Desmond Howard delivers mindset message to Michigan offensive line
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines offensive line coach Grant Newsome revealed that former College Football Hall of Fame wide receiver, Heisman winner, and Super Bowl champion Desmond Howard recently spoke to the team.
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“The great Desmond Howard just spoke to the team, which is always great to have him around,” said Newsome. “He shared a powerful message about mindset and how your perception shapes your play on the field and in life.”
Howard encouraged players to see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.
“Are you looking at things as half empty versus half full? That simple change can transform how you play and how a team performs,” Newsome added.
Newsome is in his fourth season as the full-time assistant coach with the men in maize and his second as the offensive line coach.
The 28-year-old has been with Michigan since 2015, marking the upcoming 2025 season as his 11th overall season as a coach or player.
Competition heats up at left tackle and right guard
Newsome described the offensive line as a “true meritocracy” where every job is up for grabs until the first game.
At left tackle, (Evan) Link has made significant strides since last season and is having a strong camp. Andrew Babalola and Blake Frazier, who recently recovered from injury, are also competing for playing time.
“At right guard, we have four guys mixing in — Nate Efobi, Lawrence Hattar, Jake Guarnera, and Brady Norton,” Newsome said. “All four are playing well enough that we can win. It’s a healthy competition.”
Newsome praised the depth and unity of the group.
“We’re not just better; we’re deeper than last year. The guys have invested in themselves individually and as a unit,” Newsome said.
Coaching growth and player development
Newsome acknowledged a learning curve in coaching but credited the players for embracing the challenge to lead the team through the offensive line.
“We weren’t good enough last year as a team or as an offensive line. The expectation here is that the offensive line leads the team,” Newsome said. “The guys have embraced that challenge and made tremendous progress.”
Physicality has been a key focus this year, especially in the run game. “We have to be able to run the football consistently. That pride and physicality need to show up every game.”
Adapting to new challenges and opportunities
With no back-to-back home games this season, Newsome said the team is preparing for the challenges of silent counts and loud road environments.
“It’s all about mindset,” Newsome said. “We can look at it as a challenge or an opportunity to do something no Michigan team has done before — go undefeated and win a national championship without back-to-back home games.”
The team is also looking ahead to playing in Germany next year.
“It’ll be exciting, but right now we’re focused on this day and this practice,” Newsome said.
Transfer players and young talent making impact
Newsome praised transfer Hattar for bringing a winning mentality from Division II, along with three national championships.
“There’s a lot to be said for someone who’s won. He comes from a culture of toughness and grit, which is what we aspire to be every day,” Newsome said.
Newsome also highlighted the intelligence and football IQ of Babalola, calling him “incredibly smart” and physically gifted.
Confidence key for left tackle and offensive line success
Newsome played left tackle as a freshman, and he said having confidence is the most important trait for the position.
“Playing tackle is unique. If you don’t succeed three out of 10 times, you’re not making it through the first quarter,” Newsome said. “Link has developed that confidence and swagger this offseason, which is impressive for a young tackle.”
Michigan has been working on silent counts throughout spring, summer, and fall camp to prepare for noisy environments.
Collaboration and coaching staff praised
Newsome described the coaching staff as “incredible,” with multiple experienced coaches and analysts providing support.
“It’s awesome to bounce ideas off them and get immediate feedback during practice,” Newsome said.
Building confidence through competition and practice
The group has grown closer and more confident this year, which has translated to better performance.
“We’re playing with confidence, facing the best defensive lines every day in practice,” Newsome said. “We know we’ll get beat sometimes, but we also get our reps and keep pushing.”
Defensive challenges prepare offensive line
Newsome pointed to standout defensive players TJ Guy and Derrick Moore as tough opponents who push the offensive line to improve.
“Facing the best every day in practice builds confidence and swagger,” Newsome said. “It makes us better.”
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