Kirk Campbell talks Michigan quarterback portal strategy post-spring
Michigan offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell has a major overhaul on his hands after losing several starters from last year’s National Championship team. The Wolverines will need to replace several offensive linemen, running back Blake Corum, a few receivers … and, of course, projected first round quarterback draft pick J.J. McCarthy.
That piece will be the biggest, as it is on any team. Veteran Davis Warren probably looked the bet Saturday, while Alex Orji also had his moments.
“We wanted to be turnover free. We had the one [an interception [by Jayden Denegal], but then we had a couple of balls in jeopardy,” Campbell said after his Michigan Maize team’s 17-7 win over the Blue in the spring scrimmage. “Those are the two main things.
“Overall, when you take the total summation of the entire day, I thought there were good things for every guy. You got to see Alex run around out a little bit. You saw Davis Warren’s arm. And Jayden Denegal made some really nice throws. Then Jadyn Davis, the young buck, kept the play alive on the fourth down and gave Payton O’Leary a shot. I thought all four of them did something good, but there are other things they have to clean up, as well.”
Orji wasn’t particularly sharp with his downfield passing, and Denegal didn’t appear ready for prime time. Warren might have been the best of the bunch, throwing two touchdown passes, but can the former walk-on really lead a Big Ten title contender?
That’s what nobody knows, though Campbell did say the plan was to develop the guys they had. In addition, he didn’t shoot down the idea that he could platoon a couple guys at Michigan in 2024.
“I’ve been a part of that in the past at another school,” he said. “I don’t think it’s out of the question. I’m not sure what we’ll do. We haven’t’ made that decision. We’ll make the decision when the decision is right, and we’ll do what’s best for the entire team.
“We have really good players in that room. I think you guys got to see that today, and it’s my job to make sure we get them in the best situation come Saturdays.”
That would include another quarterback if Michigan coaches decided to pursue a portal option, he added. As of now, Campbell said, that’s not the Michigan plan.
“That’s not part of our thought process right now,” he said “Roster evaluation is always part of the process, but right now, that’s not something we’re looking at.”
He didn’t elaborate when asked if it “could” happen.
“You can spin the words however you want for an article,” Campbell quipped. “I said what I said.”
Meaning it could be a battle of the guys on the roster, including Jack Tuttle. The veteran will be back to compete for the job this summer, Campabell said, he’s excited to see what he can do.
