Hybrid Defensive Players

Anthony Solomon entering the transfer portal got me thinking about hybrid defensive players. Solomon and Mohan were under recruited for Michigan's purposes when Don Brown was running the defense because he had a position (viper) that was essentially an undersized linebacker who didn't have to be great in coverage. The position required toughness and straight line speed and linebacker skills in a safety body. That position does not exist for most defenses, including our current defense.

Don Brown also utilized an anchor to help compensate for the lack of size at viper. He also blitzed a lot since you didn't want to drop a viper in coverage all of the time and the anchor's additional size might have been a hinderance rushing off the edge. Right now, it seems like we still have an anchor position, just not full-time. Mike Morris probably isn't going to become a true DT. But his technique is sound and he has a high motor and just seems to make a lot of smart plays. Dominick Giudice seems destined to play a similar role (assuming he sticks), although his strengths/weaknesses are different from Morris.

Jaylen Harrell clearly has a good work ethic and was awesome against the run this year..... as a 3-4 style OLB. Will his pass rushing skills come along equally well? Will he fill out enough to be a 4-3 end? Does it matter? Jordan Morant hasn't seen the field much yet but based on his limited HS tape, he always seemed like a unique player. Very long arms, size and violence of a box safety, fluid in space but straight line speed is a bit of a question mark. Used as a cornerback in HS much of the time. Quinten Johnson was also a cornerback in HS but Michigan recruited him as a safety. Hybrid player also? And is Andre Seldon a gadget player or could he play the Daxton Hill role now that he's added weight?

I'm fascinated to see where this defense is headed and what "multiple" ends up looking like in Year 2.