Michigan spring practice: QB Bryce Underwood has 'natural born leadership traits' and is 'always in the facility grinding'

New Michigan Wolverines football coordinator Chip Lindsey is going to “open up the offense,” according to numerous players that have spoken this spring. More passing, and more throwing the ball down the field, have been common sentiments shared.

New concepts and a fresh way of thinking have entered the building, according to sophomore tight end Hogan Hansen, who figures to have a prominent role in 2025.

“The way we think about moving the ball has definitely changed,” Hansen said. “I think Chip Lindsey’s offense just came in and brought a dynamic passing game. We can really move the ball down the field.

“Spring ball, I just felt like there have been a lot more explosive plays, and we can really mix it up with creativity, throwing the ball down the field and going to the classic Michigan ground and pound, and run through your face.”

Some of it is the new Michigan offense that’s being installed.

“It’s a lot of new concepts that I wasn’t really aware of as just a freshman last year,” Hansen explained. “A lot of choice routes. A lot of zone options and screens that we’re running. A lot of creative ways to get our playmakers the ball.”

There are a million different ways to get playmakers the ball, but having good quarterback play unlocks many of those options. Michigan players have been confident in what they’ve seen from the two healthy signal-callers who are practicing this spring — sophomore Jadyn Davis and freshman Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class who’s shining as an early enrollee.

“I think it’s definitely a combination,” Hansen said of the new offense and the quarterback play. “The quarterbacks have been playing out of their mind ball placement-wise, accuracy-wise. And I think the competition in the quarterback room has made it even more special to watch, because they’re just going out there every day and balling.”

Michigan junior wide receiver Semaj Morgan has known Underwood for years. He’s seen his talents up close and personal, but even he has been impressed.

“I actually played with Bryce in the seven-on-seven circuit in high school, so I already knew what I was getting when he came here,” Morgan said. “His accuracy is on point, for real. They weren’t lying about it.

“JD2’s accuracy is on point, too. They’re both making some unreal throws in practice. They’re making some crazy throws in practice.

“But I’m very proud of both of those guys. They’re both good, and I want to see the both of them get the best of this.”

Morgan explained that Underwood has matured as a player and leader.

“I’d say his arm power,” Morgan said of how Underwood has evolved since they played together in high school. “And he just got older, really, and grew in the game. He’s really smart, man. He knows what he’s doing, and he takes it really seriously. He always took it seriously, but he just grew more into the game. He’s making it his own, and he won’t let it be too fast for him or anything like that. I like to see that.”

Michigan defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan said earlier this week that Underwood is “always” inside Schembechler Hall, throwing, training or meeting with coaches. Hansen, one year older and a teammate, has noticed the same thing.

“He has natural-born leadership traits, just how he carries himself as a freshman,” Hansen said. “He’s very mature, and you wouldn’t think he’s a freshman if you didn’t know who he was. He’s always in the facility grinding, and he’s having a really good spring, so the results are speaking for themselves.”

If Underwood does become Michigan’s starting quarterback in 2025 — he certainly appears to be the favorite at this point — he will be thrust into a leadership position right away.

“I don’t think he really has to prove anything,” Hansen said. “He just has to keep being him and keep doing what he’s doing, because right now he’s doing really well and carrying himself really well. So, just keeping on the path that he’s on.”