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Michigan star Mason Graham ‘banged up’ as Wolverines prepare for season-opener
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Michigan star Mason Graham has been “banged up” during fall camp, according to Michigan defensive defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
Martindale appeared on “Inside Michigan Football,” where he revealed Graham’s injury status:
Michigan DC Wink Martindale, on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show tonight, says DT Mason Graham “has been banged up in training camp.” Graham is scheduled to speak with reporters Tuesday night in Ann Arbor for the first time this preseason.
— Aaron McMann | MLive.com (@AaronMcMann) August 26, 2024
The star defender was a key part of the National Championship-winning 2023 team, collecting 35 tackles and 3 sacks. Graham is once again going to be a key contributor on the defense, but a lingering injury may impact that to start the year.
The junior defensive lineman is scheduled to speak to reporters in Ann Arbor on Tuesday night where he will presumably be asked about how he’s feeling with less than a week to go before the Fresno State game.
The Wolverines are hoping to repeat in 2024, but it would have to be without head coach Jim Harbaugh and several key contributors on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines’ defense was elite in 2023, finishing as the No. 6 unit against the run, No. 2 against the pass, and No. 1 overall.
Graham is expected to start on a new-look defensive line alongside Rayshaun Benny and Kenneth Grant. Kris Jenkins Jr. is gone to the NFL, so the defensive line would have an even bigger void if Graham had to miss any time.
Martindale is in his first season with the Wolverines after spending 21 years in the NFL.
The Wolverines will kick off their 2024 season against the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday, August 31.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.