The Michigan football defense has a rising star that is ready to have a breakout year

A few rising stars are in the making in Ann Arbor right now as the Wolverines gear up for a season full of huge expectations — perhaps more so than any year in recent memory. If the Maize and Blue are to contend for a national title in 2023, a few new faces must step up. One of these potential breakout candidates for the Michigan football defense is safety Makari Paige, who started five games last year and could see a huge role for Michigan during the coming season.

Makari Paige could turn into a superstar for the Michigan football defense in 2023

Makari Paige is one of the most talented players in the Big Ten conference — that much we know. Still, he missed a pair of games during the Wolverines’ 2022 slate and only started five times last fall. With the 2023 season approaching, the Michigan football defense is preparing for a potential breakout season from Paige and a few others.

As a prospect, Makari Paige was a 247 Sports composite four-star defensive back in Jim Harbaugh’s 2020 recruiting class. He was ranked as the No. 227 recruit in the nation, the No. 20 safety in his class, and the No. 5 player in the state of Michigan. Now, after a few years on the sidelines in Ann Arbor, Makari Paige appears poised to turn a few heads this fall.

Thus far, during his time with the Michigan Wolverines, Paige has appeared in 27 total games, making six starts in Michigan’s impressive defensive secondary. He played roles on both of the Wolverines’ recent Big Ten Championship-winning squads and showed breakout potential as a junior for the Michigan football defense last year. During his 12 games of action last year, Makari Paige recorded 41 tackles, an interception, and a trio of pass breakups, assisting the Wolverines in their winningest season in program history (13-1 overall).

Despite not seeing the field as much as a few other Wolverine defenders, Makari Paige made the All-Big Ten honorable mention list in 2022. With the 2023 season just over 45 days away, this long-time Wolverine appears poised to step up and become a total package star for the Maize and Blue throughout the coming months.