Michigan QB Bryce Underwood is a 'phenomenal leader' and 'on the right track' heading into summer
DETROIT — Michigan Wolverines football assistant coaches made the trip to Wayne State for the Sound Mind Sound Body National College Showcase satellite camp. Evaluating in-state talent and building relationships is at the forefront at the event — and those two things have been important to recent recruiting developments at Michigan.
After all, the Maize and Blue landed the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class — quarterback Bryce Underwood — out of Belleville (Mich.) High just last cycle.
Michigan wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Ron Bellamy has seen plenty of in-state recruits thrive at Michigan. He believes Underwood — the 6-foot-4, 214-pounder — will be one of the next at the program the quarterback grew up wanting to play for.
“You take more pride in it,” Bellamy said of in-state players. “And local guys see that, and a guy of his caliber, you want to follow him. He has a huge following here in this state, and I’m sure it’s gonna help on the recruiting trail for us.”
Underwood joined Michigan in December and went through bowl practices, winter workouts and spring ball. It’s safe to say he impressed teammates and coaches early on.
“He’s smart, man,” Bellamy noted. “The way Bryce attacks football, man — he’s the first one, last one [in the building]. He’s a sponge, always wanting to learn. Hanging around the receivers.
“Great leader. For a 17-year-old kid, phenomenal leader. We all know about the physical attributes, but I think he’s on the right track. He’s definitely on the right track.”
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The leadership aspect is uncommon for players of his age.
“Super [rare],” the Michigan coach continued. “He doesn’t get rattled. He’s always working. And you love that as a coach, because you know the quarterback usually leads the team and guys follow. You can see that following now with some of the guys — not just guys in his class, but some of the older guys too that Bryce has done a good job with.”
Bellamy, a former Michigan wide receiver and historian of the program, was asked who Underwood reminds him of from the past. He didn’t put any limits on Underwood’s game, nor give him the praise of comparing him to greats just yet.
“I don’t know. He’s unique,” Underwood replied. “He’s a big kid with a strong arm, accurate, super cerebral, super smart kid.
“We’ve had a lot of great quarterbacks at Michigan. I don’t think it would be fair to Bryce to say who’s comparable to him now, because he hasn’t taken a snap yet. But obviously, there are a lot of great things that he’s done thus far in a short time. You can see it — you can definitely see it.
“I’m most impressed with his leadership and the way he comes out there ready to go every day. For a young kid, that’s pretty impressive.”
