The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1536962
72 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2025 FOOTBALL PREVIEW "I expect that he's going to be an All-Big Ten guard," the current Michi- gan radio broadcast color commenta- tor said. "He's putting in the work right now, whether it's with Grant Newsome or [analyst] Juan Castillo, and that's what he's got to do." Promises Made And that's what he's done, having put in extra work in the offseason to be the dominant guard everyone — including himself — knows he can be. Coaches were pleased with his progress, Moore call- ing him and right tackle Andrew Sprague the two who essentially secured starting spots on the line this spring. El-Hadi has high hopes for his group, and he's seen progress. It was tough sledding early in spring camp, but there was gradual improvement. Many of the younger players started to show out by the spring game, an outstanding defen- sive line bringing out the best in them. "We're going to be nasty. We're going to impose our will like we know we can," El-Hadi said. "We're not going to take anything from any team. We're not going to worry about anything but doing our jobs and doing it until the whistle blows. "This year is extremely important, and not just individually. It's my last year, and I want to give it my absolute all for the team and especially for the offensive line unit. I know how great we can be. I know we haven't shown our best every game, and that's the plan this year — to show we can hang with the best." He has individual goals, too, includ- ing an NFL career. The ones who make it are usually outstanding leaders, too. The Michigan coaches have told him as much, and they're looking for their veteran to step up in this area. First-year offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey wasn't sure what to expect given what he saw on film from last year's group. El-Hadi caught his eye early, though, and he's been pleased with his veteran. "I think Coach Moore and Grant both challenged him to be more vocal," Lind- sey said. "That's the one thing. He's a solid presence … physical, tough. He's got all those things, but I know Grant was really pushing, 'We need more vocal leadership out of you.' I thought he took that step. Last season while playing at right guard, El-Hadi shared the Dierdorf-Hutchinson Award, given to Michi- gan's best offensive lineman, with left guard Josh Priebe. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL