Published by
The Detroit News
The Detroit News
Michigan linebacker Josh Ross was fielding questions during the breakout sessions at Big Ten Media Days last summer when he was asked which player might surprise fans this season. Ross, a two-time captain, didn’t hesitate. “Mazi Smith is going to ball out this year,” Ross said back in July. “D-tackle. Yes he is.” While edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo have garnered much of the attention this season — the two have combined for 25 sacks, including Hutchinson’s Michigan single-season record of 14 — the interior of the defensive line often gets overlooked. Smith doesn’t mind. After al…