Michigan Wolverines prepare for Ohio State game with focus and determination.
Michigan’s conservative game planning and injury scares led to a struggle against Illinois.
Michigan Wolverines football game with analysis of quarterback JJ McCarthy’s performance.3:24
Phil Callihan notes that Michigan’s offense started strong but struggled in the third quarter, while Clint Derringer highlights JJ McCarthy’s subpar performance, including a goal line interception before halftime.
Clint Derringer argues that Jim Harbaugh’s absence and Sharon’s increased coaching duties have impacted offensive play calling and adaptability.
Injuries to key players like Roman Wilson, JJ McCarthy, Mike Barrett, and Chris Partridge have further hindered Michigan’s performance on both offense and defense.
Phil Callihan observes that JJ McCarthy’s performance was affected by Jim Harbaugh’s absence, leading to ill-advised passes and a loss of rhythm.
Callihan notes that McCarthy’s tendency to force passes in pressure situations was a concern, particularly in the third quarter against Penn State.
Michigan football’s offensive struggles and coaching challenges.11:54
Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan’s offensive struggles in the second half, citing injuries and limited creativity in play calling.
Derringer highlights missed opportunities, including a deep post route that could have resulted in a touchdown, and the impact of injuries on the offensive line.
Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Sharon Moore’s coaching style and how it may change against Ohio State, with Moore potentially needing to “let go of Jim a little bit” and make his own decisions as the head coach.
Callihan notes that Moore’s decisions in the second half of recent games may not be the ones he would make, highlighting the challenge of stepping into a new role without Harbaugh’s presence.
Michigan football’s game strategy and player performance.17:55
Phil Callihan observes that Jim Harbaugh’s play calling may be holding back JJ McCarthy, particularly in the second half of games.
Clint Derringer agrees, noting that the context of each game affects the decision-making process, and JJ’s performance in the Maryland game was not indicative of what might be seen against Ohio State.
Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s offensive line injuries and lack of rhythm, which hindered their ability to move the chains and create momentum.
Derringer also notes that the defense missed Mike Barrett’s experience in pass coverage and as a blitzer, leading to big plays by Maryland.
Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance in Maryland game.23:44
Mikey Sandersville makes two crucial interceptions for Michigan.
Clint Derringer praises Stainless steel for unlocking Michigan’s flexibility in personnel, while Phil Callihan expresses relief at expected returns of injured players.
Clint Derringer: Michigan is relatively healthy compared to previous years, with JJ McCarthy’s lower body injury being a concern but not a major setback.
Jim Harbaugh: Michigan is focused on preparations for the Ohio State game, with everything centered around this key matchup.
Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs Maryland – SP+ analysis, commentary, and prediction. With Interim Coach Sherrone Moore and Coach Jim Harbaugh.
Michigan Wolverines football with Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer.0:00
Michigan football team prepares to play with anger and fire.
Michigan football team’s recent drama and upcoming game.1:26
Clint Derringer expects Michigan to win by multiple scores if they execute cleanly and stay healthy, citing their advantage in every phase of the game.
Phil Callihan finds it hard to believe it was only a week ago that he was in Happy Valley for Michigan’s victory, given the drama surrounding Jim Harbaugh’s status.
Phil Callihan analyzes the recent events surrounding Michigan football, including Jim Harbaugh’s suspension and Chris Partridge’s departure, and wonders how much drama the team can handle.
Callihan reflects on the team’s ability to “glance off” blows in the past, but notes that the current situation may be too much for them to handle.
Michigan football scandal and coaching staff changes.7:21
Michigan football faces logistical challenges with Harbaugh’s suspension and Partridge’s lack of cooperation in investigation.
Analysts discuss Coach Harbaugh’s use of biblical references and its potential connection to the team’s current suspension.
College football team’s controversies and media coverage.13:54
Callihan expresses frustration with media attention on Michigan football’s NCAA violations, believing it’s a “stupid, media-driven narrative.”
Phil Callihan discusses Maryland’s season, highlighting their ups and downs.
Callihan expresses frustration with media attention on Michigan’s infraction, speculates on potential damages and future investigations.
Michigan football’s game against Maryland amidst coaching staff changes and media scrutiny.20:32
Clint Derringer: Michigan’s approach to dealing with scandals has been good, focusing on wins to prove doubters wrong.
Derringer: Players are motivated to make it sweeter, despite added adversity, and a win against Ohio State could change the narrative.
Clint Derringer predicts Maryland’s offense will struggle due to lack of talent at wide receiver, while quarterback Thalia Tagovailoa is capable of big plays but prone to mistakes.
Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh discusses team’s resilience in face of media scrutiny.
Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 24-15 victory over Penn State. With QB J.J. McCarthy, RB Blake Corum, OL Trevor Keegan, and acting Head Coach Sherrone Moore.
Sherrone Moore emphasizes the hard work of Michigan football players and coaches, citing their elite abilities and the emotional significance of the win.
Clint Derringer describes the intense and hard-hitting game, highlighting the relief and determination of the team after Blake Corum’s game-winning touchdown.
Michigan-Penn State game with focus on Harbaugh’s absence.5:24
Callihan observes media coverage of Michigan football game was intense due to Harbaugh’s absence.
Penn State fans hoped to reestablish themselves in Big Ten East race with victory over Michigan.
Michigan football’s game strategy and player performance.9:40
Clint Derringer notes that JJ McCarthy’s passing attempts were limited in the second half due to a potential injury, leading to more ground-based offense for Michigan.
Phil Callihan highlights Michigan’s focus on balance in their play calling, despite facing a tough Penn State defense.
Phil Callihan notes the similarity between Michigan’s recent game and an old Big Ten game, with JJ McCarthy’s performance resembling a quarterback from the 1970s.
Blake Corum’s performance in the second half was more reminiscent of last season, with a focus on running the ball and no losses.
Phil Callihan and Sherrone Moore share emotional moments during the postgame press conference, with Callihan expressing pride in the team’s resilience and Moore highlighting the players’ different reactions to Harbaugh’s absence.
J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum, and other players show emotion and solidarity in the postgame interviews, with Corum emphasizing the team’s closeness and McCarthy expressing love for his teammates.
Michigan football’s dominant win over Penn State.18:48
Clint Derringer: Michigan’s offensive performance against Penn State shows they’re built for the loss of key players, with 26 carries for Blake Corum and 10 for DOM Edwards, totaling 247 yards on the ground.
Derringer: Michigan’s convincing win against Penn State in a difficult environment is a strong statement to the rest of the league, especially to those in Columbus, and shows their commitment to running the ball.
Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Michigan’s running game strategy against Penn State, with Derringer suggesting it may be a statement against both Penn State and Ohio State.
Phil Callihan notes that Michigan’s dominance in the running game took away half of Penn State’s offensive attack, and that fans are more interested in the on-field competition than off-field drama.
Michigan Wolverines’ game strategy and player performance.24:36
Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan’s dominant win over Penn State, despite late Penn State score.
Clint Derringer highlights JJ McCarthy’s effectiveness in the game, including his 7/8 passing for 60 yards in the first quarter.
Derringer notes that Michigan’s success on the ground against Penn State led to a shift in game plan, with more emphasis on running the ball and less on passing.
Michigan football’s dominant victory and Harbaugh’s future.29:52
Michigan’s dominant victory in the trenches was key to their win over Penn State.
Phil Callihan observes that JJ did not appear to be injured after the game, despite being tackled and looking gimpy on one play.
Clint Derringer agrees, adding that JJ was bouncing around and looking normal after the game, which makes him feel better.
Michigan Wolverines fan Phil Callihan discusses the team’s performance in a big away game, with a focus on the crowd’s reaction and the potential for distractions.
Michigan football’s win over Penn State and key players.36:16
Clint Derringer: Michigan fans sent a message to Ohio State by beating Penn State, emphasizing the importance of stopping the run.
Phil Callihan: Penn State fans at Beaver Stadium were surprised by the number of Michigan fans who disagreed with the Big Ten’s actions, expressing a desire for a more traditional Football game.
Clint Derringer highlights Kenneth Grant’s performance in the defensive front, particularly a play where he ran down a 5-star running back from behind at 340 pounds.
Phil Callihan echoes this sentiment, rewatching a play where Grant came out of nowhere to make a tackle, leaving him in awe.
Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the Michigan football team’s recent win, highlighting the exceptional abilities of players like Blake Corum and JJ McCarthy.
Sherrone Moore, Trevor Keegan, and Phil Callihan reflect on the team’s turnaround, emphasizing the importance of trust and camaraderie among players.
Moore: How’s everybody doing? Open up to questions.
Q: So what’s been the transition for you, especially now starting for your first fall camp as offensive coordinator?
Moore: Everything’s been good, man. It’s been fun, enjoying the process. You know, the staffs been great, coach has been great. When you go through the summer, when you’re working through things you’re doing recruiting, and then you get into July, we get a little time off. Spend time with the family doing those things. Now get back with the players, it’s just been refreshing to get back with them. It’s been great. So been loving it. Busy, but good.
Q: Are you doing the same stuff you were doing last year with Coach Gattis? Or are there some different things on your plate now?
Moore: Yeah, different things, you know, part, you know part of the play call now. So it’s a little bit different. And but it’s been good man, it’s been an easy transition. I tried as much as I could to be a part of that last year. And, you know, be involved in that. And it’s super collaborative, how we do things. It’s fun. It’s great. And, you know, we everybody bounces ideas off of each other. But it’s been good. No, it’s just, it’s a little different, a little bit more. But it’s been great for me,
Q: In terms of the mechanics of calling the plays on game days how do you anticipate that’s going to work?
Moore: Yeah, we’ll be collaborative. We have a method to how we’re doing things, we’ve been pretty smooth so far. And it’s just been rolling, the kids have really adjusted and everything’s been good.
Q: What are the expectations of this offense this year, given all the pieces you guys have back?
Moore: You know, we have our goals, right? The same goals that coach set out, we got the teams that we want to beat and we know we want to be at the end of the day. Well, for us right now, we just want to focus on those days focus on each day and not try to look too far ahead. Because when you start to do that, you start to forget the little details that you got to do, and put in place that and so we’ve been trying to just harp on every little thing that we can now we know we can be as good as anybody, but we need to we got to work to get there.
It’s not going to be handed to us. We got to go take it. So we’ve been working every day to just get better.
Q: Sherrone, Cade was asked at the Big 10 media days what the identity of the offense is. When do you guys anticipate figuring that out?
Cade McNamara
Moore: I think just goes through fall camp, you just figure it out. As you go, you start to figure out you put the installs in, you know, we’re only day four of practice. So you don’t really know yet. We’ve only have pads on for two days. But you can kind of see things and how they develop. You don’t you don’t the identity of what it’s gonna look like when the ball is snapped on game one. So we’re trying to figure that out. And we’ll we will take our time getting there.
Q: When did you guys think you had it figured out last year?
Moore: I don’t even know how I couldn’t even tell you. I think it was just a rhythm. I think the kids just figured it out at some point maybe would have been a little later in camp towards then, or after we got out after those first three games. I think the guys figured out kind of who we were gonna be. And we just took it from there.
Q: What are the biggest strengths of Olu’s game and how you know how he kind of fit in now these are a little, little while.
Moore: Yeah. First, his experience. He’s played started 36 games in college football. And that’s invaluable experience. He’s strong. He’s smart. When he came here, it was like he’s been here for four years already. He’s an outstanding young man on and off the field. great human being, but he’s an outstanding player. So he just has a great all around game and what he can do, obviously the accolades that he had last year, speak to that. He just takes it day by day and tries to tries to get better. That’s it. So he’s really stepping up as a player trying to be a leader for the experience that he’s had in his college football career, as well.
Q: There’s kind of a plug and play with a guy with that much experience. How does that work?
Moore: Yeah, you know, you implement the offense, you see what you got, and then you keep going from there. So you know, day four, what we’re doing. It’s not just him, but it’s everybody. It’s the whole line. It’s the receivers, it’s the running backs. So we know who those players are and we’ll continue to shape and mold everything to their strengths as we go.
Q: In Indianapolis, Jim talked about wanting to run the ball similar to what you guys did last year. But he also said he can envision a scenario where the passing game takes steps forward or is involved more frequently. I guess if that has to happen. Do you have to adjust anything in terms of the way you distribute reps in practice?
Moore: No, we try to be 50/50 Try to balance it out. We don’t ever want to be one way, one pass one run. You got to continue to work on everything because we’re not ever going to be a finished product in the run game, so you can’t just go with that and do more pass gam. We always trying to be as balanced as possible in everything we do
Q: Obviously pretty early yet, but what have you seen from the guys that were vying for that third running back position?
Moore: Oh, they’ve been great man. You know, again early, we’ve had two days in pads, so not much to go on but the guys are working their tails off. All those guys are getting reps. They’re working hard. So you know, you don’t really know this early or this early in the game especially where we really haven’t done much tackling stuff yet. That’s when you really figure out what you’re what you’re going to do.
Q: What’s the challenge that comes with trying to replace Hassan Haskins and his skill set and is there anyone on the roster that can fulfill that potential?
Hassan Haskins
Moore: Yeah, I mean, Hassan was an elite player in college football so you know, it’s hard to replace them but you know guys like Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards obviously we have those two and now you have Tavis, CJ Stokes even Kalel getting reps like he did in spring. Those guys have done a great job for us so far. And I just watching these guys continue to progress. Just have to see what we’re gonna have to do.
Blake Corum
Q: The battle at right tackle what are you seeing from from Karsen and Trente?
Moore: Trent ended the spring as a starter started camp as the starter. Karson though has has made tremendous strides. And he’s right there. He’s done a heck of a job, he’ll play for us this year. He’s the guy that we can play on either side. He’s played in his career all four positions besides center so he’s gotten stronger, more physical, more twitchy. They all look phenomenal. So Herb and his staff has done an outstanding job. So he’s done a heck of a job for us. And he’s going to continue to, to push and play for us this year.
Trente’s had an outstanding four days, he’s a really good player, but Karson is definitely pushing.
Q: In Indianapolis Jim Harbaugh called [Donovan Edwards] a once in a generation type player. What do you see that he brings to the running game and to the offense?
Donovan Edwards
Moore: Yeah, I mean, the first thing he brings his energy, because if he walked through right now you’d hear him yelling. And beyond the energy, the presence that he has, he’s an infectious personality. But he’s an electric player and he’s still learning to do things, he’s by no means a finished product. So he continues to strive to get better, and he just wants to be pushed to get better. But he has a great skill set to be an elite player in college football. And we have high expectations of him. And he has high expectations of himself. So I’ll just continue to push him to try to get better.
Q: Could you could see him and Blake on the field at the same time?
Moore: Yeah, we’ll see.
Q: How involved you are with those guys that have done a transition from from tackle to tight end like Trent did a little bit last year. Is there another jumbo guy who throws on an “80” jersey?
Moore: I can’t tell you that right now. We’ll see there a possibility of that.
Q: What are the challenges of running an offense with multiple play callers, potentially, two quarterbacks? How have you planned out to attack those challenges?
J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum
Moore: We set our plan and we have the plan. We’ll just try to execute it as best as we can and we’ve continued to do that. It’s all about finding a rhythm and that’s what we’re doing. And we feel like we’re in a really good place. And we’re just going to continue to strive and to make that perfect for game one.
Q: I know you said it’s early, but how do you foresee the wide receiver personnel rotation playing out? Do you foresee a lot of rotation there?
Darrius Clemons
Moore: I think in general with that position, you got to play at least 6, 7, 8 guys because they’re running a lot. So you know, we’ll see who the guys are. And we’ll continue to push them but we obviously have some studs, and we’re just ready to put their skill set on display. We got a lot of guys in that room, a lot of guys in the tight end room and running back room. So you know, it’s just gonna be our job to make sure we get them in the right places at the right time. And just continue to make sure one that they’re in the right place and two that they’re fresh while they’re doing it.
Andrel Anthony
Q: How has Ronnie Bell been progressing?
Moore: He’s been great. His mindset has been great, his leadership is great and he looks like his old self again. So he’s been he’s been outstanding.
Q: How do you guys manage tackling? Do you tackle to the ground?
Moore: It’s a mix. We mix it up and you know, coach does a great job. Sometimes it’s live sometimes it’s stuck sometimes it’s not live it’s not always the same. So we do enough where we get the physical work and guys know how to tackle on defense. We know how to break try to break tackles and do things that so it’s a good mix.
He is going to play in the next level for a long time. He has all the physical traits.
Sherrone Moore on TE Erick All
Q: Having followed Erick All, as his position coach, you’ve seen him in high school. From then to this point, what are the biggest differences that you’ve seen?
Erick All
Moore: Everything. Erick couldn’t get lined up when he first came here he was a mess- he’ll tell you that. He’s a beautiful human. He is going to play in the next level for a long time. He has all the physical traits. Playbook wise, he knows everything inside, from a fundamental standpoint, in the run game, he’s always wanted to just never really know how to do it. So continue to teach him that and then in the passing game, he always had the ability to run great routes, but he now he knows when to run them and how to run them and what the specific details and all those routes are, he’s just been great. He’s like 260 pounds, he came in at like 219 or 215. He looks like a grown man walking around now.
Q: The previous previous two cycles, you know, you’ve been one of the more able recruiters How would you assess recruiting in this cycle? And how much are you able to devote to recruiting with the added responsibilities that you take? The offensive coordinator?
Moore: Yeah, I try to do as much as I can, as much as I did before, obviously, you know, with the responsibilities now, there’s a little less than that kind of gets divvied up to other people. So I’m still doing my part, but I’m on the other side of it, trying to make sure that from an offensive standpoint, that we are where we need to be.
Q: And overall, how would you assess kind of how you guys have attacked recruiting?
Moore: We’ve been good, we’ve been good. It’s been, you know, just a steady pace and excited to see where it goes, especially if he’s, you know, when the dead period is done, and we can get rolling again. So
Q: I was gonna ask you about Erick also, but now let’s switch gears to defensive line what is your perception of someone like a Mazi Smith and where he is grown, and how is the defense looking without Aidan?
Moore: Yeah, they’ve been great. There’s been a lot of give and take. There’s been days like, Oh, dang, they’re getting it or we’re getting it and it’s just battles back and forth. So the defensive line has been progressing and coach Elston has been doing an outstanding job. They’re playing physical, fast, playing downhill, attacking the edge. Guys are coming off the edge sometimes it feels like last year. Excited to see where they go and how they’re progressing. But it’s been great. It’s been great competition has been physical. So they’ve been really progressing and Mazi has done an outstanding job. He’s a big strong dude, and they’re very hard to move, very excited for his future.
Weiss: All right. Good afternoon, guys. Appreciate you coming out on a Sunday. Fire away
Q: How was the quarterback competition looking early particularly JJ, considering we didn’t see him at all in the spring.
J.J. McCarthy 2022 Spring Game
Weiss: So JJ definitely working his way back into it. I think we’re blessed to have two guys that would start at most places. We have two really good quarterbacks and the best best players gonna play. And I would say, they’re both really improved. You look at last fall Cade has improved physically. Just like any player, he’s gotten better mentally with experience. He’s playing at a really high level. And then JJ has done the same thing. So we’re in a great position with with both those guys.
Cade McNamara
Q: We were just talking to Sherrone about the system that you guys have for calling plays. How does that work with two play callers? And what are the mechanics of how that’s gonna go?
I think it’s really a blessing for us to have [2 QBs]. It’s another another Jim Harbaugh stroke of genius. He’s found a way to have two where everyone else has one. And I think we work really well together, we’re very collaborative.
Matt Weiss
Weiss: I think it’s really a blessing for us to have. It’s another another Jim Harbaugh stroke of genius. He’s found a way to have two where everyone else has one. And I think we work really well together, we’re very collaborative. I know, Sherrone is a great resource for me and I try to be a great resource for him. And I think so far, we’re really happy with where the offense is and where we’re going. We have the same vision, all on one accord. And I think it’s exciting. I know, I’m glad that he’s here with me, he’s a great coach. And hopefully, he would tell you the same thing.
Q: Has there been any limitations with JJ in terms of his arm?
Weiss: So we monitor all of our guys in terms of how many throws they have in practice even Cade, you know, we put a lot into that in terms of not only counting reps, but also making sure that everything they take out, they’re putting back in with, you know, exercises and you know, throwing it stress on the arm, just the act of throwing the ball. It’s a weighted object. And it’s the unweighted deceleration. So we do everything we can to make sure that they’re putting putting everything back in back into their arms and taking care of their bodies. And JJ is on the exact same plan as everybody else.
Q; With JJ is work with Tom house, what did you pick up from him? In terms of treating a shoulder correctly and throwing mechanics etc?
Weiss: Yeah, so I’ve tried to become a student of, of Tom and also, John back, it’s been a great resource for us. And they’re kind of from the same from the same tree. Tom taught John a lot of what he knows. And I’ve tried to learn as much as I can from from those guys, and just continue the process of learning. And it’s certainly it’s helped me be a better coach and resource for those guys. And I think that’s helped make them better quarterbacks.
Q: Did he teach you I mean, you know, not overthrowing quarterbacks is that you know, like, JJ was talking about coming in after games and throwing until 2 in the morning- not doing that anymore?
Weiss: That’s not something we’re doing anymore. Yeah, That’s right.
Q: How much time is Kalel Mullings spending on offense so far? I know it’s early. But he’s still working both both sides of the ball?
Weiss: Yeah, he’s splitting his time with both sides of the ball. I think he could be a talented guy, right, do anything that he wanted to. But I think he’d be a really, really high level back if he if that’s what he committed himself to. And right now he’s doing everything we asked, obviously, it’s hard when you’re splitting time to be kind of master both. But he’s finding a way to do that. And we’re spending extra time with him, we’re excited about what he can potentially add to an already talented backfield.
Q: What are his attributes as a running back?
We have kind of an embarrassment of riches in the backfield with with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards who both will likely be playing at the next level.
Matt Weiss
Weiss: So he’s a bigger back, right, we have kind of an embarrassment of riches in the backfield with with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards who, you know, both guys who will likely be playing at the next level, but they’re not 200 and however many pounds Kalel is, you know, he’s a really big physical guy. So he gives you that presence that obviously, we know, we had a lot of success with Hassan last year. You know, we’re not saying that Kalel is going to be a Hassan we’re just asking him to Kalel. But he adds a [different] element [from] the other two really talented players.
Blake Corum
Q: Sherrone mentioned the distribution of his workload when it comes to recruiting and being an offensive coordinator now relative to when he was just a position coach. I’m wondering from from your perspective, like with quarterback being such a individualistic type position, how involved you have to be with that recruiting given that you know, it is such a unique spot and what type of pressure is there because of how much attention is on that position?
Weiss: So, recruiting is really important because we all understand that the quality of your players is the biggest input into your program. So that’s something that that we all have responsibility to do. And it’s something that I take pride in. It’s also something that I’m learning a lot about, it’s not something that I did. You know, for last 15 years, I was coaching football, and trying to get better at that. And that’s what I was invested in. And certainly if I was in college football, I’d have 15 years of recruiting experience, I’d be a lot better at that just like, just like any job, but I think I’m figuring out and learning fast and to answer your question with the quarterbacks yes, that’s what I’m focused on recruiting. And fortunately, we’re not in a position where, because of what we’re just talking about Cade and JJ, we have other guys who are really talented. We’re not not looking to take a transfer, like some other programs or anything like that we’re in a good place and happy with where things are.
Q: You mentioned in your intro having the same vision, what is that vision?
Weiss: Yeah, so our vision is directly from Coach Harbaugh, if you look at his history of teams, and the culture that’s here in Michigan, that’s the vision for the offense, I think you can see the evolution of that last year with what Sherrone did with the offensive line, and how physical they were last year. And the way he coached, you know, gap schemes. And I think that’s kind of the calling card of Michigan football- it’s an all weather conference, you have to be able to play in the cold, in the rain, and certainly running the ball, you know, as a part of that. And then running the ball sets up the pass game, you know, it’s a lot easier to throw the ball, when you can run the ball, it’s a lot harder to throw the ball when you can’t run the ball. And even when you look at the best passing teams in the NFL, which is more of a passing League, you know, they still run the ball, right? Because, because that’s part of the passing game.
Q: Do you want to replicate what you did last year? Or do you want to expand beyond that? I mean, how are you?
