Ann Arbour, Michigan. — A large part of spring practice isn’t only about schematically creating and moulding your squad; it’s also about developing younger players and giving them more experience.
As Jim Harbaugh used to say, you improve at football by playing it.
With AJ Barner leaving for the NFL, Michigan football returns two seasoned tight ends from last season: standout TE Colston Loveland and halfback Max Bredeson. However, there are many names that we have only recently become aware of. Players such as Marlin Klein, Deakon Tonielli, Zack Marshall, and two freshmen who are early enrollees, Brady Prieskorn and Hogan Hansen.
For any of the foregoing, seeing playing time at the college level will be a novel experience. And, thus far, Loveland is pleased with the group’s performance in spring practice.
“I think Brady and Hogan — those are the fresh two freshmen — they’ve been doing a good job,” Loveland went on to say. “I know how it will be in early spring. There is a lot on your plate. So they’re certainly dealing with a lot of challenges right now, but they’re doing an excellent job of adapting so far.
“Zack Marshall is doing an excellent job.” Marlin Klein is moving up Josh Beetham and Max Bredeson. I mean, everyone in the room is doing something. That’s also a big shout-out to Coach Casula and Coach Newsome, who did an excellent job preparing us.
“But, yeah, I think it’ll be exciting to see how the rest of the spring goes with those younger guys in camp.” And I believe they’ll do great things.
