WATCH: Grant Newsome, Lou Esposito talk Michigan fall camp

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Wolverines football offensive line coach Grant Newsome and defensive line coach Lou Esposito spoke with reporters at press conferences Wednesday. Watch video from their sessions with the media below.

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Offensive line coach Grant Newsome

Defensive line coach Lou Esposito

Notes from Grant Newsome, Lou Esposito press conferences

• Legendary former Michigan wide receiver and 1991 Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard spoke to the team Wednesday. His message was that the mindset and perspective each player carries will directly lead to his success on the field in football and in life after the game passes them by. Newsome said that he mentioned looking at life “glass have full” and looking at difficulties as “opportunities” rather than “challenges.”

• There’s a “true meritocracy” at each position on the field, and a true battle going on at left tackle, from the sounds of it. Newsome mentioned junior Evan Link first, saying he’s “elevated” his game this offseason and that he’s been impressed with the way he’s worked this offseason, before saying freshman Andrew Babalola and sophomore Blake Frazier are also in the mix. Frazier has done a “remarkable job” for someone who was banged up in the spring.

• At right guard, junior Nathan Efobi has been “taking the next step,” while graduate Lawrence Hattar, sophomore Jake Guarnera and junior Brady Norton are also battling for the starting job. Newsome called it a “good competition,” adding that it doesn’t feel like they have to play someone there by “default” but rather will truly just choose the best player of a few good ones.

• Michigan’s two starting EDGEs — graduate TJ Guy and senior Derrick Moore — have had a “great summer.” Esposito mentioned the way they’ve been watching film with more intentionality and working hard, leading others. They’re operating like “pros.”

• • Assuming graduate Rayshaun Benny starts at defensive tackle, Esposito said there are a number of players who could open up games next to him. He said that Williams, graduate Damon Payne, graduate Ike Iwunnah, junior Enow Etta and junior Trey Pierce have all had their moments, and that the competition is bringing out the best in all of them. The competition also allows the staff to reward those playing the best at a moment of time, which motivates everybody.