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— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) August 27, 2022
Jim Harbaugh Announces Starting QB…
Michigan Football Camp Report – Team Captain QB Cade McNamara
8/25/22 Availability
2022 Michigan Football Captains were named as this event began.
QB Cade McNamara
WR Ronnie Bell|
DB Mike Sainristil
DL Mazi Smith
TE Erick All
Q:
You guys had a chance to speak to the team after being announced captain, what was your message in that moment?
McNamara:
I mean, I just told him the truth, I’m extremely honored, you know, to be elected captain, for it to be a player only vote, and for your teammates to recognize you as a leader of the team. I mean, there’s no greater accomplishment, I don’t think especially at this level and I think, you know, my message was how honored I am and you know, the potential and I think where we are as a team, how fired up I am for this season and also, just, you know, how blessed I am to be recognized by them, and I love them.
I’m playing my best football that I ever have in my life right now.
Cade McNamara
Q:
In Indianapolis, you said you felt as good about your fundamentals and the way you were throwing as maybe any point in your career. How do you think the last couple weeks have gone- has it translated the way you hoped it would?
McNamara:
Absolutely, I think I’m, by far, playing my best football that I ever have in my life right now.
Q:
What are you doing well?
McNamara:
I think I’m pushing the ball downfield, I’m throwing the ball with accuracy. My mechanics seem very clean right now, I’m not missing very often. My recognition of the defense right now, it seems very clean. And I think, you know, the more time we’ve spent with the receivers over camp, I’ve been able to gain even more chemistry with them, and just finding zones, whether it’s man coverage, zone coverage on how we’re dealing with those in our concepts, and everything, I think, you know, this team is really ready. I think we’ve done a lot of situational preparation, a lot of work together and not just myself, but I feel that this offense and this team is extremely prepared for the season.
Q:
To your point about accuracy, when Big 10 network was here…they had said that none of your balls were hitting the ground, it was just always a completion, what’s gone into your renewed kind of focus on that?
McNamara:
It kind of starts from the ground up, I think, you know, your feet is a big part of you know, what can lead to accuracy, having a strong base having just really something I’ve been focused on is efficiency, and not having any, you know, poor movement, or any movement that I don’t need in my throwing motion or my footwork. And so far, I’ve seen good results as I continue to work on it.
It’s fuel…being able to continue to deal with adversity is just something that makes people better and your ability to handle it will define you and really not just for me, but for this team as well. When this team faces adversity this season, how we react will define us.
Cade McNamara responding to critics
Q:
You’ve talked about the wideouts, who’s the one that you’ve developed the most chemistry with, the biggest increase in chemistry through fall camp?
McNamara:
I think it’s just a overall collection of guys that are really starting to step it up. I mean, obviously, it’s great to have Ronnie B back out there. He just has a tremendous feel for the game. Really everyone, with Roman, with CJ with a guy that’s starting to catch some people’s eyes is Peyton O’Leary. I mean, we have a lot of talent in that room, and we have a lot of talent on the offense. And, you know, it’s our job as quarterback to get them the ball that way and I think that group in our offense should have a big year.
Q:
How much you sense that your teammates really respect your journey to this point, and what you’ve had to do to kind of prove yourself at every step of the way?
McNamara:
Yeah, I think, really, this is a representation of that, that they, no matter what is, you know, my perception, or how people have viewed me, or whatever the case may be how, whatever it is, I take a lot of pride in the fact that they were able to recognize, you know, me for who I am. And for what I bring to this team, and for them to choose me as their captain, I think it’s just a great representation of, you know, my really relationship with my teammates, and what they believe in me as a member of this team. And, again, I’m just really honored.
Q:
We’ve heard that the defense is complex and confusing to go up against, what’s your view about that?
McNamara:
I agree…this is my second year going against this defense. And I think, you know, they have just so many looks, so much, as you mentioned complexity, it’s gonna cause quarterbacks to be confused back there. And I think, you know, as we continue, we’re just gonna keep finding ways to get to the quarterback, confuse the quarterback and, you know, put stress on the offense that we play.
Q:
We know, you’re only thinking about Colorado State right now but I’d like to hear your thoughts on the non-conference in general, none of those teams are, you know, power five conferences or whatever. Would you rather have a more marquee game or you’ll play wherever?
McNamara:
I’ll play whoever’s on schedule, that’s all that matters.
Q:
Cade, all we’ve heard about the quarterback competition so far as it’s been really even with you and JJ. How are you approaching that now in light of being a captain, a leader on the team?
McNamara:
I feel like the level of play I’m playing out is very high right now in terms of where I’ve been in my career. I have for sure gotten much better than I have, than I was this time last year, or even at the end of the season last year. I’ve recognized that and obviously, my teammates have as well.
Q:
What’s your approach to handling the outside noise that comes with being in a quarterback competition?
McNamara:
It’s fuel, I think, you know, being able to continue to deal with adversity is just something that, you know, makes people better and your ability to handle it will define you and really not just for me, but for this team as well.
When this team faces adversity this season, how we react will define us.
We’re well aware of that and we have really pushed that message, you know, as the captains and the other leaders on the team, we’ve pushed that message as well. That how you deal with that adversity is going to be a defining moment for our team. So not just for me, but for this team, we’re gonna attack it.
Edits made for clarity.
Michigan Football Camp Report – Team Captain DL Mazi Smith
8/25/22 Availability
2022 Michigan Football Captains were named as this event began.
QB Cade McNamara
WR Ronnie Bell|
DB Mike Sainristil
DL Mazi Smith
TE Erick All
Q:
How does it feel to be honored by your teammates to be named team captain?
Smith:
Great, you know, I’ve been having to deal a little bit more with people having the eyes on me. And you know, being somebody who’s noticeable, you know, I just appreciate that people see what I’m trying to do and appreciate it, you know, respected and it. It just feels good to be appreciated and respected.
Q:
Is this something that you had envisioned or hoped for when you first came to campus?
Smith:
Not at all? Not at all, like I did, I didn’t start thinking about being a captain until people brought it up to me. You know, which was like, two weeks ago. So, like wow. That’d be cool.
Q:
Does feel like go time for you? We’re a week out from season, you’re named captain, is the only thing left to do at this point is play?
Smith:
That always the only thing left to do- like, I kind of feel like people get it twisted. When it’s time to go on it ain’t, it’s always time to go, always.
That’s the approach we take to the season, like no matter what we do, until we get a national championship it’s not going to be enough.
Mazi Smith
Q:
What was your reaction, and the team’s reaction when your name was announced?
Smith:
You know, I heard a lot of claps and excitement- Big Maz, you know, your t-shirt is too small! For me, personally, I didn’t know, you know, going into it. I was like, you know, if I’m a captain, that’d be great. But if I’m not gonna just keep doing me keep doing the same thing. And I talked to Coach Harbaugh about just being yourself and forever, not changing for nothing. And that’s what they got in a captain…
Q:
That was that today when it was announced? Can you take us inside the room? Like who said it?
Smith:
Coach Harbaugh, they have everybody vote, then they go out to another room with some of the freshmen have them count it all up. You know, we goof around, you know, and then when they get back in and we get our serious again, and he announces it.
Q:
You have a shirt that says Michigan captain?
Smith:
No, they were talking about this shirt.
Q:
Have you talked to your parents yet? What was their reaction?
Cade is one of the hardest working guys I’ve seen, one of the biggest competitors and he’s been that way since he got here…You appreciate having a guy like that who wants to win all the time.
Mazi Smith on fellow captain QB Cade McNamara
Smith:
I haven’t yet, it was like 10 minutes ago, they told us, I know my mom’s gonna be like, “My baby is a captain”, it’s gonna be all over Facebook.
Q:
Mazi, you’ve had a pretty enriching last few weeks, you went to Selma, you were at the jail in Genesee, you talked about how moving that was for you, is this sort of another layer of that kind of experience for you?
Smith:
Oh, for sure. You know the opportunities God has given me, you know, throughout my time here, they’re tremendous, things I never would have imagined you know, experiences I never would have or could have dreamed up and always say to myself, you know, God I has never steered me wrong. So why will he now? I always put my trust and faith in him.
Q:
After the announcement that you were a captain were you given a chance to speak to the team if so- what was your message?
Smith:
We put in a lot of work but just because the season here all that means is there’s more work to be put in, more opportunities to get better. I told them there’s no other group of people I want to go to war with, that I want by my side, I love everybody in that room. You know, I could get emotional about it…
Q
Considering the nature of the position, how important do you think it is to have a quarterback be a captain?
Smith:
The quarterback makes a lot of big decisions that impact the game and you always want the guy making those decisions to be respected by the guys he’s making the decisions for. You always want to look at your quarterback and see somebody who embodies the team and can bring the team together when he needs to and and keep keep the team going.
Q:
Why do you think Cade has done that, how does he demonstrate that?
Smith:
Just by coming up and being the same guy every day, competing and always trying to get that edge. You know, Cade is one of the hardest working guys I’ve seen and one of the biggest competitors and he’s been that way since he got here. You know, lately he’s just allowed- now that he’s the starter and the eyes are on him- people to see it. No, he’s always been the way he is, you appreciate having a guy like that who wants to win all the time.
