The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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THE WOLVERINE 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 83 things that help his game out. "Then, obviously, his leadership. He's become a great leader. To become voted captain in the spring, it's a huge accom- plishment for him and his family. It's go- ing to be an exciting year for him." Especially if he can get to the quar- terback a bit more. Pierce's strength last year came in stopping the run, and he figures to be even better this year. New strength coach Doug Elisaia and his staff have made him even thicker and stronger, and he's even harder to move. But another part of the strength and conditioning program is improving agil- ity, and that's where Esposito noticed the biggest improvement. Instead of just holding his ground and taking up space, Pierce was able to get a jump on offensive linemen with his athleticism. "The thing that jumped out [was] his ability to twitch up. It looks like he plays a little bouncier," Esposito said. "He's maturing. His body … I'm not going to say he's now in shape, because he's al- ways been in shape. But he's grown into his body and is becoming more mature. "I noticed a bounce in his step, and his quick twitch really showed up in a couple practices I was at." T h a t ra i se s P i e rce 's ce i l i n g t re - mendously. Between him and the 6-5, 320-pound Etta on the interior, the Wol- verines now have two tackles who should be among the best in the conference. Pierce, though, is the cornerstone, a big reason he was one of the priorities for the new staff. Esposito undoubtedly let them know it in the few months he served under Whittingham, and they've now seen it for themselves. "I think he can be great," Esposito said. Pierce was one of four spring captains, as voted by his teammates. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL