The Michigan Wolverines announced yesterday that defensive end Michael Danna would be joining the football program as a graduate transfer.
Welcome to Michigan, Michael Danna! @MDanna7
The graduate transfer from Central Michigan is a defensive lineman and will be eligible to compete this fall. #GoBlue | #NewBlue pic.twitter.com/zaQuWPswfM
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 20, 2019
A Detroit native, Michael Danna spent the past four seasons at Central Michigan University. Danna started 16 games and played in 38 games for the Chippewas, racking up 151 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks according to ESPN.
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Michael Danna is coming off arguably the most productive season of his career where despite CMU’s 1-11 record he was able to tally 66 tackles, with 15 TFLs, and 9.5 sacks. He added three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Danna set career highs with 10 tackles against Toledo (Nov. 23) and a four-sack effort against Maine (Sept. 22).
In recognition of his incredible year, Michael Danna was named All-MAC first team and earned the Chippewas’ Herb Deromedi Most Valuable Player Award.
Danna was in the transfer portal for less than a month before announcing his plans to join the Wolverines. The defensive end visited the Ann Arbor earlier this month before making the move.
After graduating from Central Michigan this spring, Danna will be immediately eligible to make his mark on the Wolverines this season. Michigan lost both starting defensive ends to the NFL Draft, as Chase Winovich had expiring eligibility and Rashan Gary decided to forego his final season. The Wolverines return three pass-rushers who saw extensive time last season in Josh Uche, Kwity Paye, and Aidan Hutchinson.
While the pass rush has been among Michigan’s best assets on defense over the years, there will be some question surrounding it heading into next season. Adding Michael Danna to the mix certainly helps add depth to the defensive end position, but we’ll have to wait and see who can establish themselves as a proven pass rusher during the 2019 season.