Q:
We may or may not get to talk to you before kickoff…You said you feel ready. How do you think this defense is in terms of being where they need to be 10 days from now?
Smith:
I always tell the guys individually on defense, no matter how perfect practice was or how, good you play, there’s always more to be done. You know, no matter how good your pad level is, you can always get lower. No matter how good your hand placement is, you can always get it better.
I think that’s the approach we take to the season, like no matter what we do you know until we get a national championship it’s not going to be enough.
Q:
With game week quickly approaching to do the emotions change for you at all heading into the first game week?
Smith:
The emotions? Nah. I kind of gotta contain that excitement you know and now let it flow on game day. Don’t like getting ahead of yourself, you know that’s how you make yourself trip up.
Q:
Who were some of the other guys who have been playing either one rotation with you or next to you that have impressed me with?
Smith:
Cam Goode for sure, you know, he do a good job, Mason Graham. They’re playing a real good ball especially for how young he is. I think Kenneth Grant is gonna be a force…Basically the whole interior of the defense has made big strides and I said we were gonna have too, as long as we keep getting better anybody can play. You know anybody and everybody. I told the room that we’re gonna need that whole room if you want to win games. Everybody in there can play winning football.
Edits made for clarity.
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?
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.
Michigan Football Camp Report – Safety RJ Moten
8/12/22 Player Availability
Q:
What’s the difference for you this year, going into your third year compared to some of other years as far as your approach and knowing that you were vying for a starting spot?
Moten:
I mean, really, I just got to attack each and every day like it’s the same, you know, I gotta take care of my body a lot better than what I did the past two years. I got to study the game a lot better than what I did, understand the defense, understand the offense we’re playing that week. I’m really just doing everything another notch higher than the year before.
Q:
Obviously, the team had a lot of success last year, what will it take to take the next step?
Moten:
Everybody’s just got to do their 1/11 whether it’s on special teams, whether it’s on offense, defense, we all just got to you know, know what we’re supposed to do like that one person, and then everything will click.
Q:
We’ve heard a lot in the last couple of days from both coaches and other players, Luke Schoonmaker was talking about how when he lines up against you guys everyone’s screaming. And then the coach is talking about obnoxious communication. What does that look like to you? And how different is that or similar to what the past defenses you’ve been a part of?
Moten:
Obnoxious communication just comes from everybody understanding, like I said what 1/11 is, and you’ll see us out there, we’re pre snap communication, we’ll see something that somebody’s doing and then we’re all saying oh, he’s about the motion. Alright, so what’s that check we’re going to in…it just shows we’re all on the same page, we all understand what’s about to happen and what we’re supposed to do.
If we have obnoxious communication, I think we can be the best defense in the nation.
Q:
Do you feel like you has that in some of you other years?
Moten:
Freshman year- not really, last year a little bit but this year since it’s our second year in the defense everybody’s comfortable and it definitely has stepped it up.
Q:
Coach Harbaugh has mentioned that there are some pieces of the defense that are further along now than they were at this time last year it’s outside of the obnoxious communication what pieces are those?
Moten:
I really don’t know, I feel like every everything’s just the way it’s supposed to be you know we understand the defense, our tackling has gotten better, coverage obviously has gotten better. We’re able to put like little little things in, I really think we know the whole defense is just like what it’s supposed to be right now.
Q:
Going against your two quarterbacks how much does that help prepare you for the season? And how much of a challenge do you think it’ll be for other teams to cope with both of those guys?
Moten:
I mean, they’re two different quarterbacks so you know, you got one that you know JJ who likes to rollout and run so we obviously you got to know that when he does that, we got to plaster, find our man. I think that you know, game planning for both of them will be obviously hard, because they both have a different style of play. So one can do one thing and one can do the other. But I think game planning for them will be a lot harder this year for sure.
Q:
Ronnie Bell was elected captain last year then he has the injury and how hard was that for y’all to see that and do you admire how he was able to maintain his leadership role?
Moten:
Oh, yeah. 100% you know, going into last year, everybody knew Ronnie was gonna have a big year. You know, that was one thing that he made known. But seeing him go down that first game really hit home, and, you know, just seeing that he never hung his head made us never hang our heads. He’s just been putting in the work getting rehab done. And I think this year will his year.
Q:
I know he’s playing in front of you. But how much have you seen Junior Colson evolve from when he first arrived last year to where he’s at right now?
