Jim Harbaugh had to break in a new defensive coordinator after losing Mike Macdonald to the NFL. After Week 1, Harbaugh likes what he sees from Jesse Minter.

During his Monday press conference, Harbaugh graded Minter’s performance against Colorado State as an “A++.” While that’s not an actual grade that can be achieved, it’s clear Harbaugh is more than pleased with the defense.

It’s not hard to see why Harbaugh was pleased with the defense. That unit held the Rams to one touchdown, and it did not come until the fourth quarter when the game was already wrapped up.

The defense also accounted for 7 sacks and 11 TFL in the season opener, consistently blowing up offensive plays for Colorado State. New graduate transfer Eyabi Anoma also got in on the action with an early sack for the Wolverines.