Ann Arbor, Mich. — Freshman edge rusher Tariq Boney has moved into a meaningful role in Michigan’s defensive rotation after a quiet first two games, giving the Wolverines another pass-rush threat ahead of Saturday’s home game against Penn State.
Boney, a 6-foot-1, 243-pound product of St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., and the District’s Gatorade Player of the Year, erupted against UTEP for four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack, then added another sack the following week against Iowa.
He has carved out snaps alongside fellow freshman Carter Meadows. Head coach Kyle Whittingham highlighted Boney’s upside in media availability and again named Boney and Meadows among young players who have impressed in practice.
Pro Football Focus graded Boney among Michigan’s highest-rated defenders through the first five games despite limited snaps, often fewer than 20 per contest. National lists have also ranked him among top freshmen nationally.
Michigan is 3-2 and 0-2 in the Big Ten heading into the Oct. 17 matchup with Penn State at Michigan Stadium, where Whittingham has stressed ball security and keeping edge rushers fresh late in games.
