Michigan offense 'has looked really, really good' in recent practices

The Michigan Wolverines football offense, despite having nearly the same coaching staff back, only returns one full-time starter from last season in junior tight end Colston Loveland. The group was behind the defense, which possesses much more experience, in the spring, but the gap has closed during fall camp.

“Early on in camp, it’s always a back and forth,” Michigan senior running back and captain Donovan Edwards said. “I think the offense has looked really, really good the past four practices. I know for a fact that’s the best defense in America, so being able to go against them every single practice, that’s helping us, that’s shaping us.

“We’re making plays against the defense, and they’re making plays against us. That’s just building a bond and a connection for us. When the defense makes plays, we’re gonna celebrate with you because we know all the things that they’ve been through throughout fall camp. Going to the season, it’s gonna be great for our team chemistry.”

Michigan junior wide receiver Tyler Morris predicted earlier in camp that the Wolverines will “open up the offense a little more” this season. Edwards, though, acknowledged that the Wolverines have an identity of running the football at a high level, even though he believes all options are on the table.

“However [offensive coordinator] Coach [Kirk] Campbell sees fit is how the offense is going to be. I know we’re going to continue to run the ball, and the more that we can do as an offense, the better.

“If we can spread guys out and throw the football and make football plays, then that’s what we’re going to do. If we can run the ball successfully, then that’s what we’re going to do.”

Edwards reiterated that the competition with the Michigan defense, which is expected to be one of the best in America, has helped.

“Going against the best defense all of fall camp is a pain,” Edwards said. “It’s a pain. Like, it sucks. Bruh, like those guys are really good. It’s been a constant back and forth — offense wins, defense wins — and that’s something you want to have as a football team.

“There are a lot of things we’re really good at, and when the season comes, that’s when it’ll show.”

He said practices make the games easier, from his experience through the last three seasons at Michigan.

“Absolutely, because you’re going against the best guys — the best of the best,” Edwards explained. “In games, too, you’re still going against the best of the best, but there are those times of hardships, like not really wanting to run a play, you find that inner dawg in you to bring out, to continue to compete. That’s what our defense does, they bring out the best in us.”

The West Bloomfield (Mich.) High product has over 2,300 yards and 18 touchdowns as a runner and receiver in his career, and he’s projected to have a major role in the Michigan offense this season. His versatility is a strength — 714 of his yards have come as a receiver — but he hasn’t been demanding more involvement in the pass game or offense at lare.

“If my number is called, if we have a play for me to go make a play, then I’m gonna do so,” Edwards said. “But we have so many talented guys like [sophomore wideout] Semaj [Morgan], C-Love [junior tight end Colston Loveland], [graduate wideout] Peyton O’Leary, [junior wideout] Amorion Walker, [freshman wideout] Channing Goodwin is a guy that’s really standing out to me, and [freshman wide receiver] I’Marion Stewart and [graduate wideout] C.J. Charleston. We have a lot of guys that can make plays.

“That would be selfish of me to say, ‘I want the ball right here, right now.’ I might do that eventually, but … but nah, it’s not like I want the ball all the time, because we have a lot of playmakers on the team that deserve to have their skill set utilized.”

Michigan has two quarterbacks competing to be the starter next week against Fresno State, junior Alex Orji and senior Davis Warren. Edwards said there aren’t many differences in the offense depending on which signal-caller is in the game.

“The thing is, it’s really very similar,” Edwards noted. “They’re both making extraordinary plays, putting the football where it needs to be for the receivers, commanding the offense really well.

“Ultimately, it’s the coaches’ decision who’s going to be the starting quarterback, and whoever the starting quarterback is, we’re gonna ride with them because they deserve it and they’re going to be a leader amongst our offense.”