Michigan Wolverines

JUST IN: A former teammate shares thoughts on Jaishawn Barham, Michigan’s new linebacker.

Published

11 months ago

February 6, 2024

New Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham was well-liked, quiet and kept to himself during his first two seasons at Maryland, according to a former teammate.

Delmar Glaze, an all-Big Ten left tackle, touted Barham in an interview last week at the Senior Bowl — telling MLive that the 6-foot-4, 233-pound linebacker had practice habits that would translate just about anywhere in the country.

“He’s a real quiet guy,” Glaze said. “He’s not a guy that’s going to do too much. He just wants to work, practice and play. I mean, I would say he’s a hell of a player.”

Barham committed to the Wolverines in December after entering the NCAA transfer portal. He is already enrolled at Michigan and attending classes.

At Maryland, Barham appeared in 22 games and earned honorable mention all-Big Ten from the league following the 2023 season. In 10 games, the District Heights, Md., native totaled 37 tackles, had three sacks and intercepted a J.J. McCarthy pass against Michigan.

“He can do everything,” Glaze continued. “I’ve seen him do everything. I would say he’s very versatile. I’ve seen him make some incredible plays. He can rush, he can play coverage.

“A guy like that, I mean, I feel like he’s a great addition anywhere he decides to play. And well, he’s headed to Michigan.”

Barham was a four-star recruit who played high school ball at Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, where he was teammates with Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore. He was ranked No. 119 in the class and had scholarship offers from nearly two-dozen schools, including Michigan and Notre Dame. Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston was one of Barham’s primary recruiters at Notre Dame.

Then he became an instant-impact player as a true freshman, playing in 12 games while amassing 59 tackles, four sacks and forcing a fumble.

“He was almost one of those guys that looked like the few that came into college ready to go,” Glaze said. “He could make plays right away, and that’s what we saw him do.”

Michigan will hope for similar results from Barham, who is expected to step in at linebacker and play alongside returner Ernest Hausmann, another former transfer (Nebraska

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