Football – Page 66 – UMGOBLUE.COM Michigan Wolverine Football & Basketball

August 23, 2022August 23, 2022

Michigan Football Camp Report – WR Roman Wilson

8/23/22 Availability

Q:
How does Sainristil look at cornerback?

Wilson:
Mike, looks really good out there. He’s got a good feel for things not only because he’s athletic, but he plays offense so he kind of knows where routes are going and he’s got a good feel, looks good.

Q:
What’s different for you in year three?

Wilson:
Something big for me is, you know, I put a lot more effort and energy into things. I gotta stop caring about what people think and I just gotta go out there and bring good vibes and just have fun.

We don’t want to be what old Michigan was, we want to set a new standard…It’s no surprise that we haven’t done that well in the past few years…We want to be considered one of the best when we leave this program.
Roman Wilson

Q:
How is the competition for reps in the wide receiver in this year been different compared to your first couple of years?

Wilson:
For me it’s been different…I feel like you’re no longer fighting to be a starter, you’re just fighting to get like reps in practice and just better yourself. Like no matter like where you are on the depth chart, like all 19 receivers are just trying to get as many reps as they can. So like, it’s not just fighting to start, it’s fighting to get better.

Q:
Now that last year is gone, can you explain how badly the wrist bothered you even after you came back?

Wilson:
I can still feel it. Like it still hurts, like I can’t do push ups and when I push off, I can’t really bend it. But I wouldn’t say it bothers me though.

Q:
Is that way in perpetuity- it’s just going to be that way?

Wilson:
It’s gonna be like this rest of my life. I just got to deal with it.

Q:
What’s it been like watching Darrius Clemons from when he got on campus to now. I know when he came in physically ready but how was he looking with route running and figuring all those things out schematically?

Darrius Clemons and friends (2022 Spring Game)

Wilson:
For all the freshmen it’s been amazing to watch them just learn new technique and watch them like develop into like a real receiver. And you know…he’s a big guy, it feels good to watch him not just like be big all the time and really like focus on his technique, even though he had good technique before, but just a different level now.

Q:
When you said you want to stop caring what people think about you what do you mean by that?

Wilson:
I want to say like not caring but stop thinking so much. Kind of just be in a space where you know I’m just focused on football and focus on winning games. That’s all that really matters.

Q:
Who’s the fastest guy on the team?

Wilson:
I’m gonna say it’s me all day. DJ shocked me this year, he was moving pretty fast in the summer. Eamonn Dennis, Amorion Walker. AJ. Yeah…a couple freshmen in there.

Q:
Who are the fastest running backwards?

Wilson:
Running backwards? [ laughter]

Q:
From your view, what is the quarterback situation like?

Wilson:
You know, they’re both been really good but if I had to be honest, I feel like our best option is probably me. But now, they’re both doing good. It’s gonna be hard to pick one. So you never know.

Q:
Cade a couple weeks ago said this team wants to prove last year wasn’t a fluke. Is that something that you all talked about? How does that manifest when you’re preparing for a season?

Wilson:
Our goals for the season is different you know last year was more you know, beat our rivals but this year is more like we want it all, we want to beat our rivals, go the playoffs, like Big 10 Championship, like all that. We want to come for it all. We don’t want to be what old Michigan was, we want to set a new standard for us.

Q:
When you say old Michigan what do you mean by that?

Wilson:
It’s no surprise that we haven’t done that well in the past few years. And you know, we want to take our game like up here, we want to be like considered one of the best when we leave this program.

Q:
How do you separate yourself in such a crowded receiver room when you have so many guys?

Wilson:
That’s a good question. I feel like the one way to separate yourself is being consistent and reliable. You got to know what’s going on at all times and you got to make plays when the ball comes your way.

Q:
You talked about old Michigan and how you guys have sort of changed a bit. At what point do you think you guys turned that corner? Whether it was last year, maybe this offseason when you turn that corner and if you haven’t turned that corner what do you think it takes?

Wilson:
Just like effort and energy like when I was a freshman I always felt like we was working hard, but, you know, just the difference we’ve come and the amount of like energy and the guys like really want to. It just feels different. It’s like, you can’t even explain it.

Q:
You think it’s like the language among the team is how you guys talk to each other in practice?

Wilson:
Yeah, I mean like people talk shit to each other, like they get upset over plays and like nobody likes to lose, like everyone’s a sore loser…It’s competitive.

Q:
What does it mean to your room to have Ronnie Bell back both as a leader as well as production-wise?

Wilson:
It means a lot having Ronnie there, he’s a vocal guy. He’s always saying something and you know, kind of telling the coaches how we feel about certain things and it’s great, he brings a lot of energy. He has a lot of fun in practice, just another guy to have around. He’s a great leader and helps out a lot.

Q:
What’s it like to have Ron Bellamy as your position coach?

Wilson:
Coach Gattis, he was cool, I really liked him a lot but Coach Bell he played receiver here so it obviously means more like to him, I would hope so.

Q:
Kind of piggybacking off that what’s the biggest difference in coaching style between coach Gattis and coach Bellamy?

Wilson:
I wouldn’t say like, there’s too much [different] like both of them are competitive and just push us to the limit.

Edits made for clarity.

August 22, 2022August 23, 2022

Michigan Football Camp Report – EDGE Jaylen Harrell

8/19/22 Availability

Q:
How has the pass rush is gone so far for your unit in fall camp without having some of your predecessors around?

Harrell:
We really have been working on that each and every day, just getting better. Each and every day stacking days, competing against our o-line, just finding different moves and techniques just to get past them, get back to the quarterback.

Q:
Mike Morris was talking last week about Mazi’s influence on the pass rushers and just the defensive line as a whole. What kind of influence he’s had on you?

Harrell:
Mazi’s had he’s had a huge influence on me actually, you know, he wants the d-line to be working together in everything we do. So I really just stand together you know, we’re running games and stuff like that. We’re on the same page that’s the biggest thing.

Q:
What was your reaction to you guys adding another edge player this late in fall camp?

Harrell:
Eyabi is cool. You know, he’s a good player. He’s really here just to compete each and every day. You know, he’s a great guy to have in the room, we’re just excited to have him.

Q:
What did you and your teammates learn from guys like Aidan and David- trendsetters, guys you can look up to, that you can take in this season?

Harrell:
Aiden and Ojabo they were great leaders, Aiden was a great leader on and off the field. So was Ojabo, he brought that fire like when he made plays and stuff like that. They also were great technicians, Aiden and Ojabo, Ojabo was a big speed guy. Aiden was a good technician but they both had great tools that we can apply to our games to make us elevate and bring us together as a unit…

Q:
Did you guys know a Hutchinson could sing?

Harrell:
No, sir. I didn’t. I watched the Hard Knocks…he killed it for sure.

Q:
If somebody in your room had to go do that in front of the team who would you nominate?

Harrell:
I’ll go with probably Taylor Upshaw.

Q:
You were on the field last year because of your ability to set the edge…where do feel you are from pass rush standpoint to marry it up with what you showed last year against the run?

Harrell:
I was on the field a lot on run downs but I’ve really been honing in on my pass rush, my pass coverage, my running game, everything just to be a more complete player, adding that juice, adding that package, and those moves to my bag…to elevate my game and take it the next step.

Q:
You said that Eyabi was a great addition to your unit. Is he already already here. Have you met him? Is he in the building?

Harrell:
Oh, yes, sir…He’s around. Welcome a man with open arms you know, cool guy. Excited, he’s ready to learn you know, I’m helping him a little bit with the playbook and stuff like that…Another man on the ready to compete and get after it.

Q:
Can speak to the impact that Mike Elston has had on you so far this offseason?

Harrell:
Coach Elston, he’s a great coach. You know, he really hones in on those little details. So is a Coach Dylan Rooney he’s also been a great great coach to the edge room so you know, those two guys, those two coaches, they’ve really done a great job helping us each and every day pushing us to attack each and every day.

Q:
How has this team avoided complacency coming off of last season?

Harrell:
Coach Harbaugh really hones in on that you know, don’t fall in love with their own stuff. We had a great year last year, but it’s a new year. We really just work at each and every day, we’ve been working hard just grinding getting after it ready for September 3.

Q:
You’re still kind of an up and comer yourself but who’s really impressed you some, whether it’s in your unit or just remotely where elsewhere defensively?

Harrell:
Derrick Moore…on the edge, he’s been really impressive. Also, Kody Jones nickel back, he’s been playing a lot of physicality flying around. A lot of guys, Braiden McGregor, TJ Guy is coming along as well, Makari Paige. A lot of good guys.

Q:
What are your thoughts on your schedule this year? I mean, obviously, a lot of home games and some non conference games starting off at home as well?

Harrell:
Oh, you know, I kind of just I go one game at a time. I don’t look too much at the whole schedule, I just go one game at a time. You know, one week at a time, one team at a time that’s really to focus on just one game at a time.

Q:
On the addition of Eyabi Anoma, how did you find out? The edge rushers were told as groups…how did everyone else find out?

Harrell:
The whole defense was told that Eyabi was coming in, and Coach Harbaugh also told us he was coming in coming in, great addition to the team like I said, welcome with open arms, ready to get after it compete.

Q:
Has he talked much about previous defensive schemes he was in and how closely related Michigan’s is, how was he adjusted to the playbook?

Harrell:
As far as Eyabi? He’s still learning the playbook, so not too much not like I’ve just been helping him learn the defense stuff like that…

Q:
When the coaches told you guys about Eyabi did they talk at all about some of these issues he said has at past schools?

Harrell:
No, we keep that out of it, I don’t even know why he left other schools. He’s here. You know…he’s cool. He’s gonna bea great teammate for us. We don’t really worry about what happened in the past.

Q:
How closely have you been following the Big 10 TV deal and all of the revenue and the gigantic number of zeros that are attached to the deal?

Harrell:
Like Blake said, I really don’t know too much about you know, I got a couple of like Bleacher Report links, but I didn’t really read into it much…I did see a lot of zeros on the deal. That’s awesome.

Q:
What is your impressions when you look at Blake now that he’s added those pounds on and what does he look like on the field?

Harrell:
That’s a dog right there, hard running back, make you miss in the open field. Adding that 10 to 11 pounds you really can take more hits, more durable, Blakes a dog.

Edits made for clarity.

August 20, 2022August 20, 2022

Michigan Football Camp Report – WR Cornelius Johnson

8/19/22 Availability

Q:
How would you describe the depth in the wide receiver room?

Johnson:
That’s a good question. I would say, for our receiver room, we always pride ourselves on being prepared for anything, especially as route runners. You know, our job is to get open no matter what, like even if it’s a run, pass, we’re always trying to contribute any way and that allows us for once we do get the opportunity for all all receivers, we got to be ready once it comes to us…

Q:
With so many guys will it be hard to keep everybody happy?

Johnson:
I feel like we got a good group of guys and our chemistry right now is really high within the receiver room.

Q:
With a couple of years of time on task now being a starter where do you feel like you have made your biggest improvement this offseason? And what do you what do you think you can go? Like? What level do you think you can go to this season?

Johnson:
With this being my senior season I’ve been in the program, this being my fourth year and I feel like being here for that long I’ve improved on just knowing what to expect more and being on track with the quarterbacks. I’m looking forward to this fall, being there every day for my teammates, and making sure that I contribute that way.

Q:
How much do you think the offense changed when Ronnie went down last season?

Johnson:
When Ronnie went down last season, I feel like the offense was definitely hurt because he was our team captain and a big contributor for us.

Q:
Getting him back in the fold. I mean, how much does the offense change again?

Johnson:
I feel like with Ronnie in the mix, it’s good to have a weapons all over the offense and using those weapons I feel like that’s just great for our entire program. I mean, no matter what, just production everywhere.

Q:
What have you seen from Mike, on the defensive side? Is it unique going up against someone who’s sometimes also in your room too?

Johnson:
For my whole time here, I feel like I’ve been in the same lineup right next to him on the offensive side of the ball. And then with him being on defense, that’s a good advantage for him because he can see both sides of the ball and it’s fun to compete against him in practice. because it’s even more personal because he’s also a route runner too.

Q:
Does it come naturally for him that defensive side?

Johnson:
Definitely in my eyes. I feel like it does, because I feel like he played that right in like high school and other than in his past. So it’s good to see how versatile he is and hoping for the best one.

He’s a great young receiver…He’s got a lot of speed and he can go down the field and catch passes…I feel like he could definitely contribute early.
Cornelius Johnson on Darrius Clemons

Q:
Do have to have a different mindset to play special teams? And if so, like, what is it? What do you have to flip the different switch?

Johnson:
It’s not necessarily flipping a different switch, it’s just obviously not the same phase, but it’s the same switch that goes off at the beginning of the game. Once you step on that field by playing your pads, that switch gotta go off…If you wait till it’s way too late, and like it’s not something that can just be on and off.

