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Michigan football: Ryan Hayes, Wolverines using 2021 losses as camp fuel

Anthony Broomeby: Anthony Broome08/10/22anthonytbroome
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(Lon Horwedel / TheWolverine.com)

Michigan football achieved almost all its goals last season and slew plenty of narratives. The mentality and foundation of last year’s team was built in the offseason and in fall camp. Despite that, some believe the Wolverines are ahead of pace.

Fifth-year offensive tackle Ryan Hayes spoke to the media on Tuesday night in Ann Arbor, doubling down on head coach Jim Harbaugh’s take that the 2022 group is out in front of the 2021 squad.

“We’re definitely further ahead than we were last year,” Hayes said. “Because we were able to do more stuff this summer with the team. I think everybody knows the standard now. It’s been set, we don’t have to talk about it. Everybody has the same motivation. I think building on last year. We want more than last year. Last year wasn’t good enough in our minds. We’re just going to keep building off that.”

Michigan was not unblemished last season. It lost a game it had a double-digit lead in against rival Michigan State. It was outclassed and outgunned in the College Football Playoff against Georgia. Hayes and the team want – and are demanding – more.

“Michigan State and Georgia are our biggest motivation right now,” Hayes said. “Those two games were not good for us. We want those back. I guess it’s just preparing. We won a Big Ten championship, we won against Ohio State. We want more than that right now. That’s our motivation and we’re going to keep working towards that.”

Hayes, Michigan offensive line focused on improvement

Hayes was among the several Michigan players who transformed themselves physically this offseason. He has focused on his technique and also getting stronger.

“I changed up some of my techniques from last season, which has really helped me,” Hayes said. “Also just putting on more muscle. And I think that’s what I’ve noticed the most the first week, week and a half is just I feel a lot stronger and a lot more comfortable taking on bull rushes and stuff like that.”

Improvements are also expected along the offensive line, too. Guards Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter return with Olu Oluwatimi at center and Trente Jones presumably at right tackle. Hayes weighed in on his fellow returning starters.

“I think it’s Trevor has made a big stride from spring ball,” Hayes said. “It’s just helped we’ve had a year playing together. He and I are working really well right now. We know what each other is thinking without saying. We’re just good. And Zak just keeps progressing. He’s going to be a really good football player. He already are, but he’s going to keep going up. He’s a freak in the weight room and freak athletically, so he’s going to be great for us.

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