The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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THE WOLVERINE 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 105 "… I think it just comes down to be- ing humble and hungry. I haven't earned anything yet. You've just got to come every single day, earn your stripes, be a team guy, and I think everything will come from just doing that." Working Hard, Fitting In According to teammates and coaches, that process has already begun. Defen- sive coordinator Jay Hill said he could tell when Snowden ini- tially stepped on the field for some of the basics, he knew he had a guy who would help the room. Even before that the coach had said, "I believe he is one of the better corners in t h e co u n t ry," a d d - ing he planned to play him both at corner and nickel to compete with Michigan veteran Zeke Berry and others. The competition is a step up from what Snowden is used to, but he's not shying away from the challenge. He spent a good portion of spring ball watching the team- mates he'll be battling with — both for time and against other opponents this fall — and he's excited to get it going. "Shug [Jyaire Hill] and Zeke, those two are straight ballers," Snowden said. "I can't wait to pick their brains and just continue to work my craft. They are going to get bet- ter, too … and we're going to get each other better. "Shug and Zeke, they're gifted. They're two-year, three-year starters. They've been in the system. They know how it's run, and I'm just excited to be around guys like that." But there are things he can teach them, too, including a few about the new coach- ing staff. Having played for Whittingham for three years, he knows what makes the coach tick and what he's looking for. It's relatively simple, he explained. "Just work hard," Snowden said. "Coach Whitt's a simple man. If you work hard, do what you've got to do, take care of business, you're going to be on the right track. "It's been a smooth process. Coach Whitt has been doing it for so long, he has a good hang of it. Everyone on the team is getting a really good taste of the culture and just the schedule and what it's supposed to look like. The transition has been really smooth." Likewise with Coach Hill, who played and coached under Whittingham. While the holdover players are adjusting to an- other defense, Snowden is more familiar with it, Hill having kept a lot of the same philosophies at BYU before leaving for Michigan. The core is "really similar," Snowden noted, and he's been in the play- book. So have his fellow corners. Hill inherited a great group to work with, he added, prais- ing his new teammates. They're all in the same situation preparing for the season, and he's more than impressed with his new teammates. "The coaching staff and the previous coaching staff did a really good job of just recruiting the right guys who are team guys and locker room guys," he said. Adding just the right pieces — Snowden included — will help what could be a fan- tastic defense on the field this fall. ❑ "I want to go out there and compete at the highest level, and I'm so excited and blessed to be at the University of Michigan. It doesn't get bigger than this." SNOWDEN Versatility Might Create More Options For Snowden Michigan has had its share of two- or even three-way players over the years, offensive and defensive players crossing over to spe- cial teams or even the other side of the ball. There was only one Charles Woodson, of course, in the modern era, someone who excelled at all three, but he proved there's that role for someone with his ability. Utah transfer Smith Snowden might not be in that category, but the outstanding cornerback was good enough the last few years that he dabbled on offense and con- tributed in the return game. He's hopeful to get the opportunity this year at Michigan. "We have some really good returners, but I would love to return," Snowden said. "I think we're just going to see how every- thing plays out, but we've got [sophomore receiver] Andrew Marsh, who can go. He's a straight beast, and he's returning right now, I believe." But Snowden was good, too. He served as kick returner in the last four games of the 2024 season and averaged 26.7 yards on 7 returns. He only ran back 3 a year ago, but special teams coach Kerry Coombs is well aware of his ability. "Coach Coombs is awesome. He's a great coach who knows a lot," Snowden praised. "He has a lot of knowledge to give. He's coached a lot of players, and a lot of players I've actually looked up to growing up. As a defensive back, you watch DBs growing up. "I've known Coach Coombs for a while now. He actually recruited me when I was back in high school." And now, everything's come full circle, he noted. If he gets the chance to contribute in the return game, great. If not, he'll give his all to the defense. "I'm just grateful," Snowden said, "to be here at Michigan." — Chris Balas Snowden, who earned second- team All-Big 12 honors at Utah last season, is looking forward to playing in front of 107,601-plus fans at The Big House this fall. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL