Michigan Football: 5 breakout freshmen to watch in 2018

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on January 1, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

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Aidan Hutchinson may be the the highest-rated recruit in this class, but Cameron McGrone is only behind him by the slimmest of margins. The linebacker, to whom 247 Sports gave a rare five-star rating, committed to Michigan back last July over Notre Dame and Indiana from his home state.

McGrone is on the smaller side, but he’s got blazing speed, and could be an absolute force as an edge rusher for the Wolverines. His high school performances earned him the honor of being named the defensive player of the year in Indiana, and his showing at the 2018 U.S. Army All-American game raised more than a few eyebrows.

The Wolverines are loaded at linebacker, but McGrone is the real deal. With the new redshirt rules, he should be able to work his way onto the field early. Don’t be surprised if he’s become a mainstay in the rotation by the end of 2018.

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