The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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22 THE WOLVERINE ❱ MAY 2025 BY CHRIS BALAS N ot since 2015, Jim Har- baugh's first year at the h e l m o f t h e M i c h i ga n football program, had a spring game brought so many fans to The Big House as U-M's 2025 scrim- mage, and there was one primary rea- son — freshman quarterback Bryce Un- derwood. The early enrollee had been as good as advertised after arriving in January, head coach Sherrone Moore said in the days leading up to the annual Maize and Blue game. And while Moore insisted the competition would remain open until at least fall camp, it seems likely Underwood is the heavy favorite to take the first snap in the Aug. 30 opener with New Mexico. "He's been outstanding," Moore said. "He's one of those kids that you've got to pull back. You've got to tell him to get some rest, make sure you're sleep- ing — the recovery piece — because he's just a worker. He never stops. He wants to be the best. He'll do anything to be the best. "He's a great teammate, a great young man. The foundation that his parents set for him has been awesome. He does everything at an elite level, on and off the field, so I'm just excited for him and for us as the future goes." Underwood led the Blue team to a 17-0 win over sophomore quarterback Jadyn Davis and the Maize, both signal-callers taking all the snaps for their respective squads with Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene sidelined (injury). The passing game showed signs of improvement over last year, but it still needs work overall — pass protection, especially, was not where it needed to be — and there were a few nice surprises, too. Overall, Underwood completed 12 of 26 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown — an 88-yard, double reverse flea-flicker to tight end Jalen Hoffman on the game's last play — along with an interception, but he also had a few passes dropped in his Michigan Stadium debut in front of an estimated 40,000 to 45,000 fans. His throws were crisp, his release effortless, and he also scrambled once for 17 yards on a day in which the QBs were "off lim- its" to be tackled. Davis, meanwhile, struggled to 6-of- 17 for 74 yards and 2 interceptions, with two other near picks. Both of his INTs were snagged by sophomore corner Jer- emiah Lowe, including an out-route he jumped on the sideline. "[Underwood] did well," Moore said. "He made some really good throws and had some things that we've got to clean AN ERA BEGINS All Eyes Were On Bryce Underwood In Michigan's Spring Game, But The Defense Stole The Show Defensive backs Jacob Oden (5), a sophomore, and Jordan Young (14), a freshman, were part of a swarming defensive effort in the Blue team's 17-0 win. Junior running back Bryson Kuzdzal, a former walk-on, fin- ished with 14 carries and 105 yards for the Maize to lead all rushers in the spring game. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL