Michigan Wolverines football junior defensive back TJ Metcalf is one of the few fully healthy defensive backs on the roster with a complete season’s worth of starting experience. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Arkansas transfer appeared in 24 games with 11 starts in the SEC. He totaled 57 tackles, including 1 for loss, 10 pass breakups, 3 […]
Michigan Wolverines football junior defensive back TJ Metcalf is one of the few fully healthy defensive backs on the roster with a complete season’s worth of starting experience.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Arkansas transfer appeared in 24 games with 11 starts in the SEC. He totaled 57 tackles, including 1 for loss, 10 pass breakups, 3 interceptions and 1 forced fumble during a breakout 2024 campaign.
Metcalf is rotating in at different positions during Michigan’s fall camp, but one thing is for sure, he’s going to be a major factor on the back end of the defense.
“They’ve got me playing a couple different positions — both safety spots, playing nickel too,” Metcalf said. “We got a lot of guys rotating at every position, so I like it for us. During the spring, everybody was getting snaps at different positions, so I think it’s gonna be good for us.
“Everybody is getting different reps at each position — safety nickel, and we got corner nickels. It’s really good for everybody, just making sure they’re on the same page and knowing that they’re doing, because we got a big play book. We got some smart players on the team that can do it, and everybody’s just gotta hone in on what they’re supposed to be doing in whatever position they’re at. I think we’re doing a good job at it. Very few MAs, so doing good.”
Asked if he has a preferred position: “Nah, just as long as I’m on the field. Whatever position.”
From the sounds of it, the Birmingham (Ala.) Pinson Valley product will be on the field quite a bit.
“I’m a starter,” Metcalf said of what he’s been told about his spot on the depth chart. “After the spring, I know for sure coaches came up to me and were like, ‘This is your team just like it’s any of the other leaders’ team.’ I think my role is gonna be big for this team this year. The coaches are constantly letting me know that, ‘You got a voice, too. You’re a leader, too. You’re a vet. Just take over.’ That’s pretty much it with that.”
Metcalf added that he “honestly” doesn’t know if he’ll start at nickel or safety.
Last season at Arkansas, Metcalf logged 730 defensive snaps. The majority came in the box (335) or at free safety (296), but he played over the opposing slot receiver on 93 occasions, too.
Senior Zeke Berry, who began last season as Michigan’s starting nickel before moving outside to corner, likes what he’s seen from Metcalf.
“He’s a dawg, man,” Berry said. “I like that guy. He came in ready to work. He came in every day in the offseason. I love that dude. He watches film like crazy. He’s gonna be a good player — really good player.”
Berry said Metcalf has what it takes to be a good nickel in Michigan’s defense.
“Just seeing the way he moves,” he said of his reasoning. “When we do individual, the way he moves is like he’s fluid. He’s good in and out of his breaks, and he’s physical at the top of the route. I feel like he has the speed to cover that amount of space.”
When Metcalf is down at nickel, junior Brandyn Hillman and sophomore Mason Curtis are the two main safeties. Senior Jaden Mangham, who missed most of last season with injury, is also in the mix. Graduate Rod Moore — a program legend who missed last season with knee injuries — is working his way back to fully healthy and hopes to play early in the season.
“B-Hill and Mason — those are pretty much the two that are in at safety,” Metcalf said of when he’s at nickel back. “Jaden Mangham is coming along. He’s been doing really good, making plays, flying around, tackling well. But just really all the safeties. B-Hill is flying around, Mason is making plays. Really just those guys.”
Overall, Metcalf is excited for his first season at Michigan, pleased with the way the Wolverines are working leading into the Aug. 30 opener against New Mexico.
“It’s been good. The boys are out there competing,” Metcalf said. “I like what I’m seeing. The DBs are doing good, and just as a defense, I feel like we’re coming together every day. We do a lot of player-led meetings, so that’s where we come together and make sure we’re on the same page.”
Category: General Sports
