With heightened expectations, Ernest Hausmann preparing to step into top linebacker spot

Slotting in behind the winningest player in program history and a future third round NFL draft pick, Ernest Hausmann wasn’t often talked about as a key component of last year’s Michigan football team. 

The now-junior linebacker had just transferred from Nebraska, and while he did rack up 46 total tackles — good for third-most on the team — throughout all 15 games, the spotlight shone significantly brighter on his talented counterparts, Michael Barrett Jr. and Junior Colson. As such, Hausmann found himself in a reserve role.

With both Barrett and Colson off to the pros, however, this upcoming season presents a whole new challenge for Hausmann.

“It’s obviously a different role, different expectations with that role,” Hausmann said Sunday. “ … I’m looking forward to it.”

Indeed, expectations for Hausmann this year compared to last are night and day. He was a big portal pick-up, no doubt about it, but Barrett and Colson were both locks to start at linebacker heading into last season. Hausmann was expected to provide depth and support. A year later, he’s now the most experienced and lauded guy in the room. 

And as he looks to set himself up for success in this new role, Hausmann is leaning on the lessons he took from past seasons and former leaders.

“Last year was a tremendous year,” Hausmann said. “Obviously winning the National Championship, but being able to learn under so many great people, great leadership here at Michigan. … My mentality coming here to Michigan and just being able to absorb, be a sponge, just absorb any knowledge I can has really prepared me for this year.”

Despite assuming the number three spot after joining the Wolverines, Hausmann does have some starting experience under his belt. With the Cornhuskers, he appeared in all 12 games and made seven starts, becoming only the fifth true freshman linebacker to start a game for Nebraska in the last 30 seasons.

One of those games was against his future teammates in Ann Arbor. And as it turns out, it was one of his best performances. Although his Cornhuskers lost by 31 points, Hausmann ended the day with a team-high 10 tackles and his first-ever sack.

Of course, starting for Nebraska isn’t exactly the same as starting for the defending national champions. Regardless, the experience should be helpful as Hausmann gears up to take on a significantly larger role for Michigan.

It’s still unclear who might line up next to Hausmann, but fellow junior linebacker and Big Ten transfer Jaishawn Barham brings an impressive resume to the Wolverines. He started all 23 games across two seasons with Maryland, leading all Big Ten freshmen with 58 tackles and earning freshman All-American honors.

“Playing with (Barham), it’s like a sort of switch that flips once you start understanding the defense,” Hausmann said. “It kind of took off in the spring, developed and then towards the end of (the spring), you could finally see it clicking and clicking. Then now, since (fall) camp, each and every day he’s starting to understand more and more and more. It’s very fun to play with him.”

While Barham is still adjusting to Michigan’s system, junior linebackers Micah Pollard and Jimmy Rolder and senior Jaydon Hood are a few more players to keep an eye on.

For Hausmann, though, he’ll be focusing mostly on himself while also working to step up as a leader within the linebacker room. Because a lot has changed since last season, and now, there’s no one else in front of him.

The post With heightened expectations, Ernest Hausmann preparing to step into top linebacker spot appeared first on The Michigan Daily.


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