Michigan football DE John Henry Daley updates recovery timeline
"I had a great year last year, but I feel like that's ... not the ceiling," Michigan football edge John Henry Daley said.
The prize of Michigan football 's offseason haul hasn't yet participated in practice with the Wolverines, but he's getting closer and has announced a target date to get back on the field. John Henry Daley, a second-team All-American EDGE transfer from Utah who came to U-M after his coach and position coach both made the move from Salt Lake City to Ann Arbor , suffered an Achilles injury late in the Utes' 2025 season. After months of rehabilitation, he met with U-M media for the first time on Monday, March 30, and gave some insight into his timeline as it pertains to a return to play.
"I've already communicated it with coach Whit [Kyle Whittingham], but yeah, June 1 is when they're expecting me to be full go," Daley said. "Being able to participate in all the team activities, so yeah, should be really soon. " As a redshirt sophomore in 2025, Daley had 48 tackles, including 17½ for loss (tied for best in the country), 11½ sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup in 11 games before a season-ending injury.
Daley posted on social media shortly after that he would be back from the injury in six months – in plenty of time for the start of the 2026 season − and appears on track for that timeline. 'CROOTIN': Sidney Rouleau, four-star Texas OL, commits to Michigan football Daley has been sidelined since the Wolverines opened spring practice on March 17, but he has been able to participate in his own rehab regimen and has stayed in the weight room working on other elements of his physique. "Physically, upper-body wise, I'm probably the best I've ever been in my life," he said.
"With regards to my injury, I've come along really well. Starting to jog and run right now. I'm feeling fantastic and everybody is very optimistic about it.