Weiss: Yeah. So I think any good offense will continue to evolve. So last year, you guys saw an evolution of the offense, right? We were different than previous years. And so that’s the starting point, right? There weren’t any wholesale changes, we still have the same system, same ways of calling everything, but there’s areas that we’re looking at to get better. And it’s going to be a continued continued evolution, you’re gonna see things since do things this year that you didn’t see last year, just like last year, you saw things that you didn’t see the year before. And I think you have to do that, because right now, you know, every team we play is looking at our tape, right? And they’re, they’re finding a way to exploit us and the stuff that worked last year, you know, may not be as good. But you know, we still want to, we still want to be great at that. And we want to have new things to be good at. So that’s kind of of the vision.
Q: At Big 10 media days Coach Harbaugh talked about your perspective on football and the ideas you brought in, where did that form for you? And what about your time at Stanford contributed to the ideas that you bring to Michigan?
Weiss: So I think my time at Stanford, obviously, I was really young, it was a formative type of coaching experience, where you’re still figuring out what you want to do as a coach and professionally that was my first introduction to coaching. So it helps, I learned kind of Jim’s vision for things, you know, his culture, and then that was like, kind of the core of, of what I started to believe and then I’d go to his brother, they’re a little bit different as people but they’re way more similar than they are different. They believe all the same things, all the core values are the same. Their vision for things is exactly the same. And so I’ve been fortunate to be indoctrinated my whole career with a great philosophy that works. And, you know, they’re both great head coaches, Jim, I think doesn’t really get the credit he deserves in terms of the coach that he is, and I would just credit credit both of them with anything that I bring is the only thing I’ve known for as long as I’ve been coaching.
Q: How is the make-up of the team this year different? How is it similar?
Weiss: Yeah, so the personnel is similar and that’s a lot of the same guys. And certainly, we hope that just like I mentioned, Cade is significantly improved, we hope that all our players are improved and that’s going to allow us to be more effective with better players even other the same players and and to do more and certainly, you’re gonna see very similar very similar personnel. It’s kind of the same guys.
Q: With all the time you spent in the NFL and the NFL kind of being defined starter and backup quarterback league as opposed to timeshare type stuff. How do you feel about splitting the time at the position- would you be more comfortable if there was a defined starter and a backup- where the bulk of your experience is – would you be more comfortable with that?
Weiss: I think the philosophy here, Sherrone and Jim would tell you the same thing, we will win by any means necessary. So the best players are gonna play, the best quarterback is gonna play, it’s true in any position. But then if there’s something that we can do, if somebody adds an element that we don’t have, just like we’re talking about with with Kalel, we’re gonna use that person. So like you can go back to last year now that’s over and really kind of explain what we were doing with that.
The first thing your backup quarterback had never taken a snap in college football, right? You don’t know when you’re gonna need them. You don’t want to be in a position where the first time you need them is on the road, in a close game against a ranked opponent, and the guy’s never taken a snap, you know that you can look through college football and see that happened to a big 10 team last year. So the first thing is we need to get them on the field, give him experience to develop our backup represents the only way to do that. And then the other thing we did is use him on a lot of quarterback runs- certainly he threw the ball effectively, also, but what that did for him is it controlled the defense, right, if you’re running a lot of quarterback runs, they’re not going to be running, you know, four-to-a-side blitzes and showing him all different types of coverages, but they’re going to make sure they have everything gapped down, they’re going to be more static, that that made things easier for him, right, he didn’t have to go out on, you know, 3rd and 15, with some crazy blitz coming and figure that out, we’re able to control when he was in the game, and what he was doing, and then help him have success, right. So it could build on success. So we were able to develop our backup. But then at the same time, he was able to do things athletically that that helped us, right, he helped us win games. And to his credit, you know, he earned the opportunity to go out there and do that. And he helped us, he helped us win win games, and he was really effective. And he’s a really good player, and he’s gonna be, he’s gonna be really good. So, you know, we’re excited about him in the future. And I mean, it’s hard to see, you know, him being anything, but really, really good at the University of Michigan, whenever it’s time comes, so we’re just gonna continue to develop him. And, you know, he’ll be playing for us at some point it’s just a question of when.
