— Allen Gant (@allengant_93) January 22, 2016
Tony Gant’s son is moving on. With all the various configurations of Michigan’s defense requiring a lot of range from safeties, and with Peppers (in their standard 4-2-5) and James Ross (in the rare 4-3) taking nickel and SAM duties, Gant had a tough path to playing time throughout his career. With Ross’s graduation Michigan seemed content to let him try out in spring for a senior Cam Gordon role. But with a degree in hand and plenty of younger competition—including Peppers—ahead of him, it was obvious that Gant’s best chance of seeing the field regularly will be somewhere else. As a grad transfer, he’ll be able to play immediately wherever he lands.
Despite being the last listed “SAM” on the roster, his departure won’t affect Michigan too badly. Michigan now has 22 open spots, and further attrition is still expected to get that to 28-30.