Michigan is losing a defensive tackle, but I don't think anyone (genuine) is going to make more out of this one than respect for a guy who stuck it out much longer than most guys would. As first reported by the Detroit News, bench defensive tackle Phillip Paea has entered his name in the transfer portal. He’ll be a grad transfer with two years (his fifth and sixth) to play.

Paea had been off the radar for a long time. Recruited as an athlete whose ceiling was probably much higher at guard, Paea nevertheless bounced wherever the team needed him. He moved from offensive line to tackle in spring of 2018 and got some mention from Greg Mattison as “Little Phillip” before switching back to guard. The last few seasons he again provided depth at defensive tackle, a position in need of bodies since Mo Hurst’s graduation.

But even as things grew dire at his position, Paea couldn’t crack the two-deep. When walk-on Jess Speight moved from offensive line and immediately passed the Berrien Springs native, the writing was on the wall. Freshman Mazi Smith taking his #58 a couple of years ago was a deeper indignity. Paea quietly switched to #92.

Paea got no further up the depth chart this spring. Wherever he goes, they’ll at the very least be getting a consummate team guy, and carry the well-wishes of a lot of friends in Ann Arbor.

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