What's next for star pass catcher Colston Loveland? His position coach weighs in
The Michigan Wolverines are re-establishing their offensive identity under head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell. Tight ends coach Steve Casula will play a big role in that given his position group’s role in the offense they want to run.
Chief among the players there is star tight end Colston Loveland, who enters his junior season already as one of the best at his position nationally. Last year, he hauled in 45 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns. Some analysts have speculated he may be a first-round prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Casula weighed in on what the development plan has been for the Michigan pass catcher during spring media availability on Tuesday.
“The first thing I would say about Col, above and beyond his talent, anyone that has ever met him or dealt with him, he’s about one of the nicest and humblest guys you could ever encounter,” Casula said. “I think the biggest challenge for Colston and any player that has had the track he’s had is he’s done some exceptional, exceptional things in the biggest moments possible. That has become his new standard and working to hold that every day which he’s done this spring. He’s a guy that is really open to coaching and searching to find the best way to do things.
“I haven’t presented him with, ‘hey, here’s a ton of solutions to problems that don’t exist for you,’ but fine-tuning certain details and 400-level understanding of not just what we’re doing but why we’re doing it and how to do something and why we do it that way. He’s interested in growing as a player every day. He wants to be coached and he’s fun to coach. He’s super into football. Obviously, he’s unbelievably gifted but he works and earns that every single day.”
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So how does he get there and unlock his full potential at Michigan? He may be close, but Casula thinks there is an element of consistency he can add to his game.
“I think just being able to make those game-changing plays over and over and over again,” Casula said. “Then, really, have no bad plays. He really doesn’t. Col, I think, as a sophomore this past year, in my opinion, was the best tight end in college football. I feel that way now. Just continue growing. He is a lead-by-example style of guy but I think when he talks the players really listen.
“In my opinion, Colston, on any given snap, is the best player on the field. With that, that’s a major compliment to him but I think there becomes a duty and responsibility, you have to do it every day and he’s about it. I can’t say enough good things about Col. He’s been great and he’s been fun to coach.”
Michigan wraps up its spring practices on Saturday in Ann Arbor with a Maize vs. Blue exhibition scrimmage at the Big House. The event is free and open to the public.
