Jaishawn Barham’s path to Michigan, outlook for 2024

With Junior Colson and Michael Barrett now in the NFL, Michigan needed not only depth but experience at inside linebacker. Enter Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham.

The story so far

Barham played high school ball at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore and was a four-star prospect in the 2022 class. the No. 130 overall prospect in the 2022 class, per 247Sports. Barham committed to South Carolina before flipping to Maryland after receiving offers from programs such as Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, and USC, among others.

Barham was an immediate contributor for Maryland during his true freshman campaign in 2022, totaling 58 tackles (6.5 for loss), four sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Barham didn’t surpass those totals last season, dipping to 37 tackles (3 for loss), three sacks, and one interception of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

At the conclusion of the 2023 season Barham entered the transfer portal and committed to Michigan. Barham was with the Wolverines for spring practices, and received props from head coach Sherrone Moore.

“Instinctual, physical, violent, fast — everything you want in a linebacker,” Moore said. “As quiet as can be, just goes about his business the right way, just how we like the transfers that come in here. They just come in, assimilate themselves in the culture and keep attacking. He’s been outstanding, and just I can’t wait to see what he does.”

Outlook moving forward

Barham, who stands 6-foot-3, 248 pounds, will be a welcomed addition to Michigan’s linebacker room this season. Barham and Ernest Hausmann will be Michigan’s primary inside linebackers.

Barham has great athleticism and has a penchant for getting into the opponents backfield via sacks and tackles for loss, which are traits necessary in Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme.

Barham will be wearing No. 1 on his uniform and that should send a message before he plays a snap. He expects to become a top linebacker for the Wolverines.