The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1532537
PLAYER BIOS ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ MARCH 2025 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 43 BY ANTHONY BROOME U-M head coach Sherrone Moore is known for the "Smash" mantra that permeates the offensive line room. In- state offensive lineman Avery Gach em- bodies that and was confident enough in the program's direction at the 2024 spring game to make his verbal pledge. Gach, who had an offer sheet that in- cluded a number of national powers, including rival Ohio State, walked into Moore's office and made his commit- ment known on April 20, 2024. He held off on a public announcement until May 3 and then signed with the program in December prior to his early enrollment in January. "My relationship with the coach- ing staff made me feel like it's home," Gach told On3's Steve Wiltfong after his commitment. "I love the facilities. They just won the national championship. They develop NFL players, and they like to run the ball. I wanted to play in the Michigan-Ohio State game." Gach played 45 minutes from Ann Arbor at Groves High in Birmingham, where his team made a pair of state semifinal appearances, including one last season. He was also a two-time captain, signaling the type of character he brings to U-M. "He's just tremendous," Groves head coach Brendan Flaherty said. "The work ethic is out of this world. He's got the measurements. He's 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, and athletic. One of the things that makes him a difference maker is that he thinks he's got to be a better foot- ball player every day. He feels guilty if he doesn't work out. He won't put his head on the pillow if he hasn't done something to make him a better football player." It ultimately boiled down to comfort- ability in the system and the character of the U-M coaching staff when it came to Gach making the call to join the Wol- verines last spring. "Coach Moore is a great coach and an even better guy. That's what matters at the end of the day," Gach said. "I can't wait to play under him. "Coach [Grant] Newsome is the best O-line coach that I've talked to. He's very knowledgeable. He's a young guy, which I like, and he's played there. "I'm just so excited to get up there and start working with him. He's a great coach, and I know the things that he can do." ❑ In-State Standout Offensive Lineman Avery Gach Stays Home Gach is ranked as the No. 4 offensive guard in the country by Rivals. PHOTO COURTESY ON3 2025 Projection Gach has the advantage of coming in early and ge ng introduced to Michigan football, but it is incredibly hard for young offensive linemen to make an impact early. The door is cracked open for some available depth spots on the interior, but the focus this season for the in-state star is likely to get physically and mentally acclimated to the game, namely through work in the weight room and nutri on program. HONORS • Michigan Division 2 first-team all-state pick and Detroit Free Press Dream Team member as a junior and senior. • 2024 Michigan Sportswriters Division 1-2 first- team all-state. • Detroit News 2022 second-team all-state selec on as a sophomore. • Rivals 5-Star Camp Offensive Lineman MVP. RECRUITMENT • Commi ed to U-M prior to spring game on April 20, 2024, and officially announced on May 3. • Gach's offer sheet included U-M, Michigan State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Georgia, Auburn, Penn State, Ole Miss, Louis- ville, Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, Tennessee and more. • Recruited by offensive line coach Grant New- some. DID YOU KNOW? • Enrolled at U-M in January. • First-ever two-year team captain at Groves High under head coach Brendan Flaherty. • Four-year starter at tackle. • Helped his team finish 12-1 with a Michigan state semifinal appearance in 2024. • Led Groves to 15-8 record as a sophomore and junior with a state semifinal appearance in 2022. • Also played defensive tackle. • Le ered in baseball as a freshman and sopho- more, and track and field as a junior. • Son of David and Amy Gach. • Born on Oct. 8, 2006. THEY SAID IT On3 director of scou ng and rankings Charles Power: "He's con nuing to get bigger and stronger. When you look at Gach as a prospect, he's really got to play on the interior because he's not the longest. He doesn't have the biggest frame in terms of arm length and size. I think he's probably going to be projected in the interior. I could see him being a center, poten ally, or a guard. I think the biggest thing with him is going to be maxing out his frame to make the most of his physical abili es." AVERY GACH INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE 6-5 • 287 WYLIE E. GROVES HIGH FRANKLIN, MICH. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 302 20 4 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 42 10 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 20 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 37 3 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 135 4 3 INDUSTRY