Our coach always talks about that, you know, treat practice as if it’s like the game so then like, once the game comes, it’s just like practice, you know, I mean, it’s kind of like, something like that. I think about my head. You can’t just be on and off for games. That’s not really realistic. So it’s all the time even in practice, you got to have that switch even on special teams.

Q:
Have you blocked any punts in practice?

Johnson:
We don’t go necessarily like live punts in practice, I’m not gonna be diving our punters. But we definitely are trying to put in schemes and put in different techniques, so that I can improve to block punts this season.

Q:
We’ve heard a lot about Darrius Clemens, what have you seen from him and why might he be able to contribute early?

Johnson:
I feel like he’s a great young receiver. He’s got a lot of speed and he can go down the field and catch passes. To have Darrius in as a friend and as another member of our wide receiver crew has been really awesome because I’ve got to know him better. We were on that Michigan trip, we were roommates and everything and to get to know him and to learn from him and also I can tell him different stuff. I feel like he could definitely contribute early.

Q:
Coach Bellamy said that Ronnie’s return might make it harder for other teams to shade their coverage toward you or do some of the bracket things that maybe you saw at times last year, I guess, are you eager for that opportunity to maybe have somebody else that can attract attention? And maybe there’s more open space for you?

Johnson:
It’s involves like schemes and offensive play calls. I’m definitely excited for the opportunity to go out there and be on the same field as Ronnie and the other receivers as well because once we get each other going, that opens up the door for other opportunities for other players. I mean, obviously, everyone knows that’s the game of football. I’m definitely excited for the opportunity.

Q:
Have you watched Hard Knocks, and if you have, what was your thoughts on watching that with a former teammate kind of featured on there?

Billie Jean is now my lover. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/00u6tnizy0
— Adham Beydoun (@AdhamBeydoun) August 10, 2022

Johnson:
I remember watching that we were in the hotel room, and we turned it on and I remember seeing Aiden and he was doing the Billy Jean thing…It was fun to watch, especially knowing Aiden last year and seeing how he was welcomed into the Lions program. That was just fun to turn on that week and I’m looking forward to watching the next one coming on HBO.

Q:
Did you know that he could sing like that?

Johnson:
Not necessarily, that kind of surprised me. Did you know that? Like I had no idea? I’m excited for him, I mean, I’m hoping to go to a game in November at the stadium.

Q:
We talked about Darrius a little bit already but what have the freshman wide receivers added to your group that maybe the team didn’t last year or something you’ve been impressed by?

We focus on not necessarily being strictly an outside receiver, strictly playing on the left, or the right, or the middle, or in a slot. We just call ourselves wide receivers in general…
Cornelius Johnson

Johnson:
Like I mentioned earlier, just depth and being able to run every route. For us, we try and focus on not necessarily being strictly an outside receiver, strictly playing on the left, or the right, or the middle, or in a slot. We just call ourselves wide receivers in general, so we got to know everything and getting them to know the playbook, getting everything going, that makes it that much more fluid for everyone else.

Q:
What were your impressions when you Blake back in camp with an extra 11 or 12 pounds… Still lightning and lightning he said but maybe there’s a little more thunder?

Johnson:
You said lightning and thunder? Yeah, seeing that just really excites me because I feel like he’s in great shape, just like our team, having him as that weapon, maybe more thunder, more lightning, just everything. I feel like that if he can get that goal, then it’s good.

Edits made for clarity.

August 19, 2022August 19, 2022

Michigan Football Camp Report – RB Blake Corum

8/19/22 Availability

Q:
Blake, you put on 10, 11 pounds this offseason, what led to the idea of kind of bulking up and how do you feel having that extra weight?

Corum:
It really wasn’t idea, it was really just putting in work and honestly eating right, hydrating better. That’s what it led to, I really wasn’t trying to, it kind of just happened, you know, so I feel good 212, I feel good around that weight.

Q:
Does it change your game at all?

Corum:
No, if anything I feel faster. You know, not it doesn’t change my game at all. You know, maybe bring a little more power, a little more weight with it. But uh, nothing really.

Q:
With Hassan gone how has it changed the dynamic in the running back room?

