As training camp opened this year, the Michigan football team had multiple questions to answer. Even though there have been limited practices so far, there are noteworthy observations to highlight. At this time, depth chart positioning is not a priority, as that will become clearer as camp moves along. So what does training camp look like under first-year Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff?
The Offense: Due to the complexity of Jason Beck’s passing scheme, the run game is ahead of the pass game. Not a surprise. Quarterback Bryce Underwood has shown growth and flashes of being a solid dual-threat. Underwood is gaining more consistent chemistry with the wide receivers and is still making adjustments to his overall mechanics.
The run looks solid as Michigan has one of the best backfields in college football. The biggest question is how the coaching staff will rotate players so all can have needed touches during games. Whittingham said that will work itself out, but there is more than enough snaps for all the running backs.
Offensive line coach Jim Harding is stressing versatility and cross-training. Harding said he really likes the depth and quality of depth. This is one of the most watched units of fall camp.
The Defense: Jay Hill made special note of the versatility at the nickel spot and the depth. Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill and Smith Snowden have been in heavy rotation, and Hill said that will continue throughout the season based on the offense.
The defensive playbook is extremely complex and so the players are not overwhelmed; Hill said they may only implement about 60% during camp. This is geared so that players can learn the coverages, and players will have the ability to execute the fundamentals first and foremost.
Michigan’s fall camp has been one of learning new systems on both sides of the ball. Players are embracing the camp, and most are picking things up quickly.
