Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood: ‘... I’m an honest-to-God game-changer’

ANN ARBOR Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, standing just outside the Belleville High football field where he played and honed his skills to become the nations top recruit, did not have to give the question much thought before he answered.Related ArticlesA healthy Azzi Fudd stars as UConn wins womens NCAA TournamentHouston rallies to beat Duke 70-67 in the Final Four and advance to face Florida for the NCAA titleClayton leads Florida to NCAA title game, scoring 34 points in 79-73 victory over SEC rival AuburnYaxel Lendeborg, top player in transfer portal, commits to Michigan basketballCMU fires Barbee, gets hit with lawsuit from dismissed former playerUnderwood, an early enrollee freshman at Michigan, is in the midst of spring practice competing to start at quarterback, a job that could very well be his this fall.

Sophomore Jadyn Davis is in the mix, and Michigan also added Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, who has loads of experience but has not been practicing because of an undisclosed injury.After tossing a few footballs during an NIL event late afternoon Sunday, Underwood was asked what his best attributes are as a quarterback.What I feel like I do best, I lead and Im an honest-to-God game-changer, Underwood said in a interview Sunday with The Detroit News.Anyone who has listened to Underwoods interviews has heard his candor and confidence.

In a recent one-on-one with Rich Eisen, Underwood said he plans to win a couple Heismans and at least one natty during his Michigan career.

So could it be cockiness? Maybe, but his coaches and teammates have said hes carried himself not as a hyped diva quarterback, but as a guy who wants to learn.

He listens, ask questions, they said, and puts in the work.I love his approach, first-year Michigan offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey told reporters before the start of spring practice.

Hes all business.

He loves football, thats the most important thing.

And he really wants to be the best player he can be.

He wants people to push him.

Hes a team-first guy.

If you ask the older guys on our team right now, I think they would tell you that they love his approach.Underwood said and gets in extra work after practices, either throwing more with receivers or watching film.

Asked if he feels a step closer to being the starter this fall, Underwood again didnt hesitate.Of course, he said.

Just being myself, honestly.

Just working as hard as I can.There is a lot new at major spots for Michigan this fall, including Underwood and Lindsey.

Lindsey has been an offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at a number of programs, most recently North Carolina where he helped developed Drake Maye into the No.

3 overall NFL pick in the 2024 draft.Its been amazing, Underwood said of working with Lindsey.

Hes a great guy overall.

Hes great for the quarterbacks and the offense as a whole.

What we feel like we need and feel like we want, hes willing to provide that.Last week, receiver Fredrick Moore said the offense has added a lot of new stuff hinting that it will be more wide open with a vertical threat the Wolverines lacked last season.

Donaven McCulley, a 6-foot-5 receiver who transferred from Indiana and is expected to be a primary target this fall, said last week that Lindseys vision for the offense is to be fast-paced with a down-field throwing attack.

Last season, Michigan ranked 129th nationally in offense (282.2 yards) and 130th in passing (129.1).Theres a lot of changes happening, Underwood said, and Im excited to showcase them when we get out there Aug.

30 (in the season opener against New Mexico).Michigan receivers coach Ron Bellamy said Monday that Underwood, like the young receivers, are learning plenty this spring practice and noted the promise they all share.You see the physical talent, ball placement, arm strength, mobility, you see all that stuff and you get excited because you know what can be once he gets a full grasp of the offense, Bellamy said of Underwood.Bellamy went after bigger receivers in recruiting and the portal because Michigan lacked that last season and didnt have an advantage in one-on-one matchups.

Now, with a strong-armed quarterback like Underwood and bigger receivers like McCulley, the Wolverines have a greater chance to win those 50-50 balls.The ball in the air is ours; thats the mentality we have, Bellamy said.

When youre starting to roll out 6-3, 6-4, 6-5 (receivers), most of those guys have basketball backgrounds.

Ball in the air is rebounds to them, boxing people out, using their big body.

So, thats something we did not have last year, for the most part, and we do now.

We feel good about the additions that we made to address that.

But to me, it takes stress off the play caller and the quarterbacks.McCulley has been developing a chemistry with Underwood.When he gets out of the pocket, I know hes looking to throw the ball downfield, McCulley said.

So Im always going to be where he needs me to be, and thats what I told him.Underwood is a right-hander, but was throwing left-handed to mere mortals on the field at Belleville High on Sunday.

For the record, he said he can throw 30 yards with accuracy with his left arm.

He was asked to share the best play hes made during spring practice Michigan will have a public spring game at Michigan Stadium on April 19 and he took some time to think.There have been a couple touchdowns Ive thrown, Underwood said, smiling while not offering details of those plays.Practices have been his opportunity to learn, build chemistry with his teammates and impress.Ive been doing what Im supposed to do, he said.Just another step toward being the game changer he plans to be..

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