Jim Harbaugh Was Thrilled To Tell Junior Colson, His Top LB At Michigan, That The Chargers Were Drafting Him

Michigan Wolverines linebacker Junior Colson wore Maze n’ Blue uniforms in college. Thanks to his former coach Jim Harbaugh, he’ll be wearing a similar color scheme in the NFL.

The Los Angeles Chargers needed a lot of help retooling their defense, which ranked 28th in total defense last season. With a core of aging and sometimes injury-prone stars holding up that side of the ball, they looked to the draft class for reinforcements.

PASADENA, Calif. - Linebacker Junior Colson of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after a play during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

When the third round came on Friday, Colson was still on the board. He was a standout defender on Michigan’s top-ranked defense, helping the Maize n’ Blue win a national title all while leading the team in tackles (95). Dane Brugler of The Athletic gave this analysis of what Colson brings to the table:

"Overall, Colson checks a lot of boxes for the next level with his physicality downhill, athleticism in space and iron-man toughness that he brings to work every day. He projects as an NFL starting MIKE early in his career…"

In addition to his talent and accomplishments, Colson had someone in a very important position advocating for him in the Chargers draft room.

Los Angeles’ coach just so happens to be Harbaugh, who coached Colson in Ann Arbor. As such, he knew all about what the linebacker could bring to the NFL, and made sure that the Chargers selected him.

So with the 69th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected Colson. The best part was that Harbaugh got the privilege of delivering the good news, and he was elated he got to have a Wolverine join him in Southern California.

Colson landed in a great situation, thanks to a little help from his coach. It must be good to have friends in high places.