Bryce Underwood embraces leadership, believes in Michigan’s new offense

Michigan Wolverines football had its turn in the spotlight on Big Ten Network on Wednesday during its annual trip through fall camp. Analyst and former U-M star Jake Butt was among those in attendance and spoke with several key players. Near the top of the hour-long special were sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood and classmate/wide receiver Andrew Marsh, who have taken on larger leadership roles in their second seasons in Ann Arbor. JOIN THE WOLVERINE FOR 75% OFF FOR A YEAR – Get access now for just $2.49/month “For me, the biggest goal was to be more of a leader, which is vocally,” Underwood said on the program. “I feel like I took that role pretty well with the trust of my teammates, so that was my biggest focus going into this year.” Marsh chimed in: “Kinda like what Bryce said — really just having a bigger role this year, so kinda trying to be more of a leader for the team and the guys in the room especially.” The two are working through a transition to a new offensive system in place under coordinator Jason Beck, who is installing a power-spread look to the Michigan program. While still expected to be a run-first outfit, the emphasis has been on putting the talent in position to succeed. “I feel like overall it’s more fulfilling for our team, Underwood said. “I feel like we’re using all of our talent that we have on the offensive side, and I feel like we’re gonna have all the best 11 players on the field at all times.” Marsh said: “For me, I think it’s explosive and it’s creative, and it’s really — I would say receiver friendly. Something that we’re gonna be able to run the ball, pass the ball, really spread it out.” Underwood and Marsh’s relationship has grown since being at the ground level together as freshman enrollees. “I feel like overall he’s a playmaker,” Underwood said. “We enrolled early last year, so we’ve been working ever since then. So the chemistry was always there since we got here.” Marsh: “I would just say he’s a dog. I’m gonna be real — probably the best quarterback I ever played with. He’s someone that comes in, works every day. And like he said, he’s a leader to our team.” Underwood trusting the process and protection Underwood has been one of the most polarizing players of the Michigan offseason after an up-and-down freshman season. Developing better habits and mechanics, and focusing on the mental side of the game, has been his focus. “Overall, just mainly being more comfortable, having a clear head going into practice,” Underwood said. “I’ve been more into the spiritual aspect of everything, so I’m just putting my trust in God, trusting my teammates and everything.” Some of that comes from trusting the protection he will get from the Michigan offensive line a little more. Position coach Jim Harding is expected to help the group take a major step forward to help support its signal-caller. “Coach Harding, he gave us his goals the other day, which is to be the best O-line in the country,” Underwood said. “That’s what he told us out of his mouth, and I’ve been witnessing a lot of difference going into this season, so I’m really excited. “[It allows me to do] what I’m supposed to — make throws, run the ball, hand the ball off, everything I need to do for my team.” Michigan is in its second full week of fall camp after kicking things off on Aug. 4 in Ann Arbor. It opens the season on Sept. 5 against Western Michigan at home.