Colston Loveland speaks on early development, up-and-comer at TE
The Michigan Wolverines have been able to flex more of a muscle as a passing team this season due in large part to an emerging array of weapons around junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Chief among them is sophomore tight end Colston Loveland.
Loveland, who measures in at 6-6, 245 pounds, is one of the team’s top targets in the passing game and is no longer a secret to anyone. The Idaho native is as good as most at his position across the country.
“I’ve been thinking this for well over a year now: He’s really great. Freak athlete. And a team guy all the way, in every way,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said after a 31-7 win over Rutgers a few weeks back. “I think the cat’s out of the bag.”
The cat is certainly out of the bag at this point. Loveland has already matched last season’s reception total with 16 catches for 205 yards and a touchdown in six games. But it was an emergence as a true freshman that allowed him to position himself for a bigger role as a sophomore.
Michigan has typically been unafraid to play young players as long as they can help impact winning right out of the box. Loveland fell into that category last season.
“I think it just has helped me mature a little earlier,” Loveland said on Tuesday night. “I had a role to step into and I either step into the role, or you’re not gonna get that chance. That was something I wanted to do, play right away. And then definitely having that last year, all that experience in those games, it just made it a lot easier rolling into camp and spring ball this year. Just felt more confident in my ability, the playbook, physically and every (other) aspect.”
But in order to get the ball at Michigan, one has to be adept as a blocker. Loveland is still coming into his own in that area, but has seen progress in his skill-set with continued repetition and instruction.
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“I think it’s definitely improved and getting better,” Loveland said. “Still got a long way to go for sure. Always can get better in every part of my game. I’m happy with how it’s been this year. Just gotta keep pushing.
“They ask us to block a lot and I’ve definitely taken pride in it. And with AJ [Barner] coming along, he’s really good in the run game blocking. So I’ve learned some things from him too. And then Coach Newsome is just doing a great job. Coach Moore, all those guys. Technique and [being in] right place, right time, where to be. I think my blocking has improved.”
There is always an eye on the next wave of potential contributors at Michigan, and Loveland sees a player in his position group that reminds him a bit of himself as a freshman.
“Zach Marshall got last week in Minnesota,” Loveland said. “Since day one he caught onto the playbook. Super smart kid. Very dialed into what he does. And every day, super focused. And he’s done a great job this year.”
Loveland and Michigan are back in action on Saturday afternoon with Indiana coming to the Big House. Kickoff from Ann Arbor is set for 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast via Fox’s Big Noon Saturday coverage.
