Tag: Braiden McGregor

Braiden McGregor getting past mental hurdles, ready to step into starring role

He’s going to be really good this year. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — When you’re a Michigan football edge rusher, there’s a good chance you’re going to be an early-round NFL draft pick, at least if you’re a starter. In the Jim Harbaugh era, every starter thus far who has departed for the NFL has been a high-level draft pick, while Mike Morris is set to await his turn in April. Thus far, Chris Wormley, Taco Charlton, Chase Winovich, Rashan Gary, Kwity Paye, Josh Uche, Aidan Hutchinson, and David Ojabo have all been, at worst, third-round NFL picks, with many of the aforementioned going in the first round.

But for the unproven younger players, they first need to show they can play up to the level of their predecessors.

Michigan needs a replacement for the aforementioned Morris, and Braiden McGregor, entering his fourth year with the program, is hoping for a complete turnaround. McGregor tore his ACL in his senior year of high school and then had to overcome both the physical and mental hurdles that came along with that. With the latter, he didn’t quite realize how debilitating it was until things started to click for him — which it did late in the season last year.

His difficulties held him back, but now that he’s gotten a taste of success, he’s letting go of any of his constraints.

“I think a lot more than I thought,” McGregor said of feeling held back by his physical ailments. “First year, freshman, edge guy, you’re not really expected to do anything. But I think just mentally was the biggest thing for me of I was this recruit in high school and all that. And, thinking like, when I first got here, man, maybe I pick the wrong — I should have played tight end, or, just something different from like — why is it not working? Something’s not clicking.

“And then sophomore year, I felt like it started to click a little bit. And then last year, I felt like my body and the way that I moved was good, but I think it was all like, the confidence, you know? I haven’t played real football in two, three years of meaningful snaps against good, great competition when it means the most. So, I think it really made me to where I am now where towards the end of the year, against Ohio State, OK, I got knocked down on a play and I’d say, alright, whatever, come back next play. It sounds cliche, but it really was it was all mental for me. And finally past it now and feel strong mentally and physically. So excited.”

Now McGregor is in spring ball and expected to be the next great Michigan edge rusher. It’s a much different scenario from where he was previously when he was a complement to the other pieces at the position.

He says his defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, has compared him to Aidan Hutchinson, noting he has all the similar physical tools, so as long as he’s mentally ready to go every rep, he has that capability to play at the highest level.

“Going into last spring it was, ‘What can he do?'” McGregor said. “‘He played a little bit here and there, he didn’t really make an impact. He’s just out there.’ So I think last spring was just like, ‘OK, let’s see what he can do.’ But this spring, it’s like, ‘You’re expected to be our guy on the edge and make an impact.’ It’s the guys before me, stepping into their shoes. So it’s a lot different than the previous spring. But I’ve taken it and ran with it. So, I like it.”

Instead of wondering, McGregor knows he’s going to be out there with Jaylen Harrell, and possibly transfer Josaiah Stewart. Now that his struggles are behind him, he’s confident that he can go out there and be an impact player. Thus, spring ball this year is a huge building block for him.

“I think it helped me a lot, just the coaches feel like they have my back. And, you know, stuff like that,” McGregor said. “I’m excited. It’s spring ball. And everyone’s like, ‘Oh, you know, like, this is where we get better.’ But I’m like I wish we had a game right now. So I’m just excited. It’s awesome.”

Fans will get a chance to see McGregor in action on April 1 at 3 p.m. EDT at the annual spring game at The Big House.

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Touting Michigan football as edge rush U, Mike Morris excited about one DE

#Michigan has an incredible track record with edge rushers under Jim Harbaugh. #GoBlue

A year ago, as all eyes watching Michigan football were curious who would rush the passer after the departures of Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, those in the know touted defensive end Mike Morris. That proved prescient; he led the team in sacks and was a force coming off the edge.

But now, the Wolverines have a similar problem, with the two sack leaders — Morris and Eyabi Okie, who transferred to Charlotte, following Biff Poggi — no longer in Ann Arbor.

Still, Morris is confident in those who come after him. Speaking to reporters at the NFL scouting combine on Wednesday, he noted Michigan has essentially been plug-and-play along the defensive front, with the starting edge rushers succeeding throughout the Harbaugh era. While he isn’t sure who will be the best of the bunch, he’s optimistic given the talent.

“Man, in the edge group, I have no idea, because there are so many great guys,” Morris said at the combine. “So many great guys going in. Some really good guys coming in that are really good, as well. Some freshmen that are really good, some juniors that are seniors that are going to step up.

“We edge rush U., so there’s going to be a person every single year coming up.”

Two of the likely candidates are starter Jaylen Harrell, who’s a quasi-outside linebacker reminiscent of Josh Uche, and senior Braiden McGregor, who came on strongly late in the year.

When it comes to McGregor, Morris had particular shining words given his athletic ability.

“Jaylen’s a sam that can rush the passer on third down, and Braiden is an athletic freak, and I think both of them are going to do really, really well,” Morris said. “Jaylen stepped up when I was hurt in the Purdue game.

“Braiden had a lot of good snaps this year as well. He came in clutch in the Michigan State game with a sack. Both of them can do really good things.”

Though not mentioned here, Derrick Moore is another possibility as he enters his second year. Moore saw a decent amount of time in his freshman season, but players tend to make big jumps going from Year 1 to Year 2. Additionally, TJ Guy got more involved in the rotation, and it would be interesting to see if a player like former four-star Kechaun Bennett takes off. Both are now upperclassmen.

Regardless, Michigan will miss Morris’ production, but considering that every starter in the Jim Harbaugh era at edge rusher who has gone to the NFL has been no worse than a third-round pick (Mike Danna, a backup, was even a fifth-round selection), the maize and blue are likely in good hands.

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Michigan football not focused on fun for the bowl game: ‘We’re gonna have fun when we win the natty’

Love this mindset! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Though it’s something of a point of contention amongst some Michigan football players compared to others, the majority of Wolverines admit: last year, they were just happy to be in the College Football Playoff.

Then, the loss to Georgia happened, and Blake Corum, J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Edwards, Andrel Anthony, and Mike Morris lingered behind to see the Bulldogs receive their Capital One Orange Bowl trophy, set to advance to the national championship game.

This year, there is an enhanced focus. Michigan is favored to beat TCU in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, the College Football Playoff semifinal, to face the winner of Georgia and Ohio State. But, it still has to win the game for that to go from being an odds-on favorite to an actual reality.

So, what’s different about this team than last year’s? For one, the preparation feels different as the Wolverines ready themselves for TCU.

“I think it’s just locking into the meeting rooms,” third-year edge rusher Braiden McGregor said. “Last year was just — everyone was so excited. We’re like, ‘Wow, we’re going to the College Football Playoff. We get the sweet gear, we’re gonna go down to Florida, all that. And this year, it’s like, ‘Where are we going? We’re going to Arizona. Cool.’ We’re just trying to get there.

“And I really think that’s the big thing is just we’re focused, like this most focused. I’ve seen us around here. Not much joking around. But we’re still loose, still having a good time. We play our best ball when we’re loose, but we’re definitely paying attention to our film. And we have all this time and Coach Harbaugh like he’s preaching, ‘You have time, rest your bodies, get your mind right, eat right. Get ready to cuz these next two weeks after once we get down to Arizona are gonna be the biggest two weeks in the season.”

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It’s a stark difference from some previous teams.

No Jim Harbaugh-coached team has necessarily embraced the distractions that have come with any of the bowl games they appeared in, but it was more like the coaching staff was serious and the players reluctantly took on that mindset. This year, it appears that the players are leading the charge, eager to win and advance, knowing what could be possible should they win this next one. Do that, and you’re one win away from the top prize in college football.

Thus, this game feels less like a bowl game to those preparing for it and more like a business trip, McGregor says. When it comes to any of the extras that may be thrown at them, they’re not quite as eager to partake, being of singular focus and mind.

“100%. Last year, it was like — people thought it was one and done, you know?” McGregor said. “And we got down there — and that was my first bowl game, so I didn’t really know what to expect. A lot of kids in our class, the 2020 class, we didn’t have a bowl game our freshman year. And then the freshmen coming in, they didn’t — that was their first bowl game. So that was majority of the team’s first bowl game. We didn’t really know what to expect, thinking it was gonna be a lot of fun. And I think we really had fun along the trip, but I think we were more caught up in — also bowl game, we’re excited to be here. And this year, we know what we have to do to win. We were here last year, like the guys said it last year as we were leaving the field: we’re coming, we’ll be back.

