Name: T.J. Guy
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 250 lbs.
High school: Mansfield (MA) Mansfield
Position: Defensive end
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #42 #4
Last year: I ranked Guy #27aand said he would be a backup defensive end with 20 tackles and 3 sacks (LINK). He made 32 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries.
TTB Rating: 65
Guy quietly turned into a pretty destructive pass rusher in 2024, finishing second on the team with 5.5 sacks behind Josaiah Stewart's 8.5. That was perhaps especially impressive because Guy was essentially a backup, starting only three games. I felt like Guy finished the season strongly, making 3 sacks against Indiana and Northwestern and then playing well against Alabama. He has not added any weight since last season, and he can sometimes get pushed around in the run game, but his length and speed make him an asset on the pass rush.
This season Guy should be even more productive with more playing time, and his new #4 jersey (after switching from #42) should look fun getting after the quarterback; it's not often we see pass rushers wearing single-digit jerseys, which may be one reason why I look back so fondly on #2 Shawn Crable. He may get replaced at times in run-stuffing situations, but the Wolverines have a good situation at edge with Cam Brandt and Dominic Nichols serving as backups, some young players with athleticism, and the potential of using linebacker Jaishawn Barham off the edge as well. I'm expecting a good season out of Guy that will end with him being a day two or day three pick in the NFL draft next spring.
Prediction: Starting defensive end; 40 tackles, 8 sacks
Yep no doubt that Guy closed the season strong but I just don't think a player who has done so little through 4 years in the program is going to suddenly be a star. I hope I'm wrong and he is as productive as most others seem to think. I do think the floor is high with him being a 5th year guy -- but I just don't see an all conference player here or a high NFL draft pick. Granted, he's been behind NFL guys all along, but I'd rather somebody push their way onto the field earlier, especially for a lighter edge that should be making noise as a pass rusher.
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