Michigan QBs coach reveals where Alex Orji, rest of group made most progress in 2023
The Michigan Wolverines will break in a new starting quarterback in 2024 with J.J. McCarthy headed to the NFL Draft. Whether or not his immediate successor is on the roster or not remains to be seen, but quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell saw progress made in his room this past season.
Campbell spoke at Michigan football’s media day sessions before the College Football Playoff National Championship game in Houston, saying it was more than just McCarthy that made progress under his watchful eye this year.
“Every single one in that room has taken a step way in the positive direction,” Campbell said. “I can go way down the line. I’ll just start going down the list. Jack Tuttle, is a veteran guy who came from this spread offense and coming into more of an under-center, play-action, pro-style offense. So just learning a lot there. Alex Orji, his fundamentals, footwork and timing has been insane in his development.
“Jayden Denegal might be the most improved player on the entire roster. Great accuracy and a huge future for him. Then you throw in Davis Warren, he went through some injuries this year, but his footwork. Cleaning up some of that stuff and he’s playing on time and playing as confident and fast as you can.
“So summarizing that all, it would be the confidence of the group. Understanding pre-snap what we’re going to probably get post-snap and be able to execute once that ball is snapped.”
Among the options currently on the roster, many have speculated that Orji could be the frontrunner for Michigan heading into spring ball due to his dual-threat ability. He was a four-star recruit and the No. 391 prospect in the country in the 2022 recruiting class, per the On3 Industry Ranking.
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Orji has one career passing attempt, a five-yard completion last year against UConn. This season, he rushed 15 times for 86 yards and one touchdown in six games. Despite the Wolverines using him mostly as a gadget player in his career, Campbell said the traits he needs to play quarterback effectively have developed nicely.
“Obviously what the fans have seen is him run it a lot, but his throwing is what’s the most impressive and the most production,” Campbell said. “His footwork, his fundamentals, getting everything tied to his throw — his timing is where the real development has happened. And he has an extremely bright future if he keeps trending in that direction.”
Others will get a shot to duke it out for the job, but Tuttle’s presence is still a bit uncertain for 2024. He is seeking a waiver to play for a sixth season but expects to return to Michigan in some capacity next season as either a player or coach.
In any configuration, he is seen as an asset.
“He’s seen a lot of football,” Campbell said. “He’s been in three programs, seeing what has worked, what has not worked. I think that’s been valuable for our room. Then he’s mature. He’s so mature. It’s just great for the other guys to see and build off of.”