Corum:
Having Hassan here was great but you know, now it’s time for other guys to step up. You know, I’m saying we still have a stacked RB room, myself, Donovan Edwards, Tavierre Dunlap, CJ Stokes, who is a freshman that just came in, he’s balling really big right now.

We have a packed RB room with guys that can get the job. So nothing changes really, you know, we obviously will miss Hassan. But we’re ready to go.

Q:
Do you find yourself assuming anything that Hassam did whether it be on the field or off the field? Picking up where he left off?

Corum:
Not really, you know, I’m saying I feel like the game has to go on. Like I said, obviously, we’re gonna miss Hassan, who was a big part of our offense. But we’re gonna pick up right where we left off, you know, Donovan is going to come in, he’s gonna get more reps, now. Tavierre is ready, CJ is ready, like I said, so we’re picking up right where we left off, we still have, you know, in my opinion, the best o-line in the country…We’re picking up right where we left off.

Q:
Blake, when you think about your skill set and Donovan’s skill set, what do you think would be like a nice complement for the number three running back? What should that person try and bring to even balance it out or make the room even better?

Corum:
Just be him. You know, I feel like we all have one of a kind when it comes to our skills. We also like, Donovan and myself, I feel like last year we would say thunder and lightning…it’s lightning and lightning, now so that’s what I feel like. And then Tavierre you know, he brings a little bit of thunder, but Tavierre isn’t slow…and CJ is fast, too…So, a whole of bunch of lightning.

Q:
Blake, how much time have you spent watching your film from last year? What’s your biggest takeaways from from your game?

Corum:
I watched my film quite a bit and I also like watching other running backs, other defenses, you know, always just trying to educate myself on different defensive schemes, and things that I could see during the season. What I pick up from what I did last year, and what I can help myself on, is obviously just reading blitzes better, you know, I can always be better by studying defenses. They could bring this blitz, they could bring that blitz.

So really just, my IQ for the game…that’s what I strive to do is just have a better IQ for the game each day, each week. And so that’s really what I’ve been working on is really just studying defensive schemes and just so like, when I’m out there, I can just ball. I know what they’re brining, know where the ball might hit before the play and things like that. So really, just my IQ for the game.

Q:
Who do you watch when you’re watching other players? Do you have certain ones?

Corum:
It depends what I what I’m trying to look for. If I’m trying to look for like, you know, scat backs, backs that have nice cuts and things like that, you know, I watch Barry Sanders. You know, I feel like he’s the greatest.

If I’m trying to watch a power back, one who does good at picking up blocks but runs hard as well. One of my favorites is Marshawn Lynch, you know, so it just depends. I watch Coach Hart a little bit, those are the guys I watch.

Q:
When it comes to like, regional and national attention, you’re often mentioned but generally kind of as a secondary guy…do you ever pay attention to that? Do you have any any goals for this year that you hope to accomplish?

Corum:
I don’t really care about those things because it’s all preseason. I don’t think that’s gonna matter is who wins it after the season, right?

I’m really focused on beating Michigan State, beating Ohio State again, and going on to win the Big 10 Championship and going all the way this year.
We always say the Team, the Team, the Team and that’s what I’m buying into.
Blake Corum

But even at that, like, I don’t even think about like, obviously I have self goals but I’m more focused on my team right now.

I’m really focused on beating Michigan State, beating Ohio State again, and going to win the Big 10 Championship and actually going all the way this year.

You know…that’s my focus, like I’m really not focused on myself…That’s gonna come…the yardage, yards per carry, yards after carry, like, oh, that’s gonna come but like, as long as you focus on the team. That’s why I’m…focusing on making sure my o-line gets better- what can I do to help them get better?

What can I do to help the defense get better?

We always say the Team, the Team, the Team and that’s what I’m buying into…It’s really not about me at the end of the day.

I’m gonna get mine you know, but I’m here for my team. I’m gonna go all the way this year and I think we can as long as we lock in.

But to answer your question, I don’t really care but accolades, you know, like, this preseason stuff is nice, you know, but, uh, I don’t care. I don’t really pay attention to that stuff.

Q:
During you time at St. Francis Academy, did you play with Eyabi Anomo?

Corum:
No, he left the year I got there, I got there my junior year. He had gone to Bama…he’s a baller, he’s a baller, he’s gonna help big time. Just go to get him the playbook. He’ll be on the field causing havoc soon. So, you know, I’m glad to have him here.

