82 days until Michigan football: A jersey number change for 2023 for an unsung hero
There’s much anticipation heading into the Michigan Wolverines football season, and TheWolverine.com is counting down the days until the Sept. 2 opener against East Carolina. We’ll discuss current Michigan events, the upcoming season and/or take a look at a significant number that correlates with how many days remain until kickoff, whether it be a player’s jersey number, a year, a date, a score, etc.
Every championship team has its share of guys who do the little things that do not show up in box scores. One of Michigan’s most important this year might be junior tight end Max Bredenson, a walk-on and brother of former offensive line standout Ben Bredeson.
Last year, Bredeson made his mark mostly as a blocking tight end helping establish Michigan’s offensive identity as a smashmouth run team. He impressed his head coach Jim Harbaugh and several teammates with how he performed.
“We have Max Bredeson, who nobody really knows about,” former Michigan tight end Erick All said last offseason. “I’m excited because Max Bredeson is the type of guy who’s just like me — he’s fast, he’s strong, he catches the ball great. He gets up in the air, and he doesn’t care about his body.
“He’s a beast. He’s just probably a little undersized — people may think he’s a little undersized — but man, he plays like he’s the biggest guy on the field.”
Bredeson wore No. 82 last season, but is switching to No. 44 for the 2023 campaign and expects to play more fullback for the Wolverines this season, a role that has not been prevalent in the offense the last few years. But it figures to make a comeback.
“I got a good amount [experience] last year, but a lot of it comes with doing it over and over,” Bredeson said this spring. “A fullback is kind of like its own little thing. You’ve got to find what certain timing works for you. It’s a crafty position, but it’s a violent one — finding the balance of going at full speed while also being under control.”
Bredeson played in all 14 games last season with 5 catches for 78 yards. 170 of his 233 snaps were played in run blocking situations.
Michigan football countdown to kickoff
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