Despite Injury, The Leading Tackler Is Expected To…

Michigan Football’s Leading Tackler Is Expected to Play Against Alabama Despite Injuries

Michigan will face Alabama in the Rose Bowl in less than a week, in what will be the team’s biggest game of the season. The Wolverines are attempting to win their first College Football Playoff semi-final game.

And, despite the fact that one of the top defensive players is dealing with undisclosed problems, he is determined to participate.

Since defeating Purdue on Nov. 4, linebacker Junior Colson has been seen with a cast on his hand. When Colson met with the media recently, he was wearing two casts. But the leading tackler insists it won’t keep him from facing Alabama on New Year’s Day.

“I think they’re still going to be in the cast for the game,” Colson told reporters. “They are still in the cast.” But I’ll be OK.”

Colson has never missed a football game in his three years on the squad. His 79 tackles rank first on the Wolverines’ defense. Last season, Colson led the squad with 101 points.

During Michigan’s award ceremony, the middle linebacker was awarded the toughest player on the team. He’s adamant that his wounded hands will not prevent him from competing in the Rose Bowl.

“You’re still always going to be banged up a little bit, because that’s football,” Colson went on to say. “Unless it’s summertime, you’re never 100 percent.” I’m in a wonderful mood. I believe our entire defense — our entire squad — is feeling great heading into this game. We’re ecstatic. Everything else is incidental.”

Colson is a junior, and at Michigan, you have to be a senior to be a captain, but he is one of many leaders on the Michigan defense. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter praises Colson’s demeanor and commitment to staying on the field despite adversity.

“The thing I love about Junior is his willingness to sacrifice; his willingness to lay it all on the line for his teammates, Michigan, for this program,” said Minter. “The guys have witnessed what he’s been through this year.

Colson, the Michigan defense’s man in the middle, could be entrusted with keeping an eye on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. Because Alabama’s quarterback is so elusive, tackling will be difficult against the Tide. Milroe is not just a strong-armed passer, but he can also beat you with his legs. He rushed for 468 yards and a team-high 12 touchdowns this season.

Minter believes Colson is as sure-handed as they come for the Wolverines, and he can’t wait to see him on the field with his teammates in Pasadena.

“He’s really athletic, really big, really fast, and still stayed as a really sure tackler,” Minter told reporters. So I’m looking forward to seeing him go out there and play against these guys.”