In the best-case scenario, I assumed they would operate similarly to the 2020–21 Brooklyn Nets, a squad that witnessed Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving (briefly) demonstrate their advanced individual skill sets inside a highly effective isolation-heavy system. I think the Nets would have won the championship if they had been healthy; it’s a fun discussion that should not be missed. Rather, these Suns showed themselves to be paper-thin, prone to injuries, and, as the playoffs demonstrated, built to rule a league that no longer exists.
Mike Barrett, a sixth-year senior linebacker, made the same announcement shortly after offensive guard Zak Zinter did, indicating that he will return to Ann Arbor the following season.
Now that Barrett is back in the fold, Michigan’s linebacker corps can compete with any in the Big Ten and even stand out among the best in the nation. Barrett leads a very, highly athletic, diversified, and successful group of backers that also includes Junior Colson, young Jimmy Rolder, transfer prospect Ernest Hausmann, and possibly Nikhai Hill-Green if he gets healthy again.
Throughout his whole football career, at all levels, Barrett has been a jack of all trades. He was a dual-threat quarterback in high school. He has been a “offensive weapon” for Michigan, appearing in games as a running back, wide receiver, H-back, return guy, Viper, and, of course, the more conventional linebacker that he is now.
At 6-0 and 233 pounds, Barrett is a bit of a “tweener,” not quite the right size for a genuine linebacker and not quite the right speed and fluidity for a true safety. However, he’s a fantastic defensive tool in the modern football world. He is athletic enough to play in space against running backs and tight ends, and he is large and strong enough to check them.
the same attacking players. I have no idea exactly what his NFL future holds, which may be the reason he’s returning to Michigan for his sixth season. Whatever his reasoning for making this choice, head coach Jim Harbaugh’s desire for Barrett’s return was evident following the Ohio State game. He stated as much at the podium following the game, and it has finally materialized.