In the Trenches: Hutchinson Sees Opportunity in Return, Discusses Goals for Season
8/18/2021 9:00:00 AM | Football, Features
In this week's edition of the "In the Trenches" podcast, Jon Jansen welcomes in defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson. He reflects on his decision to return for the upcoming season, breaks down his fit into the Wolverines' new defensive scheme, shares his excitement level for the start of the season, and sets the scene for the rest of the defensive line.
By Brian Boesch
In the days following Michigan's game at Indiana last November, many wondered if Aidan Hutchinson donned the winged helmet for the final time. Aidan, the son of the great former Michigan captain Chris Hutchinson, suffered a right leg injury against the Hoosiers and did not return during the six-game, pandemic-shortened season.
Michigan fans received quite the holiday present on Dec. 28, when Hutchinson announced he would forego the NFL Draft and return to Ann Arbor for one more season in the maize and blue. As he and the Wolverines approach the opener against Western Michigan, Hutchinson firmly believes he made the right decision.
"It really means everything, and looking at it now, in hindsight, I think it was the best decision I could have made," Hutchinson said on this week's edition of the "In the Trenches" podcast, "for my own growth and development as a football player, as a person, (to) get more mature, (to) continue to develop my leadership. I think that was something big that I've learned.
"I think it was the best decision I've ever made, coming back for these guys and to make this team better and to become a better player and just a better person."
Hutchinson was a popular name on way-too-early 2021 NFL mock drafts in advance of his announcement to return to school, and he likely is to be a first-round candidate in 2022 for a number of reasons. This offseason, Hutchinson lost some weight and feels like he is faster than ever before. Plus, the changes to Michigan's defensive system will benefit him when being evaluated by NFL teams.
"This change of defense has only made me that much more versatile. I'm learning so many different techniques that I hadn't even known existed before this," Hutchinson said. "When I get to that next level, and they put me in a defense, I believe I would have seen it before. I would have done the techniques before."
For now, though, the NFL can wait. After playing just three games last season, Hutchinson is anxious to get out on the field and showcase his skills, along with the potential of this defense.
"I have a different appreciation for the game. I never really had an injury before, and being out—not being able to play ball—it sucks, and it was so hard," he said. "I've been moving a lot of weights for a long time, so I'm just ready to get back to football."
Getting back to football is one thing, but getting back to winning at a high level is what Hutchinson is truly after in the coming months. He understands that his legacy at Michigan relies on winning, and he has two primary goals in mind heading into his last ride in Ann Arbor.
"I want to win a Big Ten championship. That's something that I haven't achieved here at Michigan. I feel like it's incomplete," he said. "Obviously, you can make all the plays you want. You can make all the sacks, TFLs, but you don't have a ring? There's a feeling of unfulfillment there, in my mind at least, so that's one thing, and I want to beat Ohio State. Hands down, those are the two things that I care about the most, and I think if I play well this season, and we beat Ohio State, and we win the Big Ten championship, that will fulfill my legacy."
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