The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/116680
where are they now? eye, but so can life. You have to be prepared for your opportunities and take advantage of them." And sometimes they present themselves when you least expect it. That's how it played out for Underwood after he stuck to his plan and was finally rewarded for his hard work. "That's what Michigan teaches. Now it's taught me how to overcome a lot of things and the adversity of life," he said. "It was hard [not to play], but I was very supportive of my teammates. I did whatever it took for Michigan to win, and I'm proud Michigan made me who I am today, thankful for all the people there who helped me along the way." ❑ The David Underwood File Michigan Accomplishments: Carried 148 times for 612 yards in four years (2001-04), averaging 4.1 yards per attempt and scoring six touchdowns … Notched his career-long run (46 yards) in 2004 against Northwestern, the last game in which he carried the ball … Enjoyed a career-best 108-yard game on only 11 carries in a 2003 win over Houston, scoring two touchdowns against his home-state opponent … Carried 52 times for 270 yards as a junior, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and scoring twice in a Big Ten title season … Earned a second Big Ten championship ring in 2004 despite losing his job to Mike Hart following an injury in the second game, a loss at Notre Dame. Michigan Memory: Underwood learned from some of the best in Ann Arbor, and he still maintains a friendship with running backs coach Fred Jackson. Jackson always lightened the mood, Underwood recalled. "He'd hang up his phone and say, 'Okay, I just got done with Barry Sanders' or 'I was just talking with a coach from the Lions,' and he'd come up with new drills and try to convince us he wasn't lying," Underwood recalled with a laugh. "You'd see him out there with his bad knees and bad back trying to run, but he'd still teach those drills. "We'd laugh a lot because it was funny watching him demonstrate, but we learned a lot, too. He's a great coach. He'll probably be there 10 years from now." Current Occupation: Nike-certified SPARQ trainer working with high school kids to realize their goals on and off the football field. Underwood is expanding his business to include speed testing and more. "Being able to be around football, find my way in life — there's peace of mind doing something I like and getting paid to help people, too," he said. "You have input on young peoples' lives, and it's rewarding getting positive results." Education: Underwood returned to school to finish his bachelor's degree in 2006. Family: Underwood is single and resides near Plano, Texas.