Jaydon Hood is ready to make an impact
Michigan linebacker Jaydon Hood enters the 2023 season with a world of potential but only four career tackles to his name in his first two seasons. For many young players these days, that wouldn’t be enough. They’d be on the move without the instant gratification, most likely to the transfer portal and their next destination, one that often comes with the promise of more opportunity.
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Hood, though, never entertained any thoughts of leaving. The Florida native knows he could be playing significant minutes somewhere closer to home right now, making a major impact. There’s no doubt there have been some people in his ear. Two things have kept him focused on his task at hand in Ann Arbor, and one of them comes down to what’s in his heart.
“This is the spot I chose originally. This is what I see when I wake up — this is what I always dreamed,” Hood said. “I know I’m from Florida, but when I have my dreams at night it’s with the winged helmet on. I don’t want to leave that.”
As for the other …
“C.P. [linebackers coach Chris Partridge] has been a great addition,” Hood said. “I really learn and develop because of him … I’m just really learning. That’s just a mindset I had — to learn from the linebackers playing above me, learn from C.P. Learn from anybody who’s willing to help me. I take that to heart every day just to keep learning and learning, and it’s showing.”
Sixth-year Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett has been like a big brother, Hood added, taking him under his wing. Hood watches his teammate’s film along with junior linebacker Junior Colson, and other he can get his hands on to better his game. Partridge has set the pillars they all adhere to — ball destruction, block destruction, and communication — and Hood has made huge strides in every area.
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“I just kind of took that into myself and really embraced it,” Hood said. “I really want to contribute and make an impact for the team, help them win. I really looked deep inside myself — how can I impact? How do I help my team? We built that foundation. I’m just trying to join it, be a part of it.”
He appears to be on his way. Coaches and teammates have called him one of the team’s most improved players, and it’s because he’s changed his mindset.
“This year, I’m really learning how to learn the game,” Hood said. “I really create a lot of habits, something we preach. Don’t look at the goal — look at the process and the habits to get there. So, I really embrace that, too.
“Special teams, linebacker … I want to contribute any way I can. But I know I can contribute on special teams, too. …. I want to impact the team. I don’t have a selfish thought. If it’s linebacker, special teams, whatever, I’m good for it.”
