The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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24 THE WOLVERINE ❱ MAY 2025 There were a handful of standout performances from the split-squad exhi- bition in Ann Arbor, which resulted in a trip to the Texas de Brazil steakhouse for the Blue squad for its 17-0 victory over the Maize unit. The Wolverine's staff of Chris Balas, Anthony Broome and Clayton Sayfie weighed in with their game ball picks from both squads. TE/FB JALEN HOFFMAN Jalen Hoffman, often mentioned as the under- study for captain Max Bredeson, was a revelation in the April 19 game. He finished with 7 catches for 148 yards, 88 coming on the day's final snap, a trick play that resulted in a long touchdown from freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. Hoffman has always been considered more of a fullback, but he changed his body this offseason and looks to have positioned himself for a pass- catching role in the tight end room. He and Un- derwood already have a connection, and we may have gotten an early glimpse at a potential safety- valve option for the young signal-caller. There are always caveats when it comes to spring game performances. One may be that Hoffman was the Blue team's only tight end. The format lends itself to some folk heroes who do not always flash after the fact. But Hoffman has been a burgeoning name behind the scenes for a few years. What he did this spring may have positioned him as a player to watch heading into fall camp. — Chris Balas QB BRYCE UNDERWOOD Some may be quick to jump on the stat line (12- for-26, 187 yards, TD, INT, fumble) as disappoint- ing in the phenom's debut, but we saw everything we wanted to see from Underwood. There was a level of competence and playmaking ability that nobody at quarterback displayed last year, and he can effortlessly flick the ball down the field. He has plenty to hone in, whether it be deep-ball accuracy, touch or other intangible traits, but he has the dual-threat skill set that will play when games hit this fall. U-M has billed its quarterback situation as a battle that will go into the fall. And yes, we do expect them to give grad transfer Mikey Keene a fair shake at the position when he is healthy. But what Underwood does will play, and with the benefit of a starting offensive line — and trust us, there is still plenty of work to do — and the No. 1 set of backs and receivers around him, there should be a solid-enough infrastructure to be this team's opening day starter. — Anthony Broome RBS BRYSON KUZDZAL AND MICAH KA'APANA Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall are the team's starting running backs, but an interesting competition played out between Maize's Bryson Kuzdzal (14 carries, 105 yards) and Blue's Micah Ka'apana (15 carries, 34 yards, TD). With Ben Hall's departure to the transfer portal, the spring game provided an opportunity for each to stake their claim in the battle for No. 3 running back reps. They will have competition for those spots come fall camp, especially with the additions of CJ Hester (UMass) and John Volker (Princeton) out of the transfer portal. But both Kuzdzal and Ka'apana had solid moments throughout and will be worth keeping an eye on in the leadup to the regular season. — Clayton Sayfie HONORABLE MENTION Junior RB Justice Haynes (6 carries, 51 yards) and sophomore RB Jordan Marshall (4 carries, 9 yards): Neither played much in the spring game due to their status at the top of the depth chart, but both look the part as the two guys who can lead the run game this fall. Haynes in particular stood out, headlined by a 26-yard run up the left sideline in the early going. Sophomore DB Jeremiah Lowe (2 INT): U-M is waiting for steps forward at cornerback, and Lowe staked his claim in the position battle with 2 interceptions of Jadyn Davis, both in the second half. His first came when he jumped a route along the left sideline early in the second half, which showed off good instincts and film study on his part. Sophomore DB Tevis Metcalf (INT): His brother, safety TJ Metcalf, has often been named as a larger contributor this fall, but Tevis came down with an interception on a throw from Underwood, where there was a miscommunication with Chan- ning Goodwin. We think he has a chance to make an impact as a key reserve and special teamer. Sophomore EDGE Dominic Nichols (2 tackles, 1 sack): Michigan needs guys to step up in the two deep at EDGE rusher, and Nichols has routinely been named as a guy to watch. The staff favorite had a "sack" in the game and a few pressures. — Anthony Broome Maize And Blue Game Balls Junior tight end Jalen Hoffman finished the spring game with 7 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown. His score was an 88-yarder on a trick play on the final snap of the game, giving the Blue team a 17-0 win. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL coverage along with 4 tackles. Freshman linebacker Chase Taylor notched 3 stops and a tipped ball at the line to prevent a completion. Blue team frosh corner Shamari Earls also provided some nice coverage, though he got away with a pass interfer- ence on a long throw intended for grad receiver Peyton O'Leary. Earls regis- tered 5 tackles to lead the Blue. Moore lauded his defensive line, call- ing it "a group of guys that have been really fun to watch." The second-year head coach is also enthused about the potential he's seen in the Wolverines' secondary this off- season. "In the back end, it's a slew of guys, as well," Moore said. "To watch a guy like [sophomore safety] Mason Curtis fly around at 6-5, a safety that can run, can move and flip his hips … it's been cool. [ Junior] Brandyn Hillman has really taken the next step to be one of those dynamic players in college football. I'm excited for him." And excited for the future, Moore said. The Wolverines have plenty to figure out with the 2025 campaign fast approaching, especially up front of- fensively, but the pieces appear to be in place for a good season if everything comes together.