The Michigan player meeting that has stuck with captain Donovan Edwards

After Michigan Wolverines football‘s dismal 2-4 season in 2020, which was riddled by injuries and opt-outs to key players, then-head coach Jim Harbaugh sent an email to players about his desire to turn things around, and how to do it, the following season. That stuck with players for years, many of whom led a resurgence in which Michigan has won 40 of its last 43 games, three Big Ten titles and a national championship.

Perhaps just as impactful was a meeting with players called by players who were eventually elected by their peers as team captains. Senior running back Donovan Edwards, who just received the honor of being a captain himself, remembers it well. It’s stuck with him through the years, as has the leadership style of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and linebacker Josh Ross.

“Probably Hutch and Josh Ross,” Edwards said of the Michigan captains that he learned the most from.

“Just the ability to call a team meeting. The 2-4 season, they called us into the team meeting room and they said, ‘We’re gonna do it this way, and if you guys don’t wanna do it, then get the … get outta here. We don’t want you here.’ You could be bought in with that or not.”

Edwards and his 2021 recruiting class, which included quarterback J.J. McCarthy, linebacker Junior Colson and others, embraced being part of the change.

“My freshman class, when I was a freshman and those guys were seniors, we did an amazing job of listening to them and taking the player-led ability that they had to lead us to a Big Ten championship and make it to the College Football Playoff,” Edwards continued.

“Over the last three years, that’s what it’s all been about. Those guys have laid the foundation, and we’re just continuing to add to that blueprint that they gave us.”

Edwards is honored to be a Michigan captain himself, ready to continue to uphold the standard that’s been set.

Sophomore running back Benjamin Hall recently lauded Edwards’ positivity as a leader, something he tries to bring to the table on a daily basis. Edwards jokes around when it’s time for fun but locks in when he needs to be serious. But the positive energy brings, Edwards believes, is needed within a football team.

“Because it’s hard, man,” the Michigan captain explained. “Football is hard, especially when you get coached hard and you’re getting cussed out and, ‘Why is this, why is that?’ It’s hard to continue to have a positive attitude. You’re going to get into a mindset of like, ‘Do I really suck? Do I belong here?’ You just can’t have that kind of mindset to be successful in football, especially at Michigan because it’s truly hard.

“Those that have the ability to learn and grow and to have positivity are the ones that are going to be successful.”

Edwards, who’s racked up 2,376 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns in his career, is also elated for his fellow captains who were picked by their teammates, senior safety Rod Moore, graduate safety Makari Paige and senior fullback / tight end Max Bredeson. Senior EDGE Josaiah Stewart and graduate running back Kalel Mullings were named alternate captains.

“I’m beyond happy and excited that those guys were voted captains, because there are a lot of other guys that could’ve been voted captains on this team,” Edwards said. “J-Stew and Kalel are other two who are captains, as well. 

“I’m very excited, I’m very happy, because they deserve it. Rod has continued to uplift the whole entire defense while he’s been out. Breddy, we go as he goes. I think he’s basically the heart and soul of the offense. And Makari, not the most vocal guy, but when he says something, you shut up and you listen and it’s going to be very impactful. Those three guys, plus myself, are deserving.”

Moore suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury on a special teams play during a spring practice, yet he’s remained a key member of the Michigan team, taking on a role as ‘Coach Rod.’

“I think Rod has done a phenomenal job,” Edwards said. “He could just quit. He could say, ‘I’m just gonna go do what I’m gonna do next year,’ whether that’s go to the NFL or stay for another year.

“But Rod has always gone above and beyond — coaching guys up, helping younger guys, doing his rehab. He’s working his absolute hardest, and I think that’s a testament to Rod’s character. Guys have seen that, and that’s why he was voted as captain — and he deserves that.”