TJ Metcalf poised for major role in Michigan's versatile secondary at safety or nickel

USA Today

08-08-2025

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- There are a few positions on the Michigan football team that may not be settled, but there is little-to-no concern about who will end up taking the field with the first snap of each game.
The most heralded, at least in local and regional media, is defensive tackle, as there's expected to be a six-man rotation among the two spots. But safety is arguably as deep, and nickel may be too, with so many players who are capable and have experience at those positions.
At safety, Rod Moore is expected to return this year after missing all of 2024 with a torn ACL. But Brandyn Hillman and Mason Curtis got good time on task and will be, at the very least, heavily in rotation. Jaden Mangham missed last season after transferring from rival MSU, and he could find his way in. But one player who came aboard this year isn't just a shoo-in to see the field, he might be the best of them all, save for Moore.
Former Arkansas transfer TJ Metcalf put on a show in the spring game and there's been a lot of buzz about the junior's potential. We know we'll see him early and often, but the big question appears to be, 'Where?' A versatile player who can play either safety position or nickel, Metcalf says he's not the only one moonlighting across the defensive backfield, but he's confident that the team will be better for it -- wherever he ends up.
"Yeah, they got me a couple different -- both safety spots, playing nickel, too," Metcalf said. "We've got a lot of guys rotating at different positions, so I like it for us. Like I said in the spring, everybody getting different snaps, different positions, so I think it's going to be good for us."
Even so, Metcalf is clear that he'll be out on the field with the first defensive snap each game. The question may remain 'Where?' but no matter what, he's quite determined to be somewhere.
"I'm a starter. After spring, I knew for sure, coaches would come up to me and be like, 'This is your team, just like it's any other leader's team,'" Metcalf said. "I think my role is going to be big for this team this year. The coaches constantly let me know, 'You got a voice, too. You're a leader, too. You're a vet. Just take over.' That's pretty much where I fit with that."
With Moore's return and Hillman and Curtis likely to also play safety, it does appear that Metcalf could end up being the team's nickel this season. However, it is one of just a few fall camp mysteries that will not be solved until the 2025 season opener against New Mexico on August 30.