Sherrone Moore not naming starting QB yet but Bryce Underwood's name remains at the forefront

The starting quarterback for Michigan’s season opener against New Mexico might be the worst-kept secret in Ann Arbor, but head coach Sherrone Moore is still maintaining a veil of secrecy.

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With the Wolverines rapidly approaching the midway point of fall camp, Moore declined to give any leaning as to who would be the starter and said that the media will find out on the Monday of game week, with the team knowing before that.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see where things are trending, though.

Multiple sources have told Maize & Blue Review that Bryce Underwood is trending towards being the starter for the opener, which is not exactly a bombshell development.

His work ethic continues to lead the way in Moore’s eyes and the expectations for the position won’t change no matter who is under center.

“He’s a quiet kid by nature, but when he knows you, he’ll talk,” Moore said. “He’s got an affectionate personality, great young man, obviously well documented with family. Jay and Beverly have done a great job raising him. Just comes to work every day, lunch pail, ready to go. Does everything the right way and attacks the right way. A pleasure to be around.

“Expectations—for whoever the starting quarterback is, it’s to raise the level of the team. Be leaders of the offense. The quarterback has to be the captain of that room and that offense. Whoever that is, that’s what I want him to be.”

Moore discusses the rest of the QB depth chart

Moore was asked what each quarterback brought to the table and he broke them down by order of age:

Mikey Keene: “Obviously, the experience. He’s had over 2,300 snaps of college football. He’s been through every situation, done it all, seen it all. That’s one trait, along with all his other abilities.”

Jake Garcia: “Same thing (as Keene). He’s seen it, done it, great arm talent, great ability. He’s been really good for us and for the room.”

Jadyn Davis: “His command, his knowledge of the offense, how he does it. A football junkie, a guy that loves the game.”

Bryce Underwood: “Same as Jadyn, with the ability to, especially for a young guy, understand the offense. Obviously, his talent.”

What’s it going to take to win the job?

While Underwood might make Moore’s decision to name him the starter an easy one, it’s been made clear since Underwood’s arrival that any playing time would have to be earned and not handed to him.

So, what’s it going to take for anyone to win the job?

Consistency with leadership and play is key.

“Just consistently do it,” Moore said. “Whoever that person is, continue to grab the team and consistently do it throughout these times because this is where camp really gets hard. You’re in practice 12–15. Are you going to keep the level of play? Just want to see that level of consistency.

“Consistency is the biggest thing: don’t turn the ball over, command the offense, make plays, and then we’ll have our quarterback.”