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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Every year in spring ball, there's a player who emerges from seemingly out of nowhere. In 2024 for Michigan football, that player was edge rusher-turned-defensive tackle Enow Etta.
Etta had a role last season, but it wasn't exactly commensurate with the amount of attention he got in spring. Now that he's another year older, he's ready to show the world that said hype wasn't unwarranted.
But during the time, a year ago, despite teammates and coaches singing Etta's praises, he wasn't so sure of his newfound role. Now, however, he's acclimated and ready to show his mettle.
"Well, last year it was kind of tough because that was the year I got moved to D-tackle," Etta said. "So it was definitely a mental challenge, getting the right headspace, being like, yeah, I can do this. It was more like, why is this happening to me? So I still gave it my all. I came out here every day, and I think that showed y'all was hearing my name. So I think I did something positive.
"But this year I think I've embraced it way more. I'm in a way different headspace. Like, I'm here, like, I'm going to do this. Like, I know what I can do, and now I want to prove it to the world."
It won't be an easy task, just like last year, but perhaps even more dire in some ways.
Last season, the Wolverines had two likely first-round draft picks in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant ahead of Etta, while he worked into rotation with Rayshaun Benny, Trey Pierce, and Ike Iwunnah. The latter three return this year while the maize and blue added even more depth in Tré Williams and Damon Payne. Thus, making his mark will require really standing out.
Etta, however, relishes the challenge, knowing he has to be his best in order to stand out.
"I think it's a challenge, but it's also a blessing, having a lot of guys that work," Etta said. "And not only that, we all work well together. Like, we're on the sidelines, but having a good time. We're in the locker room having a good time. And I think we push each other to be better. Like, no one's afraid to say anything to anybody. Like, sometimes I'll say something to Rayshaun, sometimes Tré -- Tré Williams from Clemson will say something to me.
"So, it was definitely a challenge because it's a lot of good guys next to me, and it's a lot of guys that have to play, and I know that, and I respect that. And a lot of guys have been showing what they can do, and I've been doing the same."
Michigan fans will get an opportunity to see Etta and the new-look defensive line in person on April 19 in the annual spring game at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Enow Etta ready to break out for Michigan football in 2025
Continue reading...
Etta had a role last season, but it wasn't exactly commensurate with the amount of attention he got in spring. Now that he's another year older, he's ready to show the world that said hype wasn't unwarranted.
But during the time, a year ago, despite teammates and coaches singing Etta's praises, he wasn't so sure of his newfound role. Now, however, he's acclimated and ready to show his mettle.
"Well, last year it was kind of tough because that was the year I got moved to D-tackle," Etta said. "So it was definitely a mental challenge, getting the right headspace, being like, yeah, I can do this. It was more like, why is this happening to me? So I still gave it my all. I came out here every day, and I think that showed y'all was hearing my name. So I think I did something positive.
"But this year I think I've embraced it way more. I'm in a way different headspace. Like, I'm here, like, I'm going to do this. Like, I know what I can do, and now I want to prove it to the world."
It won't be an easy task, just like last year, but perhaps even more dire in some ways.
Last season, the Wolverines had two likely first-round draft picks in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant ahead of Etta, while he worked into rotation with Rayshaun Benny, Trey Pierce, and Ike Iwunnah. The latter three return this year while the maize and blue added even more depth in Tré Williams and Damon Payne. Thus, making his mark will require really standing out.
Etta, however, relishes the challenge, knowing he has to be his best in order to stand out.
"I think it's a challenge, but it's also a blessing, having a lot of guys that work," Etta said. "And not only that, we all work well together. Like, we're on the sidelines, but having a good time. We're in the locker room having a good time. And I think we push each other to be better. Like, no one's afraid to say anything to anybody. Like, sometimes I'll say something to Rayshaun, sometimes Tré -- Tré Williams from Clemson will say something to me.
"So, it was definitely a challenge because it's a lot of good guys next to me, and it's a lot of guys that have to play, and I know that, and I respect that. And a lot of guys have been showing what they can do, and I've been doing the same."
Michigan fans will get an opportunity to see Etta and the new-look defensive line in person on April 19 in the annual spring game at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Enow Etta ready to break out for Michigan football in 2025
Continue reading...
