One thing Michigan football has long had during its championship run is depth. While that’s a good thing in many respects, on the other hand, there are players who have been left in the lurch.

One such player is senior linebacker Jaydon Hood.

The former four-star from powerhouse high school Fort Lauderdale (Florida) St. Thomas Aquinas arrived in 2021 but has had to wait his turn. At first, he had to wait behind Josh Ross, Junior Colson and Nikhai Hill-Green. In 2022, it was Colson, Michael Barrett and then-freshman Jimmy Rolder. Last year, it was Colson and Barrett again, as well as transfer Ernest Hausmann, though it appeared that Hood was emerging.

He appeared in 12 games and managed 13 tackles, but he flashed earlier in the season and disappeared in the latter part. So in spring ball, though now he’s behind Hausmann and transfer Jaishawn Barham, he’s making the most of his opportunity to climb the depth chart.

“Yeah, definitely taking steps forward,” Hood said. “It’s an honor playing Michigan — No. 1 defense, national champs — so I don’t take that lightly. I prepare myself every day knowing that and I’m just trying to get myself better so I step in that role. I’m ready.”

Given his lack of opportunity, at least on the field, it would make sense if Hood decided to seek greener pastures. In the modern era of college football. if you’re a high-profile player, as Hood was in high school, if you’re not seeing playing time, you enter the transfer portal.

However, it was never a consideration for Hood. Not when Michigan brought in Barham in the early offseason, not when Jim Harbaugh left and Sherrone Moore took over, not with a change in the entire defensive coaching staff — at no point did he consider leaving.

But why? Considering how rare that is nowadays, Hood says because he’s learned from those ahead of him, respects those who lead him and knows the value of the school he’s at.

“I believe in this program, I believe coach Moore,” Hood said. “I believe in coach Wink, (Brian Jean-Mary). I believe in myself. I think following Junior and Mike B. — great examples and I think that I’m able to contribute, too. I waited for a reason. So I’m gonna show you about I can play, too, for sure.”