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Michigan LB Ernest Hausmann recaps spring ball, how Chip Lindsey's offense challenged defense

Anthony Broomeby: Anthony Broome04/21/25anthonytbroome
Michigan Wolverines football linebacker Ernest Hausmann led his team with 9 tackles against Minnesota last year. (Photo by Lon Horwedel / TheWolverine.com)
Michigan Wolverines football linebacker Ernest Hausmann led his team with 9 tackles against Minnesota last year. (Photo by Lon Horwedel / TheWolverine.com)

The Michigan Wolverines have wrapped spring camp after Saturday’s 17-0 win for the Blue team over the Maize, which gave fans their first public look at the 2025 version of the team.

One of this year’s leaders is senior linebacker Ernest Hausmann, who recapped how spring camp went after the annual split-squad spring game.

“[The spring game] was a tremendous opportunity,” Hausmann said in a scrum after the game. “You know, whenever you get a chance to step in a big house, put the cleats on and step inside those white lines, it’s always a tremendous opportunity. And then we also have the fans there as well. I’s always awesome to have the Michigan faithful out there supporting you. It’s always an awesome experience.”

Michigan limped out to a 5-5 start last season before winning its last three games over Northwestern, Ohio State and Alabama, respectively. It has served as a springboard into a year where the expectations are much higher.

“I feel very good about where the team’s at,” Hausmann said. “It’s been a very physical spring ball. We really focused on just getting back to the basics and executing discipline. And then like I said before, when you get time to make a play, you gotta make a play. That’s the name of game in football. So I’m really feeling good about where the team’s at.

 ”That was very huge for us with that win over Alabama and coming in with a new momentum, even towards Ohio State and towards end of the season as well. I think it’s very important for us, you know, still stay hungry. You win those games, but it’s a whole new season, a whole new roster. I think we’ve done a really great job of just staying disciplined and just making sure that we stay hungry.”

Michigan’s defense played shorthanded against Alabama, but still had an impressive showing in the 19-13 win in the bowl game. Hausmann says the success is all about holding firm on the standards set.

“We’ve shown just the Michigan standard of defense these past years,” Hausmann said. “Even just it’s the Michigan tradition of what defense is with the Block M. I think that just shows for itself and we have a high standard for ourselves. And that’s what we expect ourselves to do every day.”

Hausmann on Bryce Underwood, Michigan offense

Hausmann and the Michigan defense were tasked with going up against the new-look offense with freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and saw a player who is wise beyond his years.

 ”He’s somebody that has a high IQ for the game and a high work ethic,” Hausmann said. “So you gotta really be always on top of your toes, be on top of your assignment. He has that football savvy to him. And understands where people are supposed to be in the game. So you always gotta make sure you’re on top of your game and your assignment.

“It’s just the way he cares about himself and the confidence that he has in himself. But it’s backed up by his work ethic each and every day.”

Michigan is breaking in a new system on the offensive side of the ball with Chip Lindsey coordinating the unit. Hausmann says Lindsey showed a great ability to get playmakers involved.

“If you ask me, he’s a very smart offensive coordinator,” Hausmann said. “e does a really great job of just putting his players in position to make plays. I think it’s everybody’s job as a defensive coordinator or offensive coordinator, just making sure you put guys in a position to make plays.

” I think he, he does a really great job of that.”

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