Michigan football will now be in the unenviable position of replacing perhaps its best pass-rushing duo of all time.
While Aidan Hutchinson technically has another year of eligibility, it was a no-brainer that he would be departing after the 2021 season, given that he’s a first-round NFL draft lock, and has played for four years. However, going into the season, David Ojabo wasn’t even a lock to start — nor did he at the season’s outset.
However, 11 sacks later, Ojabo is projected to be a first-round pick himself, with ESPN’s Todd McShay having him at No. 10 overall on his draft board. A freak athlete who’s relatively new to football, Ojabo certainly has NFL teams salivating at his potential. And he announced on Tuesday that he will test those waters, as he announced he’s entering the 2022 NFL draft.
With Ojabo now out of the mix, the Wolverines will likely rely on Taylor Upshaw, Mike Morris, and some up-and-coming players such as Kechaun Bennett, Jaylen Harrell, Braiden McGregor, and TJ Guy, while incoming freshman Derrick Moore could serve to play immediately.