Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito is a big fan of nicknames. On Monday afternoon at Schembechler Hall, he noted everyone in his defensive line room has a nickname, but there’s one that appears to stand out above the rest.
“Mr. Payne is probably the best,” Esposito said.
Mr. Payne is a reference to Alabama transfer Damon Payne, a Belleville, Michigan native and one of several new players Esposito has up front to cause pain for opposing offenses.
Michigan is in an interesting spot on its defensive front. The Wolverines are suffering a major talent drain this offseason with arguably the two best defensive tackles in America heading for the NFL in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, while Michigan’s leader in sacks from last season, edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, is pro-bound as well.