Michigan Thursday: They Have Been Outstanding!

Those are the words of new OC and QB coach Kirk Campbell to 24/7 at a Michigan NIL Fundraiser Golf Tournament describing the top 3 QB's this off season:  “Jack Tuttle, Davis Warren, and Alex Orji … they’ve been outstanding,” Campbell said. “So is the rest of the room. They’ve come with the intent to be better every single day, compete to win the starting job. They know there’s only one football come Saturdays, and they’re all up for the challenge."

“I think the development plan is intentional by our point as to how we script practice … making sure that we put them in their best suited talents. Each one of them is going to do something better or different than everybody else. It’s not fair to ask them to do something we might not ask them to do on Saturdays, so when we script practice and the plays that we give them, we make sure their development plan suits what will show up on Saturdays for each specific player.”

As we know, this is the biggest question heading into next season.  With many of us assuming Orji is the leader in the clubhouse to start against Fresno State.  It seems coach is keeping an open mind on who that starter is.

“When you look at an offense, you’ve got to look at your players first and what they do best. Alex is one of the best 11 players on offense,” Campbell said. “Is he going to be the best quarterback? I don’t know. That has yet to be determined. 

Working against Michigan's Defense during Spring and Fall camp will help whoever wins this job.  If Michigan is going to get back to the playoffs, we need this position to execute at a high level.  I'm not expecting a JJ level but we need a Cade McNamara level to win the Big Ten.  The next 6 weeks will be very important on identifying who is going to lead this team. 

• This is my last post until early August.  I will look forward to start of Fall Camp and enjoying the countdown to the new season as defending National Champions with you when I return.  

Michigan Tuesday: Do we Really Need This Netflix Untold?

Netflix announced the Conor Stalions Untold story will premiere on August 27th.  It's expected Conor will be telling his version of events.  Yes, this will be the first time he has told his story and let's hope it comes off pro Michigan and Harbaugh.  Personally, I wish this would all just go away.   I expect Michigan will not be the only nervous program watching if the Central Michigan vs. MSU game comes up.    

• Franz goes for 18 and Mo scores 12 against USA Basketball on Monday. 

• The Big Ten Football Season Media Day starts today with the Champs taking the stage on Thursday.  

• The Texans cut LaDarius Henderson their 7th round draft pick out of Michigan due to a non-football injury status.  Tough break for Henderson who I hope can catch on with another team if he is healthy. 

Michigan Monday: Remembers Andre Sheldon Jr.

The extended Michigan family is morning the loss of Andre Sheldon Jr. this weekend when he died by drowning after jumping off a cliff in Utah.  

If you remember, Andre spent two years on the Michigan roster after committing to the Wolverines from Belleville.  He then transferred and played two years at New Mexico State and was heading to Utah State this season to play his final year of eligibility.  

Here are the details of this tragic event from CNN: Deputies were called to the Porcupine Reservoir at around 2:20 p.m. MT following reports that a man dove from the cliffs into the water and didn’t resurface, the Cache County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Search and rescue teams with divers then began searching for the man, the agency’s release said, and his body was found in the reservoir at 9:05 p.m. by the Utah Department of Public Safety dive team.

“Our initial investigation leads us to believe this is a tragic accident as multiple witnesses recount the same information,” the sheriff’s office said.

Please keep Andre and his family in your thoughts and prayers this week. 

Michigan Friday: The QB Question Continues

When I review the projected starters for next season, the only question mark in my mind is at QB.  I expect Michigan will have a dominating defense and a strong running game again next season.  The secret of Michigan's success last season was JJ keeping drives alive on 2nd & long and 3rd downs.    

That is where we need one of Michigan's 3 QB's to step up.  Michigan has a deep QB room with plenty of talent but not a ton of playing experience as Wolverines.   The top 3 contenders are  Alex Orji, Davis Warren, and Jack Tuttle.  Many believe its Alex's job to lose as he got a number of snaps in games last season as a running QB.  

Lets look at the plus and minuses of each contender.  

Orji is clearly the best athlete and a gifted runner.  If Michigan wants to pound the football on the ground, Alex will be the best option.   Orji is not known as a passer and struggled early throwing the ball in the spring game.  Michigan will need to complete passes against better teams and that Texas game will be here quicker than we think. 

Jack Tuttle has been playing college football forever.  He has the most game experience of any QB in Ann Arbor by a long shot.  He is also a good athlete but has seemily been banged up most of his time as a Wolverine.   Jack can spin it but also is known for turning the ball over.  With Michigan's running game and strong offensive line.  Michigan needs a QB that can hit its talented TE's for first downs to keep drives alive.  Jack got a special exception to play this year and can win this job if he stays healthy and protects the ball. 

Davis Warren knows this offense like the back of his hand and has the most experience running it.  The issue is, that experience has come in practices and spring games as his true game experience has been very limited.  He cleary stayed in Ann Arbor to compete for the starting role.  I would consider Davis more of a traditional drop back QB then Tuttle or Orji as Davis prefers to throw vs. run.  He spent a ton of time with Harbaugh, who took a chance on him when he was fighting cancer out of high school. He was the best QB in the spring game and made some nice throws.  My concern for Davis is his heart rate when the Longhorns walk into the Big House. 

These are 3 unique QB's with different strengths and weakness.  New OC and QB coach Kirk Campbell will be the most important coach in Fall Camp as its very important that a clear leader emerges before the season opener. 

• For golf fans, enjoy the last major of the year this weekend! Guys are posting some high scores.