The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MARCH 2018 THE WOLVERINE 55 to make their decision and get on campus, and that's always been the plan for Taylor." On the football field, Upshaw is still pretty green, but Bradley isn't worried about that side of his Michi- gan career either. "He's learning every day," Brad- ley said. "His senior year was only his second year ever playing, so he's definitely improving on multiple dif- ferent things on the defensive line. We're excited about his future at Michigan for sure." Because of his inexperience, Up- shaw is at Michigan as a bit of a "boom or bust" type. Rivals.com Florida recruiting ana- lyst Rob Cassidy has watched Up- shaw develop over the last two years and sees a lot of good and some bad in the defender's game. "Upshaw has impressive strength and the frame of a college-ready prospect," Cassidy said. "He is still learning the finer points of the posi- tion and has a tendency to overpres- sure though. Despite his impressive size, he gambles on big hits at times and could become a more reliable tackler." Upshaw was very deliberate when going through the recruiting pro- cess and Michigan checked all of his boxes. "The academics were big, and the football is obvious," Upshaw out- lined. "After those things checked out, my family needed to feel good. My mom was really pushing for Michigan. She loved Coach Har- baugh and loved talking with [de- fensive line] Coach [Greg] Mattison. My sister and my dad really liked it too. There was just nothing wrong with any of it." Upshaw comes from great blood- lines as the son of former NFL first- round pick Reagan Upshaw. His mother and father were both extremely involved in his schooling and the recruitment process, and they guided him to a decision that they're all ecstatic about. Upshaw should thrive academically at Michi- gan and will learn under two of the more accomplished, veteran defen- sive coaches in Mattison and coordi- nator Don Brown. With so much depth along the de- fensive line, Upshaw likely won't be needed as a true freshman in 2018. However, he has a future that is very intriguing. Sometimes guys can really take off once they're immersed in a football culture like that of Michigan's. An intense weight training program, in- creased attention to nutrition, chalk talk, and elite coaching and compe- tition could all be components that allow Upshaw to reach his full poten- tial quickly. ❏ 2018 Projection Starting out behind veterans like Chase Winovich and Rashan Gary, Upshaw likely won't be needed as a true freshman in 2018, but as an early enrollee his growth could re- ally take off. He could very well take a redshirt next fall, but it's always difficult to project guys with un- tapped potential (not to mention his bloodlines) who will be around for spring ball. The more time he has to bulk up and develop physically, the more likely it is he'll get on the field. He might be called upon to break into the two deep in 2019. The Wolverine • PO Box 2331 • Durham, NC 27702 • 1-800-421-7751 Visit our online store! www.TheWolverineOnDemand.com Please Add Sales Tax If Shipping To NC 7.5%, IN 7%, MI 6% Delivery Available Within Continental U.S. Only Mats are made-to-order and ship direct from manufacturer usually within 2 weeks Michigan Mats NEW! SOUTHERN STYLE MATS $29.95 + $6.99 S&H #1129-SS Outdoor Vinyl Doormat Size: 31.25" x 19.5" #1249-FBSS Football Mat Size: 32.5" x 20.5" #1262 Starter Mat Size: 19" x 30" FOOTBALL TICKET RUNNER/MAT #1251-TKT Size: 30"x72" $67.95 + FREE S&H #1249-FBSS #1262 Starter Mat #1129-SS Outdoor Vinyl Doormat