Michigan’s Steve Clinkscale discusses ‘pretty solid’ depth at
Michigan co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale recently shared encouraging insights regarding the team’s current roster, particularly focusing on the growing depth in key defensive positions. While he didn’t disclose specifics about every role, his comments made it clear: the Wolverines are developing a “pretty solid” level of depth — and that’s exactly what a championship-caliber program needs heading into the fall.
Speaking to reporters after a recent spring practice session, Clinkscale expressed satisfaction with the way players have responded to offseason challenges, particularly in the secondary. He noted that even though the roster has seen some turnover due to the NFL Draft and transfers, the next wave of talent is stepping up — and doing so with confidence and consistency.
“We’ve got a pretty solid group right now,” Clinkscale said. “There’s still a lot of work to do, but I like where we are in terms of guys understanding the system, competing hard, and pushing each other every day.”
While Clinkscale’s comments were focused primarily on the defensive backfield, the broader implication is that Michigan’s defensive depth isn’t limited to one area. Whether at cornerback, safety, or nickel, multiple players are showing they can hold their own — and that’s something Michigan’s coaching staff has been aiming to build over the past few seasons.
What stands out is the competition. According to Clinkscale, the internal battles have raised the standard. Veterans are mentoring younger players, but they’re also being pushed by those same newcomers. Names like Ja’Den McBurrows, Zeke Berry, and Myles Pollard have surfaced frequently this spring — not only for their talent but for their effort and mental growth.
“You don’t win in this league without depth,” Clinkscale added. “You can’t go into a Big Ten season with just two or three guys you trust in the back end. We’ve got more than that now, and we’re still working to develop even more.”
Clinkscale also praised the versatility of his group. Several defensive backs are now capable of playing multiple positions — an asset that becomes crucial when dealing with midseason injuries or making quick in-game adjustments. That adaptability, he says, is one of the reasons why he feels more confident heading into summer workouts.
The timing of this depth boost couldn’t be better. Michigan is coming off back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances and a national title, and expectations are sky-high once again. Maintaining defensive dominance will be key, and solid depth is an essential piece of that puzzle.
As summer approaches, Clinkscale emphasized that nothing is guaranteed and no positions are locked down yet. However, with the level of buy-in he’s seeing, the Wolverines are in a better position now than they were at this point last year.
In short, Michigan’s Steve Clinkscale discusses “pretty solid” depth at just the right time. And if things continue trending upward, it could be yet another strong season for the maize and blue defense.
