ANN ARBOR – The Michigan football team took the field publicly Saturday for the first time since losing to Georgia in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 31.
With the Wolverines’ spring game all about swagger and a steak dinner, revelations about Jim Harbaugh’s team for 2022 won’t be announced until the fall. But Saturday gave media and fans a first look at the Wolverines, who have lost several starters from last year’s Big Ten championship team, particularly on defense.
As the players were split into two teams, the defense was the story of the blue team’s 20-12 victory over Maize.
But there were also some highlights and outstanding performances on the offensive side of the ball. Harbaugh and coaches were not made available to the media after the game, but a handful of players spoke afterwards.
Here are some of her notable quotes from Saturday:
“If there’s one guy who’s always in the movie room with me, it’s Davis. He was with me every week during the game. I had a previous relationship with him before he came to Michigan, but I think he’s very smart. I think he can play – like you said it’s been three years – I think he played really well today. I am proud of him. That’s my type and I’m looking forward to what he can do.”
– McNamara on redshirt freshman Davis Warren, who had the best game among quarterbacks on Saturday. He completed 12 of 23 passes for 175 yards, 75 more than the nearest quarterback (Alan Bowan). Warren is a leukemia survivor and didn’t play much during his high school career while receiving treatment. Here is his story: Michigan walk-on QB Davis Warren has already beaten the odds
“As soon as he walked in the door, we noticed that he is physically well built. He’s a big guy. He’s got muscles, he’s got speed, he’s got strong hands. I think we were able to show that a bit today and I can’t wait to see where his talents go.”
– Quarterback Cade McNamara on freshman receiver Darrius Clemons, who caught three passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. His biggest highlight was a 35-yard touchdown reception in the end zone after being burned by defenseman Joshua Luther.
“It’s still a work in progress, but it felt good to be back. I feel like this team is picking up right where we left off, honestly. We worked in the off-season. That whole Spring Ball, that whole camp, we’ve been working, we’ve been stacking these bricks. I think we’re in a strong position where we are right now, but we still have work to do.”
– Running back Blake Corum plays in front of fans for the first time since December 31. Corum ran for 40 yards with seven carries on Saturday.
“I think one of the first days we put on pads in the one-on-one pass rush, we saw him lock in some of our better D-linemen. This guy will be pretty good for us. I think we knew early on. I think he will bring a lot of experience and a lot of maturity to our group.”
-Left tackle Ryan Hayes via Olusegun Oluwatimi, this year’s likely starter at center. He was a three-year starter in Virginia.
“Not really. I think you could see the energy, the competitiveness that this team showed today. But in terms of the scheme – everything kind of football-wise, we’re not trying to show anything in this game. We’re just trying to get some dudes reps. I think we’ll try to see what other guys can do.”
– McNamara on whether Saturday’s offense could be a clue as to what’s to come this fall
“This is nothing new. He did the same thing in training last year. We know Davis can back out if he has to.”
– Hayes on Warren
“He’s a baller. That’s what I call an athlete. I know y’all saw it today he bounced it out nice little run got some speed for him. He has a bigger back. I’ve seen some great things from the running back position. Obviously he’s playing linebacker, but shooting, he’s a double threat. I think he’s a great athlete. I think he can add great depth to our running back room along with the linebacker room.”
— Corum on sophomore Kalel Mullings playing running back and linebacker on Saturday. Mullings rushed for 36 yards on just four carries, including one in the first half that was 21 yards. He also recorded a tackle for the Maize team.
“Honestly, I’m really surprised at how well they’re doing. We’ve lost three big factors on that D line and they’re still reaching us. They’re still creating avenues – Taylor Upshaw, Braiden McGregor, Mike Morris – a lot of guys are starting to develop into guys we can count on.”
– McNamara on the team’s defensive line. The defenses of both teams showed a strong performance on Sunday. Redshirt student Kris Jenkins had a sack and pass separation while redshirt student Jaylen Harrell recorded a sack. Redshirt freshman George Rooks had seven tackles, including one for the loss, while true freshman Derrick Moore also had a tackle for the loss. Redshirt newcomer Rayshaun Benny was second on Maize with six tackles.
Read more Michigan football coverage from MLive:
AJ Henning appears in the crowded reception room
Grant Newsome derailed his football career in Michigan. Now he has found his calling as a coach
Where is the pass rush supposed to come from? Michigan is looking for help inside
Michigan has a new DC but expects a similar-looking defense in 2022
Taylor Upshaw wants to be that guy for Michigan
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