Bryce Underwood struggles in first half of Michigan spring game

Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood had a rough first half during the Wolverines’ spring game. Safe to say, there were freshman struggles.

He went seven-of-15 passing for 52 yards and one interception. Not only that, Underwood had two delay of game penalties, a pass that was deflected and nearly picked on an out route and was 0-for-3 on deep balls, per Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press.

“Underwood absolutely ripped a pass to Joe Taylor that was pried out,” Garcia wrote on Twitter in response to another user. “Look, this dude can sling it. I’ve said that. But the stats are the stats. I didn’t create them, so nothing to be upset over.”

Underwood was the top rated prospect in the Class of 2025 and much hyped coming into Michigan. He signed a massive NIL deal and his On3 NIL Valuation is listed at $2.9 million while his roster value is $2.5 million.

It’s early, so no need to panic if you’re a Michigan fan. There’s months to go before the season, especially if Underwood is indeed named the starter.

“He’s been outstanding,” head coach Sherrone Moore said on ‘The Hard Count’ with On3’s J.D. PicKell. “He’s one of those kids that you’ve gotta pull back, you gotta tell him to get some rest, make sure you’re sleeping [with] 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 just excited for him and for us as the future goes.”

Michigan sophomore Jadyn Davis is also taking reps at quarterback, while Fresno State graduate transfer Mikey Keene has missed the spring with an injury. In all likelihood, the competition for the starting job won’t be decided until August.

“Right now, I think it’s open still,” Moore said of the battle. “I’m excited to see what happens in the spring game, and excited to see how it holds into the summer and fall camp.

“But Jadyn Davis has really taken huge steps this fall camp, and played really more confidently. You can see the glimpses of things that he did in high school really show up in spring ball. Been proud of his progress and what he’s done, and made the competition even better.”