“So I think this year is definitely a more focused mindset. A more — we know exactly we got to do. It’s not about fun. We’re gonna have fun once we win the natty or win this game. It’ll be fun. So we’re definitely locked in this year, a lot more. And just the preparation and all that. So, you can really tell when you step in the building, you walk down the hall, you listen in meeting rooms.”

Michigan and TCU kick off at 4 p.m. EST in Glendale, Arizona. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with the winner advancing to the national championship game, which will be played at So-Fi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Jan. 9, 2023.

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Players of the game: Michigan football vs. Colorado State

These guys shined!

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan Wolverines took care of business on Saturday against an unranked Colorado State team that hired Jay Norvell as the head coach away from conference foe Nevada.

The No. 8 Wolverines defeated a new-look Colorado State team, 51-7. The Rams had a disastrous season in 2021 going just 3-9, but with Norvell at the helm, Colorado State should be a much better team in 2022.

The Michigan offense, even after coming up short in the red zone three times, still put up 51 points and the offense totaled 440 yards of total offense. The running attack was just as potent as usual, Michigan rushed for 234 yards. Both Corum and Edwards rushed for over 5 yards-per-carry and rushed to combine for 140 yards on the ground.

The Michigan defense was stout even after replacing multiple starters from last year’s team. The Wolverines only allowed 219 yards of total offense and sacked the quarterback seven times. The Michigan defense was able to stop the ball carrier multiple times on Saturday, recording 11 tackles-for-loss.

Here are our players of the game from Saturday’s beatdown of the Rams.

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Three Michigan football defensive players poised for a breakout year

Expect the Michigan defense to be good again!

Michigan football begins its season next Saturday, Sept. 3 against Colorado State for the home opener.

The Wolverines are hoping for a repeat of the magical 2021 season. The maize and blue not only defeated their arch-rival Ohio State 42-27 last year, but Michigan also reigned supreme over the Big Ten after it beat Iowa in the Big Ten Title game. The Wolverines made their first College Football Playoff appearance but faltered against the eventual champion, Georgia.

While Michigan is ranked No. 6 in the Coaches Poll and No. 8 in the AP Poll, the Wolverines aren’t a popular pick to repeat as Big Ten champions. According to the national media, Ohio State is going to take back over the Big Ten and it could even make noise in the CFP if projections ring true.

A big reason why Michigan isn’t being picked to repeat in 2022 is due to it losing Aidan Hutchinson, David Ojabo, Josh Ross, Dax Hill, and Brad Hawkins on the defensive side of the ball. But like every year — look back at Ojabo last season — players come out of thin air to become huge playmakers.

A few weeks ago I wrote about three players on the offensive side of the ball that would have a breakout season.

Now I’m going to pick three players on the defensive side of the ball that are poised to have a breakout 2022 campaign.

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Michigan commits, signees make push for Donovan Edwards

With one major target off the board at RB in 2021, several prospective Wolverines took to Twitter to thy and lure a 4-star in-state tailback

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When Hopewell (VA) five-star RB TreVeyon Henderson committed to Ohio State without having ever visited Columbus, nearly all of Michigan’s hopes at tailback suddenly rest on an in-state talent in West Bloomfield (MI) four-star Donovan Edwards.

It seemed as if the Wolverines were trailing for the star player in Oakland County, with the Buckeyes, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma all in full-pursuit. However, reports indicate that Michigan has made a big push, including one from The Wolverine’s EJ Holland, who published a story on Friday about the maize and blue pursuit of Edwards.

Many of those already committed or even signed to Michigan took that as an opportunity to let Edwards know just how much he’s wanted in Ann Arbor, including commits J.J. McCarthy and Giovanni El-Hadi as well as signees Zak Zinter, AJ Henning, Kalel Mullings and Braiden McGregor.

Check out their pitches to Edwards below:

 

 

 

Michigan football 2020 mini preview

Michigan football takes on Alabama in the Citrus bowl next week, but it isn’t too early to take a small look into the 2020 season.

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While there still is another game on the schedule for the 2019 Michigan football team, that doesn’t mean it’s too early to talk about the 2020 season. It’s December and that season doesn’t start until next September, so while this preview won’t be an in-depth edition, it’ll still get your mind onto what the future could bring next season.

Michigan will have some players leaving due to the NFL or graduation, but the losses aren’t as huge as they were heading into 2019. The biggest group that will need some work is the offensive line as at least three players are graduating, while a fourth could declare for the NFL.

While the 2019 season schedule was tough, 2020 seems to be even more daunting with Michigan’s toughest games on the road. Overall, things will change in nine months, but for now, this is going off of what we know right now and what we can predict in December before things look differently in July and August.

2020 Football schedule

  • Week 1 @ Washington
  • Week 2 VS. Ball State
  • Week 3 VS. Arkansas State
  • Week 4 VS. Wisconsin
  • Week 5 VS. Penn State
  • Week 6 @ Michigan State
  • Week 7 @ Minnesota
  • Week 8 VS. Purdue
  • BYE
  • Week 10 VS. Maryland
  • Week 11 @ Rutgers
  • Week 12 VS. Indiana
  • Week 13 @ Ohio State

When looking at this schedule, the first big challenge is playing Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan State, and Minnesota four straight weeks. While two of those are at home, those games won’t be pushovers. Wisconsin won’t have running back Jonathan Taylor anymore so that could be an easier game, but nobody knows yet.

Penn State could have another solid year and be a contender in the Big Ten East. Michigan State will either have a rebound year after going 7-6 this season or another poor season that will force head coach Mark Dantonio to retire. All that depends on what he does in the off-season this year. Minnesota could be a daunting challenge after their impressive 2019 season as well.

The opening game against Washington will be without their head coach Chris Petersen, who resigned after the regular season ended as he is transitioning to an advisory role for the university, along with starting quarterback Jacob Eason, who declared for the NFL draft after their bowl win over Boise State this month.

Then finally you end up against Ohio State on the road and if it’s anything like it has been the last two years, Michigan will most likely get knocked around unless something major happens to the Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day. Michigan has a chance to go between 9-3 and 11-1 next season, it just depends on how they can do on the road against good competition.

Next, which players you might have to keep your eye on next season…

dylan mccaffrey michigan throwing

1. QB Dylan McCaffrey

After stepping onto the field for a banged-up Shea Patterson at quarterback, Dylan McCaffrey wowed fans and coaches against Notre Dame in 2018. He didn’t put on a show, but he went 4/6 for 22 yards and had three carries for 10 yards. Since then, some fans have been clamoring for McCaffrey to be the starting quarterback over Patterson.

That dream will most likely come true next season as McCaffrey will probably be the starting quarterback. How will he do? He’s done well so far in his limited time on the field for the Wolverines. In his career so far, McCaffrey is 18/35 for 242 yards with three touchdowns, along with 23 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

McCaffrey seems to use his legs more than Patterson, but his arm talent is impressive itself. He’s had a full year as the backup under the offense run by offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, and another year learning more of the playbook could see McCaffrey shine.

2. LB Cam Mcgrone

After taking a redshirt last season, linebacker Cam McGrone saw some playing time this season. The playing time was due to starting linebacker Josh Ross getting injured and McGrone saw the opportunity to impress the coaches and to not be looked at as a backup but as a starter.

His movements and skills reminded people of former starting linebacker and first-round pick Devin Bush. His quickness to get behind the offensive line and make an impact on the play was impressive. His tackling ability was there and he could read plays well.

McGrone so far has 59 total tackles, eight and a half tackles for loss, two and a half sacks, and a forced fumble this season. A full season as a starter could be huge for him and if McGrone gets more time as a starter in practice and he’s learning more, he could be a big star on the defensive side of the ball in 2020.

3. OT Andrew Stueber

Like I said earlier, the biggest group getting affected in 2020 is the offensive line. Starting left tackle Jon Runyan Jr., left guard Ben Bredeson, and right guard Michael Onwenu are all graduating. Center Cesar Ruiz is also receiving high marks as a junior for the NFL, so if he decides to declare, Michigan could only have Jalen Mayfield as the returning starter from the 2019 season.