Q:
Is there a chemistry between running backs and offensive lines to develop? And if so, what have you seen from Oluwatimi and Trente, mixing them in with the three returners from last year?

Corum:
You know, those are your bodyguards, you know, saying so, obviously, you know, between the running back and offensive line, you want to be chemistry with them. You know, because without them, you ain’t gonna do nothing. I don’t care who you are you…You’re not doing nothing without a good offensive line.

So, obviously, you know, you have to have a good chemistry with those guys. You know, I’m always trying to cheer them up…if they mess up, you say you got this, you know, I believe in you. Just things like that. And just like chilling outside of the field, you know, playing around with them and here, like just building that good connection.

So when it’s time to go to war y’all you have each other’s back…they have my back and I have their back for sure.

What’s your second question?

Q: Oluwatimi and Trente?

Dogs, the dogs, they’re going to help the team. Olu, he’s strong. Trente you know, he’s been here for a couple of years so he’s learned from some guys…He’s just fitting right down, you know, so they’re doing their thing. They’re doing great things right now. I can’t wait for the 3rd.

Q:
Blake with Cade and JJ, what are you seeing from each of them? And number they?

I’m just seeing those two compete each and every day. You know, they cheer each other on…I see two guys that can go and be starters…they’re both great at what they do…
We’ll see who starts…that’s above my pay grade. But whoever starts I know they’re gonna be there for each other.
Blake Corum

Corum:
I’m just seeing those two compete each and every day. You know, they cheer each other on. And I see two guys that can go and be starters…they’re both great at what they do…They have different skill sets, but they also have some similar skill sets. They’re just great guys, they’re a great QBs. Their IQ for the game is is big…their IQ is huge.

We’ll see who starts you know- that’s above my pay grade. But, you know, whoever starts I know they’re gonna be there for each other and cheer each on. But they’re killing it right now. They’re killing it.

Q:
Speaking of pay grade, CJ Stroud was talking today in a Columbus about revenue sharing with this huge television contract that the Big 10 worked out. What what are your feelings about that for players?

Corum:
So I mean, I didn’t see what’s going on. I don’t know.

Q:
Gigantic television contract a lot of money. And Jim Harbaugh touched on it at Big 10 media days revenue sharing is something that should be considered for the players.

Corum:
Oh, revenue from the TV? I guess that can be cool. I really didn’t I didn’t see nothing about this, I don’t really have an answer. But, uh, I mean, it’d be awesome, you know, for the players.

But hey, let’s play some ball…

Q:
When you watch film of Coach Hart, what do you see?

Corum:
Dog- you know a dog…an animal, you know what I’m saying the way he ran…He ran hard. You know, he has some jiggle, too. Coach Hart might be a little faster than me but Coach Hart was that guy. As you can see he leads Michigan in rushing yards and more than that, but having him as my coach is like, it’s a blessing. It’s the biggest blessing in my opinion that’s happened to me since I’ve been here. He’s helped me so much with my game and he’s helped me with life too. You know, he’s just a great guy. I’m blessed to have him as my coach…When he was here, he was a dog for sure. I love watching this film, how hard he used to run and making guys miss and things like that. But like I said, I’m I’m blessed to have him as my coach, I really look up to him.

Edits made for clarity.

August 17, 2022August 17, 2022

Michigan Football Camp Report – Head Coach Jim Harbaugh

8/17/22 Availability

Q:
Jim, you’re in the back end of camp now has there been any separation at quarterback?

Harbaugh:
They both just continue to elevate their game really on a daily basis, in every little way. So yeah, it’s pretty tight…They’re both playing at high starter caliber.

Q:
We’ve heard a lot about the health of the team being among the best that you’ve had. Is it still? Now that you’ve had a couple of weeks, is the health of the team still up there?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, so another another good day today. And we’ve done some good hitting we’ve done every possible phase and situation- offensively, defensively, special teams. There are no long term injuries on the team so far, I mean, and guys got to keep at that, it’s something that they work at, you know, and that they take care of themselves, they take care of the team.

We just had a phenomenal presentation, talk to the team by Michael Phelps, who came in via zoom…It just continues to ring in my ear from that talk was crystal clear, he told us how he couldn’t wait to get into 105 pounds of ice, waiting for him in a bath. That was going to be the thing he did right after he got done with talking to our team.