Moten:
100%…evolved he understands the game a lot more. He’s vocal a lot more, you know, you see him covering now on running backs, tight ends and he’s just all around the ball like anywhere the ball is. The ball could be here on one play and the next play, he’s gonna be here. So he’s, he’s doing a good job.
Q:
Is there anything that he can do that maybe we haven’t seen yet in games that we don’t know about?
Moten:
Jr. can do it all? Do it all. I promise you that.
Q:
You mentioned, finding ways to take care of your body better, prepare better than you have in the past? I was wondering is that was that the decision to embrace those things was that linked at all to last year with you and Rod battling for playing time and maybe realizing that every little thing adds to where your standing might be on the depth chart? Or was it not connected to that?
Moten:
Oh, yeah, every little thing matters. Like, no matter, like everything I do, whether it’s in the game or not, whether it’s how I sleep, everything matters like if you want that starting job or not…
Q:
What goes in to taking better care of your body?
Moten:
Getting in the ice tub every day, you know, actually getting into the treatment room and even if something feels sore to telling them like, hey, this is sore and not pushing it aside…
Q:
Coach Clinkscale mentioned that there’s an emphasis on creating more takeaways, why don’t you think you guys were able to do that this year? And what are you doing to improve that number this year. Why do we think it didn’t happen last year? And what are you doing to improve this year?
Moten:
That’s a hard question. Really, what we’re doing is every time that you know, the ball is thrown or ran, we’re just taking shots at the ball, you know, you’ll see us a practice, punch out the ball, you know, to create that habit in my mind every time you know, if you’re the second guy in punch at the ball, punch at the ball…I mean, we did it last year, too. So I mean, I don’t know how to answer that part of the question like, how that could have been different. But yeah you’ll see as we’re doing a lot more ball drills…and that’s really just punching at it and trying to strip it out.
Q:
Do you think it’s also has to do with positioning, I guess maybe just being in a spot? I mean, as a safety or, or whatever. I mean, it is that something that maybe can be improved just by the fact that you guys are in the second year of this system?
Moten:
Do I think it’s harder?
Q:
Yeah. I mean, like the position that, you know, being in a position, the right position to make the play…being in the second year of the system?
Moten:
Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, definitely being able to understand, you know, defense a lot better I can get ahead of the play. If that’s what you’re asking. Yeah, for sure.
Q:
Do you think it’s fair to describe this defense as a no star defense?
Moten:
We’re all stars. Swear, everybody, every person that will play this year is a star. I don’t care what the critics say, I don’t care what anybody else says, we will be the best defense in the nation.
Q:
What makes you so confident?
Moten:
We all know what we’re doing and we’re a lot hungrier, you know and everybody you know, is chasing that same goal. Like I said, that obnoxious communication comes along with it. We all understand what we’re doing. We all understand, you know, our parts and we’re just, we’re just ready. Yeah.
Q:
How similar is the defense despite being a different defensive coordinator?
Moten:
It’s the same thing, just a couple of tweaks, some different terminology.
Q:
We asked Ronnie this but when you’re looking at such a packed receiver room, is there someone who may surprise us this year?
Moten:
Our receiver room is deep. I think every every receiver in that room has has an opportunity to you know make a couple plays this year. I don’t really like to single out just one person. I think I’ve seen a lot from all of them and I’ve gone against all of them almost. But I think obviously room- they’re all like they all are playmakers.
Q:
Who has made the most impressive play so far?
Moten:
Impressive play, probably Ronnie. I don’t know if y’all saw the pictures the other day, but right I think Gemon tipped the ball like, Ronnie made a one handed catch like, barely in the endzone but yeah, I think that was the most impressive play this year.
Q:
You guys obviously lost the playmakers last year Aiden, David, and Dax, but when you hear your coach come out and say that this defense could be better than last year, what does that mean, you guys in just in terms of confidence?
Moten:
Let me figure out how to say is- we all we all are confident, you know, I’m saying most of us played in a couple games last year, we got a couple new guys getting ready to play this year. But I think that with the leadership that the guys that have been in the fire before, I think that we’ll be able to all compact as a defense and you know, be better and see bigger than last year.
Q:
Maybe one of the only knocks on last year’s defense was some of the struggles with tempo were lining up, you know, in avoiding some of the too many men on the field penalties. With the defense being the same how does Coach Minter attack some of those things so that it doesn’t repeat itself this year?
Moten:
We’ll do those scenarios and practice so it’d be like two minute, and then we’ll know like now okay, we can’t sub in two minutes or like certain situations we can’t sub, we can sub or like certain situations he knows he’s got to get the call out faster. So we’ll, we’ll do all those scenarios in practice.
Edits made for clarity.