Michigan’s ultra-reliable walk-on linebacker and special-teams grinder
In the 2024 season, Joel Metzger was a senior linebacker for Michigan, appearing in one game on defense and special teams after building a reputation as a dependable depth piece and elite academic performer. His calling card is not flashy box-score production; it’s consistency, toughness, and buy-in — a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree who also earned the team’s Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Year award. If you want a hard-nosed, team-first linebacker who makes the room better and won’t blink in the dirty-work minutes, Metzger fits the profile.