He talked about sleep, he talked about hydration, water. Somebody that could go anywhere in the world, to any kind of treatment known to mankind- Ice, sleep, and hydration with water.

Our team has an ice bath waiting for them right now. They’ve got water, and then getting that sleep. Those are the kinds of things that they take care of themselves, they take care of the team. And doing that, but I really appreciate Michael Phelps for really embedding that in my mind and in our in our players mind- talking about the world’s greatest Olympian arguably no question about swimming and the most medals of anybody. So that was huge, it was a good message right at the right time to keep our team focused and on track and healthy as can be.

Q:
Jim, when you have a team coming off a great year that you had last year, people wonder about is there contentment…And you’ve talked about no signs of entitlements whatsoever. Is that continuing through camp? How do you detect no entitlement or no contentment?

Harbaugh:
Effort is usually the biggest one, just talked about one, you know, how they take care of themselves, how they take care of the team. Avoiding you know, the big head, you know, that’s, that’s a deep, dark, lonely trap. And continuing to attack everything that is put in front of them and not afraid of any new challenge. All those ways.

And now that we’re in the camp, big thing I’m looking for is who the tone setters are. I mean, there’s leadership that comes in a lot of different ways. I mean, there’s guys that lead by example. There’s guys that, you know, bring guys along. I mean, there’s multiple ways that you know, quiet leader, take a guy put his arm around him, but the ones that set the tone defensively, we lost four real tone setters in Hutchinson, Ojabo, Ross, and Dax Hill, you know, big time.

Offensively we got some we got some of those tone setters back like Blake Corum and the two quarterbacks and Donovan, Erick All, and Cornelius Johnson there’s you know, there’s a there’s a few and special teams Caden Kolesar is that kind of guy. He does that. So, you know Mazi Smith is somebody that people will look up to and want to know what he’s doing and what he’s saying, Mike Morris, Taylor Upshaw will have the chance to be that. Junior Coulson is the kind of player who has the ability to be a tone setter. The Green brothers, you know, there’s Ronnie, RJ Moten…Mikey Sainristil. I mean a lot of guys that had the license and the respect and the ability to do that. And, you know, as we go through camp I mean that’s…something that needs to needs to take place and I see it happening…but I want it to continue.

Q:
Who have been the MVP’s summer camp so far in your eyes?

Harbaugh:
Ronnie Bell has been been tremendous. I mean, there’s been a bunch, I’ll start naming names and then you know, I’ll leave somebody out…there’s there’s been quite a few…Ronnie does jump out as somebody…he’s faster, catching the ball extremely well and he’s stronger. He’s gone through, he’s been there every day and doing a tremendous job. Quite a few. The guy that really popped up, yesterday, day before yesterday, big scrimmage was the guy by the name of Isaiah Gash who just did a tremendous job.

You know why boxers make good football players? Anybody?

They don’t blink…if they blink they’re gonna get hit. So Isaiah boxed all spring and winter, he was an amateur boxer. Now I’m watching him run through those holes and as a kick returner- it’s been super fun and impressive. I could see see him as somebody that’s really, remerging.

Q:
You mentioned Junior Colson and we’ve heard a fair amount about him. What about some of the linebackers around him that are coming on?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, Nikhai Hill-Green, you know extremely good, Mike Barrett, extremely good. The two freshmen have been really good, Jimmy Rolder, Deuce Spurlock, we got Joey Velazquez. There’s quite a few numbers there. I knew about Nikhai and Junior and they’ve been what we thought they would be and are really good and so is Mike Barrett. I’ve been really happy with the two young linebackers, the two inside guys. We recruited the right guys for that position. Good chance they’ll be playing quite a bit of football this fall.

Q:
In terms of the quarterback competition, when you and your staff are looking to make the decision about who you want to go with, is that the type of thing where you would seek input from the advisory council or other veterans about what their thinking is as part of the process for you and your coaches or is it just purely a coaching decision about who the starter will be?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, we’re all out there. We’re all seeing the same thing and you know, when it would be obvious to coaches, it’d be obvious to players as well or it wouldn’t be or it would be what it is right now. I mean, they’re both good…talk to Dave Revsine from Big 10, Howard Griffith, coach was here you know, maybe just get their opinion, they watched it. See if I’m not telling you the truth. Check me, they’re both playing good- high level, starter caliber.

