Brandon Graham

Graham is primed to likely make the transition from down lineman at Michigan to a stand-up linebacker role in the NFL. He's willing to do whatever it takes to earn playing time as proven when, as a freshman, he volunteered to slide inside to play defensive tackle when that position was thinned by injuries. He also volunteered to join the kick coverage unit as a senior, trying to add to his resume for NFL teams. All he did was block two punts and recover another one for a touchdown in 2009. There are not too many 6-foot-1 defensive ends making regular visits to the Pro Bowl in the NFL. He sees the success that a former Wolverine has had since moving to linebacker -- LaMarr Woodley, a standout linebacker who replaced another former college defensive end in Pittsburgh's lineup, Joey Porter. Woodley has posted 25 sacks during his last two seasons. Graham could also point to Elvis Dumervil, a college defensive end from Louisville, who had a breakout season for the Broncos in 2009. Dumervill led the NFL in sacks (17) once he made the move, but was previously considered nothing more than a journeyman defensive end earlier in his pro career. "I look at myself as the next one," Graham said of Dumervil. "He's 6-1, he's small. A lot of people didn't think he could do it. I believe whoever gets me is going to love me." Graham said his transition to linebacker should be smooth; he played that position in high school. Even if he remains at defensive end, he shouldn't be underestimated. Michigan running back Brandon Minor compares his teammate to a certain Colts defensive end who measures exactly the same: 6-1, 268. "He'll be like a faster Dwight Freeney." At a school with a tremendous history for producing elite talent, Graham was the first Michigan defensive player to ever be voted Most Valuable Player twice (2008, 2009). The previous two-time MVPs are running back Mike Hart (2006, '07), wide receiver Anthony Carter (1980, '82), running back Ron Johnson (1968, '69), running back Tom Harmon (1939, '40) and guard Ralph Heikkinen (1937, '38). In recognition of his stellar performance during a sluggish 5-7 season by the Wolverines, he shared 2009 Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten Conference's Most Valuable Player with Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark. Graham closed out his career ranked second in school history in forced fumbles (8), evident that he not only gets to the quarterback or running back, but makes things happen when he does. His 29.5 quarterback sacks and 56.0 tackles behind the line of scrimmage also rank second in school annals. In 46 games at Michigan, 40.56 percent of his tackles were behind the line of scrimmage. Graham attended Crockett Vocation Technical High School, where he led the school to its first Detroit Public School League title as a junior and a semifinal appearance in the Division IV playoffs. The four-year starter earned Parade, EA Sports and USA Today All-American first-team honors as a senior. He was rated the 14th-best player in the nation by USA Today and Prep Football Report. He was selected Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and was a member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's National Top 25 squad. The Detroit News rated Graham the state's best blue chip prospect in 2005, as the Detroit Free Press rated him second in the Midwest region. He received a five-star prospect rating from Prep Football Report and Rivals.com, while Prep Star ranked him third among the nation's linebackers. He also earned Detroit News first-team All-Metro and first-team Class B All-State honors as a junior. Graham recorded 307 tackles, including 112 for loss and 56 sacks during his career. He also collected 16 fumble recoveries, forced six more and grabbed two interceptions in four years at Crockett. He averaged more than 40 yards per attempt as a punter. Even though he was limited to seven games of action as a senior due to injury, he totaled 98 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two interceptions and forced six fumbles. As a junior, Graham posted 20 sacks and 10 fumble recoveries. He became the first player from the state of Michigan to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Elected captain of the East squad for the U.S. Army game, he collected four tackles and one blocked field goal. In addition to football, Graham participated in basketball while also throwing the shot put in track, logging a career-best toss of 50-0. He also ran a 10.9 in the 100 meters along with a 23.5 in the 200. Graham appeared in 10 games during the 2005 season for Michigan. He saw time at defensive end vs. Vanderbilt, but then moved inside to shore up depth issues at tackle and nose guard. He finished the year with just three tackles, but assisted on a sack and caused one fumble. As a sophomore, Graham played in 13 games, starting five contests at right defensive end. His three forced fumbles that season tied for fourth on the school season-record list. He collected 25 tackles (13 solo), as a part-time starter and led the team and ranked seventh in the Big Ten Conference with 8.5 sacks. He also came up with two fumble recoveries, earning a spot on the Ted Hendricks Award Watch List (nation's top defensive end). In 2008, Graham took over left defensive end duties, starting 11 games. The All-American honorable mention and All-Big Ten second-team pick was bothered at midseason by a leg infection, but still went on to rank second in the conference and 11th in the nation with 10 sacks, the eighth-best total in team annals. He led the league and finished second nationally with 20 stops behind the line of scrimmage, as he produced 46 tackles (29 solo) and caused two fumbles. As a senior, Graham was an All-American and All-Big Ten selection, in addition to being a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award. He registered 10.5 sacks with 64 tackles (42 solo) and caused two fumbles. He blocked two punts and returned another blocked kick for a touchdown. He also led the NCAA with 26.0 stops for loss, tying for second on the school season-record chart.