on the field, if Benny’s hot, we’re all hot. He’s the guy not only leading on the field, but just that energy. You just want to be around him. I love sitting next to him in meetings. My locker is right next to him. He’s a great guy to be around.

“A lot of guys talk about Mason and KG, and rightfully so, I think Benny’s right there, if you ask me. And I think he’s gonna prove that to a lot of people this season.”

Williams and Payne have been stellar additions, too.

“Both transfers have been great, Tre and Dame,” their Michigan teammate said. “They’re great guys. We’re just in the meetings, locker rooms laughing, having fun, having out with them outside of here. It’s just great. And they’ve been really coming along. They see the expectation. They look great.

“It’s good, because that’s a challenge for me with great guys next to me. That also makes me feel good with that depth going into the season. We got a lot of guys that can play, and I think we all proved that very early this spring. We’re just gonna keep rolling into fall and keep rolling into the season, and a lot of people will be surprised.”

Etta — a 6-foot-5 junior from Keller, Texas — hopes to be starring right alongside them on the Michigan defensive line. He’s gained some weight from last season but wants to cut some before the campaign begins.

“I don’t really play at this weight, but right now I’m like 320,” he revealed. “I probably want to play at like 310.

“I don’t have a problem at this weight, but this year another thing I want to show is my athleticism, so I want to still be big but not too big to where I’m gasping and wheezing after four plays. I want to be able to do stuff like KG chasing down the running back — that’s something I want to put on tape, because I can do that, and I’ve done that in spring. I gotta do that when the TV cameras come on in the fall.

“Just being in shape, but at the same time being the size that I feel like I can handle.”