Before the 2019 season, one of the starting job battles as at right tackle between Mayfield and Andrew Stueber. Stueber played in 2018 when right tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty went down with an injury and Stueber did well. Stueber seemed to be just above Mayfield in the battle before the season started, but then Stueber went down with an ACL tear and his season was over and the job went to Mayfield

2020 will see Stueber return and he and Mayfield will now work together as the starting tackles, with Stueber most likely starting at left tackle. If Ruiz returns, then Michigan will have three experienced offensive lineman starting next year with inexperienced guards. If Ruiz leaves, the entire interior will be inexperienced. Stueber’s return will be huge and a boost for an offensive line that will need all the help they can get next year.

Finally, three freshmen who could make a splash their first year on campus…
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Michigan’s coordinators share what they like about 2020 class

What the Wolverines coordinators like about their incoming players.

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Now that the bulk of the 2020 class has signed, the coaching staff can finally talk openly about what they like about who they’ve been recruiting all this time.

Michigan didn’t bring in its top-rated class by any stretch, but it’s a class full of ‘go-getters’ as head coach Jim Harbaugh has said, in that it seems like they want to be great more than the average group.

That’s excellent hyperbole, of course, but what can you make of the specific players coming in?

While the Wolverines didn’t bring in a five-star this time around, there was still a ton high-end talent to be excited about if you’re a Michigan fan.

On the offensive side of the ball, the maize and blue brought in a few playmakers that have the look of immediate contributors, seemingly tailor-made for new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ ‘speed in space’ schematic attack. Speaking to Jon Jansen on the Inside Michigan Football radio show, Gattis shared which incoming signees really stand out in the 2020 class, and why some of the other position groups are particularly special.

“I think we had a really good skill class as far as when you talk about skill players, we’ve got a dynamic running back in Blake Corum,” Gattis said. “You look at some of our skill perimeter players: A.J. Henning, Roman Wilson, Eamonn Dennis – those guys have a chance with the ball in their hands to put fear into an opposing defense and defensive coordinator. Guys with great ball skills and can run routes. Blake is a guy that’s tough, is versatile, can run routes out of the backfield, can run the ball, can really hit it home, being a home run hitter.

“And also, you look at the tight end position and Matt Hibner. A guy that have versatility, can catch the ball, can block. Everything we need from that standpoint. And also reloading up front, getting some big guys. Big, tough, physical linemen that can really move people up front, but also have the versatility to play inside or outside, whether it’s center-guard or guard-tackle. We feel like we’ve got a really complete class that we were able to sign on offense.”

While this offensive class certainly has its share of playmakers, the 2020 class has the look of being more defensive-oriented.

13 of the 22 signees project to the defensive side of the ball, while there are a handful — like the aforementioned Dennis — who are projected to the offensive side, but could be equally suited for the defensive side.

Defensive coordinator Don Brown also spoke to Jansen about the incoming group, and he seemed particularly pleased with the men he’s bringing in up front along the defensive line when asked about which players stand out in the 2020 class.

“Very athletic. This is the most athletic group we’ve signed on defense and the biggest,” Brown said. “We’re really excited about it. You alluded to up front – Braiden McGregor was the first guy in the door on Wednesday in terms of getting his letter of intent in. He’s a Michigan guy. He’s a big guy. We’re expecting big things from him. Aaron Lewis, Kris Jenkins for sure. We’re fortunate enough to pick up Jaylen Harrell who’s a guy in the mold of a Josh Uche-type, who can really rush the passer, play middle linebacker, but he also has tremendous size. He’s 6-5, 240-pounds.

“Again, athletically, we really feel like we’ve signed four guys that can flat-out play up front, for sure.”

Michigan football commits and recruits take in Top 10 basketball matchup

Several Wolverines football commits and targets took in the top ten basketball matchup in Ann Arbor on Saturday.

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. —  It certainly wasn’t the biggest recruiting weekend for Michigan football, but still, the Wolverines gridiron contingent had a solid outing taking in the maize and blue on the hardwood.

With many of the coaches out of town recruiting, that didn’t mean that there couldn’t be a bevy of commits and prospects to come to town, especially with a top ten matchup between the No. 5 basketball team and No. 10 Oregon.

WolverinesWire was on the baseline to capture the commits, recruits and staff members who were at Crisler Center to take in the game.

Michigan commit Jordan Morant
Michigan commit Andre Seldon
2021 Oak Park (MI) four-star OT Rayshaun Benny
2021 Livonia (MI) Detroit Country Day three-star OT Caleb Tiernan
2022 Cincinnati (OH) Archbishop Moeller TE Josh Kattus
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