Notebook: Elite LBs, new Michigan coordinator reception, McNamara & Brady, more
Michigan players were given the month of May off. Some went home for a while or worked on their craft with trainers, while others stayed in Ann Arbor to work out. They came back refreshed and ready to try to defend their Big Ten title, which they know won’t be easy.
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Ohio State has apparently made Michigan even more of a priority — at least, that’s the word. And if the forecast doesn’t call for light snow, the Buckeyes should be favored to beat U-M in Columbus this year and win the Big Ten.
Quarterback Cade McNamara said his teammates are well aware of the cliché, “getting to the top is easier than staying there.” They’ve gotten back to business since returning to Ann Arbor in June.
“Everyone overall has enjoyed the offseason. I think everyone is excited to be back,” he said: “But absolutely, the more you win, the more awards, the more everything … hat just comes with winning, but that also comes with a big target on your back. That’s what we’re focused on right now.”
That, and acclimating to new coordinators. O.C. Josh Gattis has left for Miami, and Michigan assistants Sherrone Moore and Matt Weiss will take over play calling duties. Both were on staff last year, so there hasn’t been much difference in approach or play calling, McNamara noted.
“Being there and doing that and really as a team playing well through those times … we’re just trying to implement that mentality and those habits even more into this season,” the Michigan senior said. “And then stacking what we already know on top of what we’re doing to get better.
“There hasn’t been a dramatic change at all. I think both coaches have done a really good job of stepping into the role. I know the rest of the guys are really confident in them.”
Michigan defenders believe in first-year D.C. Jesse Minter, too
Mike Macdonald was outstanding in his one year as Michigan defensive coordinator, helping lead the Wolverines to a Big Ten title with a much-improved defense. There was one game last year in which he really proved himself, former Michigan sideline and new play-by-play man Doug Karsch said. He sniffed out a play on the road he sensed coming even though it hadn’t been shown on film — almost like a chess move (the play before the play).
First-year coordinator Jesse Minter has big shoes to fill. There’s a reason John Harbaugh took Macdonald back so quickly after lending him to his brother for a year.
But the players love Minter, and they don’t see much of a difference, either. That’s a good sign.
“He’s an awesome dude,” Michigan sophomore linebacker Junior Colson said. “He’s very smart, very fundamentally sound. He knows everything about football, understands everything.
“It should be a really good scheme this year — should be very fun. It’s going to be very similar except we’ll change a few calls here and there.”
The inside linebackers might be the best Michigan has featured in a long time when you factor in talent and depth. Colson will be a star, head coach Jim Harbaugh predicted, but the others aren’t far behind.
“Nikhai [Hill-Green] was really dominating, taking his game to a whole ‘nother level. He just understands everything … understands football and plays,” Colson said “He knows what everybody is supposed to be doing.
“Kalel [Mullings] is a ball hawk. He is a pick machine. Those two are really impressing, and Mike Barrett has been Mike Barrett. He’s smart, fast, and does his thing during practice.”
Cade McNamara and Tom Brady finally meet
McNamara finally met former Michigan quarterback Tom Brady in the offseason, a spokesman for one of Brady’s products.
“It was a really cool moment for me to see just a legend in the flesh,” he said. “I think that was just such a cool experience.”
But better than everything that came with a title? He wouldn’t go that far.
“Overall, really since the season ended, I think it’s just been [all great],” he said. “I can’t put my finger on one specific thing.”
