Michigan football: New U-M captain ‘shocked’ by honor
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Former Michigan quarterback Tom Brady had won a number of Super Bowls when he addressed one of Brady Hoke’s U-M teams several years ago. When he did, the then-New England Patriot said being voted Michigan captain in 1999 remained his greatest accomplishment in football.
RELATED
• Michigan captain Cade McNamara — playing ‘best football of my life’
• Michigan football names five 2022 team captains
It wasn’t surprising, then, watching the five new Michigan captains take the podium Thursday a bit numb about what had just occurred. Seniors Mazi Smith, Mike Sainristil, and Cade McNamara, along with grad student Ronnie Bell (not as stunned, knowing he’d likely get the nod this year like last), all talked about what an honor it was to join greats like Brady. They’d been voted to lead by their teammates, and it was a privilege.
Senior Erick All was last to speak. One of the Wolverines who improved most last year, the tight end has come a long way in all facets.
He embraced his moment.
“When they announced me, I was kind of shocked. I just pretty much said to the team that I love them. It’s a blessing being here, and I look forward to being in this building every day with this team,” All said. “I told them that I feel like we’re more ready to start a season than we’ve ever been — ever.
“People say it’s hard to build a culture and do something more than once. But man … we continue the culture here. We’ve gotten better as a team and gotten better with pretty much everything we want to do. And then … we do it.”
He’s a big part of the reason why, Michigan tight ends coach Grant Newsome said last week. Despite this being his fourth year, All brings the enthusiasm of a guy stepping on to the field for the first time. He’s serious about his business, determined to improve … and there aren’t many like him.
The Big Ten Network’s Dave Revsine recently marveled at All’s physique and ability, noting there aren’t many who can run like he can. Newsome understands he inherited a special one in his first season coaching the group at Michigan.
“He’s awesome. He has still got that enjoyment and freshness for the game,” Newsome said of All. “He’s got that enthusiasm that you normally see with really, really young guys, where it’s just every day … [like] it’s his first time out there.
Top 10
- 1
Kirby Smart
Calling out Sugar Bowl refs
- 2Trending
Mocking Beamer
Juice Wells trolls Shane Beamer
- 3New
Kirby on Parker Jones
Addressing sideline incident
- 4
Irish shock Georgia
Notre Dame advances to CFP semis
- 5Hot
Notre Dame vs. Penn State odds
Orange Bowl point spread released
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
“He just wants to do everything. He wants to catch every ball, make every block. But, at the same time, he’s just matured so much. The way he’s taken a leadership role, not only in the tight end room with [the young guys], but also amongst the whole team … it’s been awesome to see.”
All has kept it up throughout camp, a goal of his heading into his senior year at Michigan. For that, his teammates rewarded him with a captainship.
He plans to pay it back the only way he knows how — with hard work, an open ear, and a great example.
“I’m just a guy on the team that you can always look for to be in a positive mood,” the Michigan tight end said. “Everybody respects me as just a guy that always is ready to play. People look up to me, and they also know that I’m the guy that will also get on them if they’re doing something that they’re not supposed to be doing. [That’s] whether it’s football or outside of football.
“That’s pretty much it. I’m a guy that is not fake and is ready to do anything for the team. And I guess [my teammates] realized that.”
And in doing so, voted for All for one of the great honors of his young life. More are certain to come, staring a week from Saturday in Michigan Stadium.
