Two freshmen early enrollees already look the part as future contributors
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Michigan has seven of its freshmen (for 2023) already in Arizona with the team, most of them participating in drills and some practice. Cornerbacks Jyaire Hill and Cameron Calhoun are among them, and they’re already earning praise for their fit and attentiveness.
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When it comes to repel, of course, it’s all about the guys who are going to play in Saturday’s Fiesta Bowl tilt against TCU. In drills, though, all get to participate, and Hill and Calhoun look like they belong. There’s no stopping, starting, and explaining, Michigan secondary coach and co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale said Wednesday.
“I haven’t had to balance it because they have adjusted so fast,” Clinkscale said of the freshmen. “The rest of the team — their teammates, their peers, the rest of the defensive backs — have really accepted them very fast because they see their talent. They see their ability.
“I’m very open and honest with our group. Everybody knows where they stand. So, the players understand we’ve got to continue to build on this, continue to bring in top-tier talent. And when you see these two guys out there doing what they do just naturally without much coaching and adjusting right now, just naturally … it kind of opens everybody’s eyes that we were heading in the right direction.”
Head coach Jim Harbaugh predicted the freshmen would when he talked about them after Signing Day. He told Jon Jansen on the In The Trenches podcast they were exactly what they were looking for at the position, starting with Hill.
“He’s a game-breaker type guy as a kick returner and as a defensive back … a unique player,” the Michigan coach said. “He has a really high ceiling as a defensive back … great ball skills. He’s a very unique, creative individual, super competitive … played for a state title in football. He’s elite at track and field, a state champion in the relays, an all-state performer in the long jump. He helped his track team win its first ever state title.
“He’s another one of those kind of guys that has a personality that lights up the room. He has a true, genuine confidence about him.
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Cameron Calhoun (5-11, 167, No. 41 CB nationally) is one of the top cornerbacks in the state of Ohio, Harbaugh said. He’ll bring a chip on his shoulder to Michigan, as will many of the other freshmen
“His parents were very influential in the decision. Academics and football were the major priority to Cam and his family,” he said. “He was a very productive player in high school. He always seems to be around the football … over 50 tackles as a junior. Had nine interceptions as a junior and five as a senior.
“He’s one of these guys that loves to recruit. I had a lot of conversations with him over text and on the phone. He just strikes you as someone who’s going to be a good teammate and a good fit in our defensive backfield.”
The players have adjusted well and brought the freshmen out to practice like “little brothers,” Clinkscale said.
“I believe DJ [Turner] and Mikey [Sainristil] are both taking them both under their wing to try to just help them navigate the time, the schedule, where to be, how to get there on time, and then how to practice,” Clinkscale said. “And I’ll be honest with you … we haven’t had taken one step back with these two guys. They practice so hard, and they do a great job. I’m excited for them.”
