On a Michigan defense that saw five players selected in the NFL Draft last April, securing a top spot on the depth chart is no easy feat. However, junior linebacker Jimmy Rolder has managed to carve out a growing role in recent weeks, showing increased confidence and capability. Rolder, who made an appearance as a freshman—something not typically seen in a defense as competitive as Michigan’s—missed much of his sophomore season due to injury. Despite this setback, he has been steadily working his way back onto the field.
After an initial slow start, Rolder is now gaining momentum. His performance has caught the attention of Michigan’s coaching staff, and he has been receiving more playing time each week. Michigan linebackers coach and run game coordinator, Brian Jean-Mary, acknowledged Rolder’s challenges with injuries, explaining that his progress had been hindered largely due to bad luck. “You can’t really become the player that you want to be if you’re not able to practice,” Jean-Mary said in a press conference in September, noting that many of Rolder’s injuries were simply unfortunate.
Despite logging only 16 snaps in Michigan’s matchup against USC, Rolder made a significant impact, earning the highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade among the linebackers for that game. His strong performance didn’t go unnoticed, and in the following game against Minnesota, his snap count nearly doubled to 30, where he again led his position group in PFF grades. Rolder’s contribution on the field was solidified by four tackles during the contest, further boosting his stock within the defense.
Jean-Mary also emphasized Rolder’s importance to the team, stating that his skill set and work ethic make him invaluable. “He’s really played his way into being that third starter that most groups hope to have,” Jean-Mary said, pointing out that Rolder has become a player the team can rely on. The coaching staff believes that Rolder’s contributions will only grow as the season progresses, and his snap counts are expected to continue rising, including in the upcoming game against Washington.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Rolder has the physicality and athleticism that align with the modern game, yet his style retains a classic, old-school MIKE linebacker feel. If he continues to make the most of his opportunities, particularly in this redshirt sophomore year, Rolder could become a key piece of Michigan’s defense for seasons to come. His pro-ready build and instinctive play could make him a staple for the maize and blue defense, ensuring that he remains a significant part of the Wolverines’ game plan.
