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Newsstand: Jim Harbaugh dishes on team's bond with Dametrius 'Meechie' Walker

Anthony Broomeby: Anthony Broome09/27/22anthonytbroome
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The headlining story of the past weekend was Michigan football’s victory against the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday afternoon. But one of its most inspiring stories had nothing to do with what happened on the field of play.

Michigan honored Dametrius “Meechie” Walker during the game, getting an ovation from the home crowd. Walker was a 2022 football recruit that was dealt a blow in dealing with bone cancer. The team helped set up a GoFundMe to pay for his medical expenses and helped him scored a touchdown during Michigan’s fall camp.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh pushed the wheelchair when Walker scored his touchdown with the Wolverines in camp. He was asked to explain the team’s relationship with Walker during his Monday press conference.

“It was just an instant bond there, instant click with our team. The love that he gives out, you feel that and you want to give that. Our players, they’ve got big hearts. It’s a very spiritual team that we have in a lot of ways. 

“It came to me: the most spiritual place maybe in this town or in this community campus is right here in Schembechler Hall in terms of how many players are just so rock solid in their faith. I also want to honor Robby Emery who is our team Chaplain. 

“Specifically with Meechie, our team, they just have an open heart for others. They don’t just care about themselves. They really care about others. He’s just somebody that you meet and just exudes a spirit of spirituality, a love that you’re drawn to. It was instant — it was that instant click with with all of us in our team. 

“We want him around. We want him to want to get the treatment that will give his life more longevity. If we can help make that quality of life better, we want to do that. That’s just how our team felt.”

Tweets of the day

Michigan quote of the day

I do and he has, and he keeps progressing. He didn’t get here till the middle of August. There’s learning the defense, there’s calls or subtleties. Already talked about a defense that’s been in place for 25 years — I mean, a long time. 

Eyabi’s that talented that that he can come in, and he’s that smart. He’s picked up most all of the defense. Every week there’s more and more calls that he knows and we can play him, and it’s just down to a couple, just a few really that he’s still mastering. 

– Harbaugh on EDGE defender Eyabi Okie and his developing role

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