The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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28 THE WOLVERINE DECEMBER 2022 That's the message — onward. The Wolverines dwelt for a while on their breakthrough victory against the Buck- eyes, and rightly so. But soon after they set their sights on an even bigger task — beating Michigan State and Ohio State in the same year, the latter in Columbus, re- peating as Big Ten champions, and upping their game in the College Football Playoff. It's all still out there for the Wolverines, and nobody realizes it more than a fully committed tight end who doesn't get an- other chance in the rivalries or the high- stakes clashes at season's end. "It's just knowing that we can get that far, and that every step from Ohio State, to the Big Ten Championship, to the playoff game — each part is a step in itself," Schoonmaker mused. "You learn so much. It's fun, to be able to have your season extend farther than just the regular season and a single bowl game. "That extension of the season is so great for the team, and the experience and the fun of it." If they need any reminders, there have been plenty. Harbaugh likes to bring in high-profile achievers, whether Michi- gan alums or others con- nected to U-M in some way, to urge on his teams. They've had the likes of Tom Brady, Charles Wood- son and many more talk of what it means to pull on the winged helmet for a given Saturday. Schoonmaker noted an- other Heisman Trophy win- ner and a highly decorated Olympian also got in on the act in recent weeks and months. "There's no better way to go out than to accomplish all those things," Schoonmaker stressed. "Leaving Michigan having that standard set … I know Desmond Howard said it back in fall camp — that needs to be the stan- dard again, that it's normal that those games are won. "The caliber of this team is just great. To be able to leave with those teams beaten, and the same thing occur — and even more — that's definitely something to leave on." The message carries on, even through those who didn't actually perform for the Maize and Blue. "It's so great," Schoonmaker said. "I love that they started doing that. Last year, we really put an emphasis on that. We have some great guys — Michael Phelps, among others — just to come in and give their two cents on how they were so successful and so accomplished. "So many different things can resonate with you. I was blessed to have those peo- ple talk to us. I've got pages of notes from everybody that I continue to read and that I can use to my advantage." LEAVING NOTHING TO CHANCE The attention to detail appears to be a hallmark of Schoonmaker's prepara- tion. Back at Hamden Hall Country Day School, Schoonmaker proved a leader ca- pable of helping his team to the New Eng- land Preparatory School Athletic Council championship in 2016 as well as strong finishes throughout his career. He also showed himself an extremely heady, versatile performer, playing three positions on offense — quarterback, wide receiver and tight end — and the unlikely spot as a cornerback on the Hamden Hall defense. ESPN pegged him as a three-star pros- pect, the No. 20 tight end in the nation and the No. 2 performer in Connecticut. Schoonmaker got into one game his freshman season at Michigan, playing against Rutgers. He became a regular performer in 2019, appearing in 11 games and making a pair of catches, including hauling in a 25-yard touchdown toss at Illinois. Schoonmaker appeared in all six Mich- igan games in the lost season of 2020, then turned it up in last year's run to the Big Ten championship. The honorable mention All-Big Ten performer made 17 catches for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns, saving one of his best efforts for the con- ference championship game. In that blowout of Iowa, he made a pair of grabs, including a double-take-worthy one- hander. This year, he estab- lished a career high with 9 catches at Indiana, piling up 67 yards and a touchdown. He also led Michigan with 70 yards on 5 grabs in the win over Michigan State, sharing Offensive Player of the Game honors for the second time this season. His teammates see him as someone fully taking ad- vantage of the opportuni- ties that come to those who wait and prepare well. "Schoon has been play- ing really well for us this season," noted junior guard Zak Zinter. "His ability to catch the ball, make plays, get yards after catches has been a really big advantage for us." Freshman cornerback Will Johnson offered his as- surances that Schoonmaker presents a big challenge for any defensive back, given his combination of size and speed. Schoonmaker called last year's titanic showdown with the Buckeyes in The Big House the best day of his life. He posted 2 catches for 15 yards in the Wolverines' 42-27 victory amid the snow flurries. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN