ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football fans might be skeptical of Alex Orji’s ability to throw the ball, but his teammates know better.
Of course, his teammates get to see the full complement of what Orji can do in practice. And as far as senior right guard Giovanni El-Hadi sees it, his starting quarterback can do a lot. But it’s up to the offensive line to do a better job in pass protection.
“Orji can sling it, just got to keep protecting him,” El-Hadi said. “Part of a playcall is called, we’re ready to go through it, ready to execute it. And we’re confident in Orji throwing the ball, running with the ball, everything.”
The offense might look notably different with Orji leading the charge compared to that of Davis Warren, who started the first three games of the season. Though El-Hadi is confident in whoever is under center, he notes there are things that Orji can do that should provide more opportunities to throw the football as the season progresses.
“We’re comfortable with whoever’s back there,” El-Hadi said. “And people are scared of Alex running the ball, so we’re passing. They’re gonna have an extra person in the box, and they’re free, more things open. So we’re ready for whatever a team has to put against us. We’re confident in Alex to do all that, and it just feels natural whoever’s back there.”
Thus far, the pass game has been subpar and though the team seeks more balance, El-Hadi doesn’t really care how the Wolverines get it done, just so long as Michigan has more points than the opponent once the clock hits zero.
“Just want to keep winning,” El-Hadi said. “Run the ball, pass the ball — whatever it takes to win.”