ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Donaven McCulley shared his thoughts on his first game day experience at The Big House, Oklahoma, and his connection with quarterback Bryce Underwood.
McCulley said the energy from the fans and team stood out to him, especially being on the right side of the stadium this time.
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“Just getting those first game jitters out, I was really excited, just ready to go, really turned up,” said McCulley.
When asked about catching passes from Underwood, McCulley noted the quarterback’s arm strength.
“In fall camp, he jammed one of my fingers. I’m definitely used to him throwing the ball real hard, real fast,” McCulley said.
McCulley confirmed the offense’s emphasis on throwing on early downs was very prevalent, thanks to Chip Lindsey.
“It allows us to go tempo, run the ball, stuff like that,” McCulley said.
Bryce Underwood
McCulley praised Underwood’s distribution, saying, “In the spring, I saw him light it up, and in fall camp, he took that next step, being more efficient and knowing where he wants to go with the ball.”
On building chemistry with Underwood, McCulley said, “I think we’re pretty good. He was getting me the ball whenever he needed to, and I was just glad to see he was efficient and took care of it.”
McCulley also highlighted Underwood’s rare ability to throw with velocity and adjust the ball’s arc.
“I’ve been around guys who could do some stuff, but Bryce definitely is special,” McCulley said.
On Underwood’s rushing ability, McCulley said, “He offers a lot in the run game, but if he doesn’t have to run, I don’t blame him.”
Transfer
As a transfer portal player out of Indiana, McCulley reflected on the significance of playing a game like Oklahoma.
“It’s kind of funny to be in this game. I took a couple of visits, including Oklahoma. It was the right school for me,” McCulley said.
A lot of players talk about their reasons to choose the University of Michigan as their school of choice, but McCulley said he chose to be in Ann Arbor because it was the right fit.
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McCulley praised teammate Channing Goodwin’s growth, calling him “extremely smart” and “Mr. Reliable,” noting his dedication to the playbook and blocking.
Regarding Andrew Marsh’s mistakes in the first game, McCulley said, “He got the butterflies out, got his feet wet. Everybody in the program still believes in him.”
Finally, McCulley shared his pride in blocking as a receiver. “Blocking is extremely important for a receiver. I take pride in it.”