Michigan offensive line is shining in camp: ‘Incredible culture’
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore knows a thing or two about offensive line play, having coached one of the nation’s best the last three years. He made a vow recently that line play would always be strong while he was at U-M, and it appears this year’s team is ready to carry the torch.
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U-M will have five new starters on the line, though left tackle Myles Hinton started a few games last season. And there’s plenty of experience at right guard in Josh Priebe, whose play at Northwestern might have earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors instead of third had he been at U-M last year. He was that good.
As a guy who knows what it takes for an O-line to shine, Priebe gave an encouraging update on this year’s group.
“The camaraderie and closeness of the group is impressive,” Priebe said. “That’s something really important for offensive line play, because you have to play five as one … Everybody is dedicated to the craft, putting in extra work whatever’s necessary. It’s just a phenomenal culture to be a part of.
“… On the field, we trust in each other. That’s what it’s about. You have to build that chemistry to be a great O-line. You need chemistry to be a great O-line.”
And they’ve had it, going toe to toe with an outstanding defensive line in camp. Priebe called it “the best interior defensive line — those guys are elite there in the middle” — and a “great challenge for us. Executing against those guys gives our offensive line and myself a new level of confidence,” he said.
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Just as encouraging — they’ve done it with different combinations, indicating there’s plenty of depth.
“That’s such a great thing to have,” Priebe said. “What I’ve noticed, regardless of who’s in there, there’s never been any drop off. There’s never been any real difference or feel on double teams or passing stuff off. Communications been great, and I certainly whole-heartedly trust whatever decision coach [Grant] Newsome makes with regards to center or any other position.”
That one’s a battle between Greg Crippen and Raheem Anderson. The Michigan guards seem set with Priebe and Giovanni El-Hadi, while right tackle is an Andrew Gentry vs. Jeff Persi battle.
Whoever wins those Michigan line battles will be up to the task, Priebe predicted.
“We’re going to trust whoever is put out there,” Priebe said. “It’s going to be the best decision for the team, and we’re all going to trust that.”
