Michigan coach Whittingham talks team talent, QB1 Bryce Underwood

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — For the first time since becoming the Michigan football head coach in late December, Kyle Whittingham met with the media in Ann Arbor to discuss the state of the Wolverines. The maize and blue opened up spring practice on Tuesday, and the new leader of the team had a lot to say about his vision, some standout players, and more.

We’ve covered some of what Whittingham said in articles, but there are some things we didn’t get to. The best way to get some basic thoughts about what he had to say was to react to some individual quotes and how they matter.

Here are some of the quotes that didn’t fit into the articles we put out there, as well as my reaction.

Michigan team talent and athleticism

Whittingham: “I think we’re pretty athletic. We’ve got guys that move real well. We’ve got good length on the football team, which is something that is important. As I mentioned, the strength looks – the strength levels are getting to where they need to be. And I’ll tell you what, these guys are very willing and very hungry to work. That’s been very evident so far.”

Reaction: This should be the most talented roster that Whittingham has had to this point. Which, if he can do even half of what he was able to do at Utah, that will pay a ton of dividends — even with the incredibly difficult schedule. Whittingham has always managed to do more with less, so to be able to take a step up in the level of competition (don’t forget, he’s spent half his head coaching career in a power conference after Utah moved to the Pac-12 and then Big XII), it very well could change how things go in Ann Arbor compared to how they were going.

Bryce Underwood is the starter

Whittingham: “Bryce is our clear No. 1. He’s QB1 without a doubt. He has performed very well in the workouts, and not only with his athleticism but leadership-wise. He’s voted one of our team captains. And so he’s a guy that everyone looks to.”

Reaction: The random quote-tweets on X from Spartans and Buckeyes excited about this is kind of hilarious. Underwood didn’t have a breakout year last year, no, but you could see the building blocks. Given that he’s now getting a lot more coaching to correct (what should have been easily correctable) mistakes from last year, it would be surprising if he didn’t become one of college football’s most exciting players this year. But it’s important, as well, that with the coaching change, there isn’t a quarterback competition. However, with Tommy Carr appearing to be the current No. 2 (it doesn’t look like Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has made it to campus yet), Underwood still doesn’t have the competition in spring ball to necessarily make him better, as was hoped a year ago with Mikey Keene.

On the run game and QB run game

Whittingham: “Our offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, does a masterful job of utilizing the players at his disposal and the talent and what they do well and tailoring the scheme to that. And so Jordan is a really good running back, obviously. Bryce is a dual-threat quarterback. Last year at Utah, we were second in the nation in running the football. We had a quarterback that was a very good runner as well. But Bryce, we think he can beat you from the pocket or with his legs. And then to have Jordan, quarterback’s best friend, in a strong run game, and Jordan helps provide that.”

Reaction: Beck has had the No. 2 rushing offense and No. 4 total offense two years running — once at New Mexico and another at Utah. With Devon Dampier at both locations, both the QB play and run game have been exemplary. It will be exciting to see what he’s able to do with Underwood, Jordan Marshall, and Savion Hiter. Sky is the limit, honestly.

On Rod Moore, John Henry Daley, and Andrew Babalola’s injury status

Whittingham: “Yeah, they probably will not be available for spring. Maybe limited. One or two might have some limited action, but very limited. And so we’re just trying to get them to the season healthy. That’s the critical thing. They’re proven commodities, and we know what they can do. And so we’ve got to make sure that we do what we have to do to ensure that we don’t have any setbacks.”

Reaction: I actually got multiple texts about this as it pertains to Moore, and honestly, I wouldn’t read too much into any of it. No. 1, Whittingham, from his time at Utah, is just as close-lipped about injuries as Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore were. Also, being limited or unable to go in spring doesn’t mean that Moore or any of the above won’t be able to go in fall camp. Ultimately, I look at it as being mostly precautionary for Moore as he continues to rehab after having some of his knee issues fixed. A no-go in fall camp would be significantly more concerning.

Team expectations every year

Whittingham: “I would expect at Michigan, you challenge for the Big Ten title every single year. I mean, that should be a given. Every single year, you should be in the hunt. And deep in the season, you should be right there with the top teams. Playoffs, obviously, is a lofty goal, but you can’t get there, most likely, unless you do well in the Big Ten. So you’ve got to take things a step at a time. But at Michigan, I would say if you’re not thinking Big Ten championship every year, then something’s wrong.”

Reaction: Past coaches have pounded podiums talking about Ohio State or have refused to say the name or both. Honestly, I’m completely fine with Whittingham saying that winning the Big Ten or being in contention to win the Big Ten is the most important goal, because if you’re there, you’re likely making the 12-team College Football Playoff as it is. So while it isn’t the same as what Bo Schembechler would have said, it’s actually not too different than how Jim Harbaugh spoke about team goals — beat the rivals, win the Big Ten, win the playoff. Whittingham is just simplifying it even more.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Reacting to Michigan football coach Whittingham on spring practice

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