As the rest of the Big Ten hopes to catch up to the Indiana Hoosiers, thoughts turn to quarterback play. A media member drew an interesting parallel regarding Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Before the first team runs out of the tunnel for an official game, opinion and conjecture always appear to keep the college football conversation flowing. With spring practice long over, focus will eventually turn to summer sessions.
Michigan Wolverines QB Bryce Underwood Receives an Unflattering Comparison
Over the past season, Michigan fired its head coach for actions that embroiled the school in another controversy. Since then, the program hired former Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham. Underwood, a sophomore in his second year as the starter, hopes to lead the Wolverines back into the College Football Playoff.
Joe Deleon, co-host of “The Ruffino and Joe Show,” equated the Wolverines’ signal-caller to another highly touted prospect who appeared to struggle early.
“Quinn Ewers was a** for so many times. But eventually, he caught a rhythm,” proclaimed Deleon. Widely considered the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2021, Ewers played one game for the Ohio State Buckeyes before transferring to the Texas Longhorns.
Over his first 5 games as a member of the Longhorns, Ewers posted a 3-2 record with 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, completing 57.7% of his passes.
For context, the show hosts were discussing former NFL Pro Bowl safety and Utah alum Eric Weddle, who attended Michigan’s spring practice. He offered a strong opinion of Underwood’s capabilities.
“Mark my words… don’t be surprised if the backups are playing early,” Weddle said. “That Underwood kid. I don’t think you can throw or play quarterback… I don’t understand; it’s just quarterbacks in general, but I don’t understand how the position isn’t being taught from the pocket.”
Weddle drew his opinion from observations during spring practice, which may not be the strongest platform for assessment. At the same time, Blake Ruffino, Deleon’s co-host, offered pushback.
“The head coach has been comparing him to Cam Newton. Because if you clean up your footwork and sit inside the pocket and understand coverages, you’re going to be elite.”
In his freshman year in Ann Arbor, Underwood landed at the No. 79 spot in the PFSN CFB QB Impact Rankings, completing 60.3% of his throws with 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. This season, he will need to learn a new offense, something that takes his athleticism (392 yards, 6 touchdowns).
Offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who arrived in Michigan with Whittingham, wants to implement a power spread formation. As a result, the throws become a bit more controlled, and the run game remains at the centerpiece of the scheme.
Read More: ‘I Don’t Think You Can Throw’ : Former NFL All-Pro Sounds Off on Bryce Underwood’s Michigan Future
