Michigan Football: 5 Toughest Defenders Wolverines Will Face in 2016

No individual player makes a team, but the Michigan Wolverines must overcome a handful of college football's best defenders during the 2016 campaign.

Using Bleacher Report's post-spring-practice top-50 list as a guide, the following players are considered the toughest opponents on the Maize and Blue's upcoming slate.

Since an extra spot remained, the fifth name is a subjective choice yet a tremendous talent who might be among the nation's top players once the season is over.

The list begins with No. 5 and works toward the top spot.

5. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State

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Joey Bosa headed to the NFL draft, leaving a vacancy few programs could seamlessly fill. Ohio State fits the bill, though, because it has Sam Hubbard ready to take over.

After redshirting two years ago, he occupied a minor role behind Bosa in 2015. Still, Hubbard registered a sack in six different games and finished with eight tackles for loss.

Ohio State will likely move Hubbard around to find the best matchup. Against Michigan, he'll deal with right tackle Erik Magnuson and either Grant Newsome or Mason Cole on the left, depending on whether the former holds on to his projected starting spot.

Bosa ripped the Wolverines for two hurries, one sack, a forced fumble and an impressive interception last season. Hubbard has the same level of potential.

4. Will Likely, CB, Maryland

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Despite being listed at just 5'7" and 175 pounds, Will Likely is an outstanding cornerback for Maryland.

"His game really isn't about size," Bleacher Report's Adam Kramer said. "Sure, it hurts him at times when he's paired up against a bigger offensive weapon. But to me, Likely makes up for his lack of stature with how incredibly explosive he is.

"Obviously, he's the best special teams piece in the country. I think this also masks what an excellent corner he already is and can further develop into. He's certainly a guy you absolutely, positively cannot throw the ball to."

Through three years, Likely has broken up 26 passes, snatched seven interceptions and forced four fumbles. He's also returned four punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns.

Likely notched six tackles, swatted two throws and averaged 22.8 yards on kick returns against Michigan in 2015.

3. Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State

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Malik McDowell will be a recurring problem for blockers this season. And that's not restricted to offensive tackles.

"[The coaches are] trying to play me everywhere and I'm doing whatever they ask," McDowell said, per the school's official site. "I don't have any discomfort playing any position."

In 2015, McDowell registered 41 tackles—including 13 for loss with 4.5 sacks—adding eight quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one blocked kick and a pick-six.

The Wolverines held McDowell to three stops in their recent matchup, but repeating the feat will be immensely difficult when he's moving all over the line.

2. Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State

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"I'm in the middle of some of the best athletes in the nation," Raekwon McMillan said before the Fiesta Bowl, per Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch.

Next season, Ohio State will be looking for pieces to surround one of the best middle linebackers in the nation.

As a true freshman, McMillan was a critical piece of the unit and tallied 54 stops. In 2015, he accumulated a team-best 119 tackles, managing five quarterback hurries and four pass breakups.

McMillan provided nine total tackles when Ohio State held the Wolverines to a meager 2.3 yards per carry last season.

1. Desmond King, CB, Iowa

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Desmond King became a household name for Iowa fans during his freshman season. The cornerback turned heads in the Big Ten as a sophomore. King reigned over the nation in 2015.

Thanks to eight interceptions and 13 pass breakups, King earned the Thorpe Award. He was also an Associated Press first-team All-American.

Pro Football Focus rated King as the second-best cornerback last year, trailing only Michigan standout Jourdan Lewis.

King broke up two passes during his only career meeting with the Wolverines. Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh will face their toughest test of the season when Michigan travels to Iowa City.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from CFBStats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.