Q: With regard to quarterback recruiting events, and how much value is assigned to creating an attractive offense for that position?
Weiss: Yeah, I’m learning about recruiting, I thought that’s what it would all be about. The NFL guys want to go where they have, certainly money is a factor. Right? But, but usually, the money is pretty close on the teams are deciding between them, they pick between, you know, the place that is going to utilize them the best where they’re not the most opportunity to win. And that’s, you know, that’s where they go. And so I certainly thought coming in here, okay, if we can get the offense really good, recruiting would be easy. And then I think one thing I’ve learned is there is a lot of the relationship element to it. Right? Where if if NFL free agent, signed with a team and went to the press conference, and said, You know, I’m just here because I just love this position coach, I mean, this guy, we have a great relationship, we’re up playing like fortnight every morning, you know, every day or two in the morning, and this guy is just awesome. That’s why I’m here. Everybody would be like, what, like, wow, like, what’s wrong with this guy? But, but in college, that’s kind of that’s kind of what happens and something only thing that things are based on but it matters, right? And so I’m learning that figuring out how to do that now certainly, I’m not playing fortnight with anyone at two in the morning. But just like I tell just like I tell the recruits that it’s like the guy that’s playing video games with you at 11 o’clock at night or whatever that’s what he’s going to be doing when he should be trying to help you become a better player and should be game planning and figuring out ways to make the offense go he’s going to be playing fortnight with some 16 year old.
Q: Do you find that the quarterbacks [recruiting prospects] are receptive to the kind of ideas that you have for the offense and what you’re what you’re planning to do and what they saw last year?
Weiss: Yeah, I think the guys that fit us are the type of the guys who are successful here. We have a great culture here we have great guys on the team and it’s credit to the Jim obviously but you know it self selects- the guys who do well here the guys who like football the guys who just want to play football that’s what they love to do. And this is like a football like cathedral everything all the football you can you can handle and more. And those are the guys that play self selects for that so you guys are into other stuff, you know, whether it’s, you know, a locker that turns into a bed or flat screen TV and your Yeah, and your locker whatever it is, those guys usually don’t do well here. If they come here, they usually don’t come here. Right. So the same thing with the quarterbacks we get I think I think our types of guys they want to come.
Q: We heard a lot about the freshmen receivers that in Indianapolis, where are they and their development and considering the breadth of talent, established talent already in the wide receiver room, what did they need to do to be able to see the field in year one?
Darrius Clemons 2022 Spring Game
Weiss: So I think I think those guys all have great futures. The three freshmen are the ones we’re talking about, right? Omarion and Tyler, right, and Darrius. So all three of them have bright futures, all three of them are gonna play. If we can find a role for them, where they can help us we’ll do that right now. Obviously, this is week one, a training camp, they’re they’re trying to learn the offense, and we’re trying to see what they can do really well and how we can use them. And, you know, there’s guys ahead of them on the depth chart, but they all have bright futures. And I mean, they’re, they’re talking about guys, so we’re like our types of guys, there’s three guys who fit here are gonna who are gonna be really successful. Guys are all football- great, guys. Those guys are going to be good and we’ll find it we’ll find a role to use them. Anyway, we can
Q: In your opinion, what are the top traits that makes a successful starting quarterback?
Weiss: So the way I kind of look at it is so first of all, you have two things you can’t that or you can’t really do much about you know, you can improve them, certainly but but it’s hard to really move the needle which is kind of which is mobility and in arm strength.
You can either throw a football 70 yards or you can’t.
You can either run a certain speed and be able to cut or you can’t.
You always look at that and knowing that those things kind of aren’t gonna change right and then we also look at really accuracy timing decision making.
Those are things that you know, you can potentially improve more but that’s how you kind of look at the skill set so mobility and arm strength knowing that those things are a little bit more fixed accuracy timing decision making knowing you can kind of shape those a little bit more and then obviously the intangibles right leadership what type of guy is he?
Is he a winner? All the things that you that you want your quarterback to be really all the stuff we have with our guys right with kid. Certainly say you say all this things about Cade. He’s a winner. He has all those intangibles. And that’s what you look for.
