The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1488967
JANUARY 2023 THE WOLVERINE 59 BY EJ HOLLAND D avid Underwood arrived at Michi- gan as a highly touted prospect and part of a stellar 2001 recruiting class that included the likes of wide receiver Braylon Edwards, defensive back Marlin Jackson and safety Ernest Shazor — just to name a few. Underwood, who was considered one of the top running backs in the coun- try, attended Madisonville (Texas) High — a 45-minute drive away from Texas A&M. While the Aggies pushed hard for Underwood, he didn't reciprocate the interest. Instead, he wanted to carve his own path and chose the Wolverines. "Michigan was always on TV growing up, and they always played in the big bowl games," Underwood said. "They won the national championship in 1997. "Texas A&M was good, but they were always losing in the Cotton Bowl. A lot of my classmates were Aggies. Every- body around me would say, 'Gig 'em.' I just wanted to do my own thing and venture out. "Michigan is a great institution aca- demically and athletically. I just thought it was a no-brainer. No matter what, you're going to be tied in with one of the deepest alumni bases in the country and have a great degree." Underwood was forced to wait de- spite being a prized recruit, backing up B.J. Askew during his freshman cam- paign and Chris Perry the following two years. Underwood finally got his shot to start as a senior but suffered a concus- sion that kept him out of the lineup for the majority of the season. In his place, freshman Mike Hart, who now serves as Michigan's running backs coach, rushed for a freshman record 1,455 yards. Even through all of this, Underwood never transferred — an option that has become quite popular in today's college football climate. Instead, he remained loyal to Michigan and fin- ished out his collegiate career with the Wolverines. "Coming out as a four- and five-star recruit, you might have some expecta- tions that don't become true," Under- wood said. "You have to adjust. I'm the type of person that doesn't run from challenges. I accepted it. I embraced it. "I stayed, and I really believed in our slogan — those who stay will be cham- pions. I did my best and tried to finish the job. Things didn't go the way I ex- pected, but I left there a champion with a great degree." Underwood also created some memo- WHERE ARE THEY NOW? David Underwood Discovered His Passion For Strength Training At Michigan Underwood, on his Michigan experience "Things didn't go the way I expected, but I left there a champion with a great degree." Injuries impacted Underwood's career as a running back with the Wolverines, limiting him to 27 games on the field over four years. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN