On Monday, Michigan football kicked off spring ball, about a month later than usual. And after winning the national championship in January, the team has a whole new look.
Gone is legendary coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, cornerback Mike Sainristil and several other notable players from the past few years of success. So the baton has been passed to new head coach Sherrone Moore and a cadre of players who remain, all with the mindset of achieving the same goal as last year.
Speaking to Ed Kengerski, Michigan running back Donovan Edwards noted there was little difference from what he saw last season and what transpired in Al Glick Fieldhouse on Monday. From his vantage point, the team still looks like the Wolverines and they still look sharp.
“It was great, man. Everyone was flying around — it doesn’t look like we missed a beat out here,” Edwards said. “Defense was flying around, offense was flying around, special teams looks great. It’s just great to — your nerves get really high, you’re anxious for spring ball and we’re here. Our challenge is to continue to be confident and to execute, excel, and win the day. And to continue to win each and every single day while we’re here.”
Given the attrition year over year, it’s not realistic that Michigan can rest on its laurels. Unlike some previous national champions, the maize and blue, while still highly thought of, are being somewhat undervalued and underrated.
It makes sense given how much turnover there was this offseason, but this group is hungry as if it weren’t a part of winning the whole shebang in 2023.
“It was a surreal feeling winning the championship,” Edwards said. “But then you wake up the next day — this is amazing, this is what we worked for, but it’s also over. Once it’s over, it’s like, OK — what are my next goals, what are my next ambitions? Because it just feels like you completed life but life isn’t completed for us. So the thing for us is we have to continue to find who we are, find our identity this year. Last year’s team is in the past but this year’s team we have to continue to build and rally around.”
Of course, fans are going to be curious as to the similarities and differences between Harbaugh’s Michigan and that coached by Sherrone Moore.
Moore received his live audition last year, coaching on an interim basis for four games. He succeeded with flying colors. When it comes to his new regime, without having Harbaugh behind the curtain, Edwards feels like Moore’s coaching style lends itself to team success.
He’s something of a player’s coach, and because of that, this team is rallying behind him.
“He’s very open and his openness allows people to respect him,” Edwards said. “It’s not like he’s a tyrant or he’s like this is what we’re gonna do. Nah, he’s a very open coach and he asks his players, ‘What do you think about this?’ And the same way with the coaches. Just the open-mindedness of him just ups his respect.
“He told me today, the way that I’ve been practicing today, if I keep that up, I’m gonna be phenomenal, I’m gonna be great. The confidence he gives his players allows them to thrive and fight for him. I told him this year, ‘Coach, we’re gonna do this; we’re gonna have your back.’ And I know that he has my back.”
Watch the entire interview below:
Haven't missed a beat on the field!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/oO5KJjT1ak
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) March 20, 2024