As the Michigan Wolverines gear up for another season with championship aspirations, a new name is emerging as a potential game-changer on the defensive line: Rayshaun Benny. While Michigan’s offseason has been filled with both excitement and noise, the steady development of Benny stands out as a testament to the program’s culture of patience, development, and trust in veteran talent.
Michigan lost significant star power to the NFL this year, particularly on the defensive front, with first-rounder Mason Graham and many others departing for the pros. But the Wolverines have a proven track record of developing the “next man up.” Enter Rayshaun Benny, a fifth-year senior who has quietly worked his way from a rotational player to a candidate for breakout stardom.
Standing at 6’4” and 296 pounds, Benny’s journey has been defined by steady improvement. While he recorded just 1.5 sacks last season, his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. Benny ended the year playing his best football, sharing Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors after Michigan’s upset of Ohio State, a performance that showcased his ability to shine in the biggest moments.
Benny’s career trajectory is a case study in development. His snap count has increased every year: from barely seeing the field in 2021 (around 20 snaps), to just under 150 in 2022, nearly 225 in 2023, and close to 300 in 2024. With each increase in responsibility, Benny’s performance has improved. His overall defensive grade climbed from the 50s in his early years to nearly 80 in his most recent season. It’s clear that Benny’s trajectory is heading in the upward direction.
And the productivity numbers back it up. In 2022, Benny recorded five quarterback pressures. That number jumped to six in 2023, and then exploded to 15 in 2024. His ability to generate stops followed a similar pattern: zero in 2021, five in 2022, 15 in 2023, and 17 in 2024. These are not just incremental gains; they’re the marks of a player who is peaking at the perfect time.
What sets Michigan apart from many programs is its commitment to player development and patience with veterans. Many schools fall into the “shiny new toy” trap—giving priority to incoming freshmen or transfers at the expense of players who have put in years of work. This approach often leads to instability, transfers, and a lack of program cohesion.
Michigan, under both Jim Harbaugh and current head coach Sherrone Moore, has bucked this trend. The Wolverines have built a culture where players are encouraged to develop at their own pace. If you’re not a starter in your first or second year, that’s okay. Stick with the process, keep improving, and your time will come. Benny is the latest example of this philosophy paying off.
Perhaps the most telling sign of Benny’s emergence is how much the coaching staff trusted him in the biggest games. His highest snap counts in 2024 came against Alabama in the bowl game (44 snaps), Oregon (37 snaps), and Ohio State (32 snaps). When the stakes were highest, Michigan leaned on Benny, a clear vote of confidence in his ability to deliver when it matters most.
The Wolverines’ approach stands in stark contrast to programs that chase instant results with high-profile freshmen or transfers. Michigan’s focus on internal development, veteran leadership, and culture has created a sustainable pipeline of talent and a locker room built on trust and camaraderie. It’s no coincidence that these are the hallmarks of championship teams.
This model is what separates perennial contenders from programs that struggle to find consistency. The “shiny new toy fallacy” may generate headlines, but it rarely builds lasting success. Michigan’s investment in players like Benny is proof that patience, development, and belief in the process are still the keys to building a winner.
As Michigan looks to defend its place among college football’s elite, Rayshaun Benny represents more than just another name on the depth chart. He embodies the Wolverines’ commitment to doing things the right way—developing talent, trusting veterans, and building a culture that prizes teamwork and perseverance over instant gratification.
Disclaimer: The content of this article was originally published as a YouTube video on the SMI College Football Show YouTube channel. With AI assistance, the publisher of the video created this article based on the content of that video.
