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Michigan Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

By Ryan McNeill

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to avoid the tackle of A.J. Westbrook #19 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to avoid the tackle of A.J. Westbrook #19 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: Mike McCray #9 of the Michigan Wolverines sacks J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of their game at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: Mike McCray #9 of the Michigan Wolverines sacks J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of their game at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

This season won’t be all fun and games like it was for Michigan’s unofficial team photographer during the team trip to Rome.

While McCray was able to kick loose and have fun with teammates during Michigan’s trip to Rome, there will be a lot of pressure on McCray this season. The 2016 season was McCray’s first season fully healthy and in a large role, and that has put him on the Butkus watch list heading into this season.

Last season, McCray played in all 13 games after missing the entire 2015 season due to an injury. He stepped up with 45 tackles (13.5 for a loss) and had 4.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions and took one back 18-yards for a touchdown.

There could be a lot of pressure on McCray as he is the lone returning starter on defense for Michigan. However, after chatting with McCray at the Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, he appeared relaxed, confident and ready for the challenge of leading Michigan’s defense this season.

Look for McCray to thrive as a leader of Michigan’s defense this season and be on the final list of Butkus candidates after this season.

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