In a thunderous move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, the Eastern Eagles have secured former Michigan linebacker Jason Hewlett through the NCAA transfer portal. The announcement came late Tuesday evening, and the ripple effects were immediate—coaches reshuffled plans, fan forums erupted, and scouts rewrote their depth charts. This isn’t just another transfer. This is a high-octane injection of defensive firepower into an already hungry Eagles squad.
Jason Hewlett, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound dynamo, made headlines during his time in Ann Arbor for his blistering speed, bone-jarring hits, and an innate ability to sniff out plays before they even developed. Although he only saw limited action with the Wolverines—primarily due to Michigan’s deep veteran linebacker corps—Hewlett made the most of every snap. His breakout moment came in last season’s rivalry game against Michigan State, where he logged 8 tackles, 2 for loss, and a forced fumble in just one half of play. Coaches described his performance that night as “controlled chaos”—precisely the kind of defensive energy the Eagles have been craving.
Now, Hewlett trades maize and blue for midnight green and silver, joining a defense that’s been clawing for leadership in the linebacker room. Eastern’s defensive coordinator, Marcus Vail, couldn’t hide his excitement during a press conference Wednesday morning. “Jason Hewlett brings a Big Ten pedigree, SEC-level athleticism, and an NFL mindset,” Vail said. “He’s not just a plug-and-play guy. He’s a culture changer.”
Off the field, Hewlett brings a level of maturity that belies his age. Known for his intense film study and relentless offseason work ethic, he’s expected to step into an immediate leadership role. The Eagles have had a solid but inconsistent linebacker corps for the past few seasons—hard-hitting but often out of position. Hewlett’s arrival is poised to change that overnight.
“Michigan gave me the tools,” Hewlett said in a brief video posted to his social media. “Now it’s time to unleash everything I’ve learned. Eastern believed in my potential—not just my past.”
Fans are already circling September 7th on their calendars: the Eagles’ season opener against Coastal Tech. Expectations are soaring. Tailgates will be electric. And in the center of it all will be No. 7—Jason Hewlett—ready to make his mark with every snap, every hit, every roar from the stands.