Q:
What have you seen from Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant so far?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, really good. Really love both those players. They’re both going to play a lot of football at a position of real need.

Q:
With Kenneth, have you seen a guy that’s that size be the biggest player on the team able to come in and make an impact?

Harbaugh:
You know, he’s a tremendous athlete for for any size, really, you know if he was 100 pounds lighter than what he is, you’d say, man, he’s really good athlete. He’s really light on his feet. And it’s really important to him. He really studies the game. Yeah, I’m glad you brought that up the, you know, defensively, we have made some real strides in the interior defensive line.

Mike Elston is doing a tremendous job coaching and Mazi Smith’s doing a tremendous job coaching guys out there. And the I mean, it wasn’t but a couple of days ago where it was super noticeable and our defensive line got the better of offensive line that it was pretty well thought of, in terms of an offensive line. So it’s been a we’ve made some real, real improvement in the defensive line interior.

Q:
Jim, how would you describe your vision of the offense? Do you want it to evolve much beyond? Do you feel like you’ve found the sweet spot kind of last year with the offense?

Harbaugh:
Always…evolving.

Q:
Ron Bellamy compared Andrel Anthony to Braylon Edwards, in your opinion with his potential, how dangerous do you think he can be?

Harbaugh:
That’s probably a pretty darn good comparison right there…Andrel, just keep doing what you’re doing, it is working and when I see there’s things he wants to get a little bit better at, he works a little bit harder at them…he has always avoided getting the big head. So he’s right on track to being a heck of a good player- he already is.

Q:
After Blake and Donovan who is emerging as your third back?

Harbaugh:
That’s a good question. It’s a really good question. Tavierre Dunlop, CJ Stokes is going to be right there, he could be that kind of guy. Isaiah gash. Leon Franklin, pretty darn good, too. So those are the guys that would be contending for that third back spot.

Q:
What did CJ shown you? I mean, coming in, he came in in June, right?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, he can make the shallow cut, like water rolling off the table, and then accelerate through the hole, and then go hit the soft shoulder of the of the tackler and he gets there extremely quick. He’s got a real burst through line of scrimmage knows how to get his pads down. That’s really been good.

Q:
Ron Moore coming off the injury has he kind of picked up where he left off last year?

Harbaugh:
He sure has. Yes, he’s. We’ve got some. We’ve got some sophomore players, I mean, that are really, really darn good Football players. We’re talking about Junior Colson and Donovan Edwards, JJ, Andrell and Rob Moore. And not in order but I mean, that’s definitely top tier of the sophomore class. All really, really good players.

Q:
What has Fred Jackson added to your staff?

Harbaugh:
He always picks up one or two things every day and is a very experienced coach that’ll come tell me what he sees and he’s not afraid to do that. That’s invaluable to our staff to me as a head coach.

Q:
Considering the losses on defense? How much do you feel the offense has a role in kind of helping along with defense especially in the early part of the season?

Harbaugh:
Just playing offense, that’s what they always should do in terms of complementary football.

Q:
Talking about the quarterback battle between Cade and JJ- when you have two good quarterbacks is there any downside to having that go on and have that discussion go on into the season? Do you see any downside to that a decision that has to be made or doesn’t have to be made?

We have two quarterbacks that are playing at a high starter level, and…we’re going to keep competing and it’s possible that there’s a starter by the first game and it’s possible that it plays into the season
Jim Harbaugh

Harbaugh:
I mean…there’s three options as I see it.

I mean, one of them is going to separate and be the starter. And then we’ll roll that way with a starter and a backup.

The other guy could be the starter and and the other be the backup. That would be option two.

And option three is we’d have to see him play games to make that decision.

Q:
Could you see like a Brady/Henson from way back? You know, giving one a couple of series and then bring in the next guy and kind of rotate that way through the game?

Harbaugh:
Hypothetically…I don’t know. I mean, it’d be like trying to throw that in the hypothetical box. Like some people like to say, if you don’t have a starting quarterback, then you don’t have a quarterback…I put that into the category of people that are born originals and they die copies, you know, they just hear something and they parrot it.

So this is a very good, unique situation, we have two quarterbacks that are playing at a high starter level, and…we’re going to keep competing and it’s possible that there’s a starter by the first game and then it’s possible that it plays into the season until we pick one that’s gonna help the team win. You know who’s gonna be the best person to play quarterback to win the game.

Edits made for clarity.