Jim Harbaugh has bold projection for Michigan's Edge group in 2022

Jim Harbaugh has made a bold statement. Of course, that might not be all that surprising from the outspoken head coach.

However, this one is pretty bold. In previewing Michigan’s defense for 2022, he leveled a pretty lofty projection at Michigan’s group of Edge defenders.

Jim Harbaugh says Michigan's edge pressure is "almost as good or as good" as last year, when the Wolverines had Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo.

"Much improvement on the inside" of the defensive line, he adds.

— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) August 8, 2022

Wow.

Aidan Hutchinson was arguably the best defensive lineman in the country last season. The 6-foot-7, 264-pound Hutchinson had 14 sacks as a senior while helping Michigan to a 10-2 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Hutchinson also won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end. He was selected by the Detroit Lions with the second pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

David Ojabo was a second-round selection by the Baltimore Ravens in that same draft. He made 6 starts at outside linebacker for the Maize and Blue where he recorded 35 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.

The praise by Harbaugh lands at the feet of guys like senior Mike Morris, junior Mazi Smith, and redshirt sophomore Kris Jenkins. Good luck living up to those expectations.

Michigan finished 20th in total defense in 2021. The Wolverines gave up just under 331 yards per game and allowed 28 touchdowns.

It may be possible to say there is always room for improvement? Michigan opens up with Colorado State on Sept 3rd.