ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Channing Goodwin shared his thoughts on his crucial 39-yard catch and run on third down and 14 during a pivotal moment vs. New Mexico.
“I’d say really just make the play, you know, we’re backed up behind the sticks, third down, so we executed in practice, so, you know, just get to the game. Same thing and just touch the ball and make plays,” said Goodwin.
Goodwin confirmed he was the primary option on the play.
“Yeah, I mean that’s kind of Bryce (Underwood), you know, he goes through his pro progressions, and then luckily he was able to progress towards me and I was able to pick up the first,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin praised the accuracy of the throw.
“It was right there in my hands, and I was able to turn the field and gain some yards after catch,” Goodwin said.
Reflecting on becoming a starter after waiting his turn, Goodwin said, “It felt amazing. Like you said, kind of waited my turn a little bit last year, and being able to go out there and make an impact on the field. So, it was definitely a great feeling.”
Goodwin described his strong camp performance as building trust with coaches.
“Really just building up the trust with the coaches every day in practice, proving to them that I can do it in practice, so you can go ahead and go over there during the game, too,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin acknowledged the nickname “Steady Freddy” given by teammate Semaj Morgan.
“Yeah, it’s fine. I guess I haven’t really heard it that much, but yeah, it’s cool,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin also addressed being called “technician” by head coach Sherrone Moore, attributing his growth to coaching.
“Coach Bell (Ron Bellamy), coach Soup (Erik Campbell), since getting here, they’ve done a great job of developing my game and just each and every day improving. So, yeah, I give a testiment to those guys,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin said the game has slowed down for him this year.
“Being able to learn from some of the older guys last year and get bigger, stronger, and faster. That’s really the main thing or main difference I’ve noticed so far this year,” Goodwin said.
Jonathan Goodwin
Goodwin credited his father, Jonathan Goodwin’s football experience for helping him handle pressure.
“I’ve been able to talk to him some. He’s obviously had a great football career himself, so being able to get some pointers from him and learn under him has been great. Obviously, he didn’t play receiver as he was a lineman, but all of the football stuff, and dealing with the pressure and stuff, he’s good to talk to about that,” Goodwin said.
Jonathan was in attendance for the Wolverines’ 34-17 victory over the Lobos on Saturday (Aug. 30).
“They haven’t started the NFL season yet, so he was able to catch this one,” Channing said.
Like his son, Johathan played football for the University of Michigan from 1998 to 2001.
On the offense’s explosive start, Goodwin said, “It says a lot. A good start out to the year, but we definitely want to keep on building upon that and be able to maintain and grow and do even better throughout the rest of the season.”
Channing joked about his dad not coaching him on running routes.
“He normally stays the way he knows better, I think,” Channing said.
Quarterback play
Channing commented on Underwood’s self-assessment of a C-plus grade.
“I think all of us are hard on ourselves. In order to be at a place like Michigan, all of us hold ourselves to a high standard. So, it’s not surprising,” Channing said.
Channing noted the difference in quarterback Jadyn Davis’s throws compared to high school.
“When we get to the collegiate level, we all get a little bit stronger, a little bit bigger. So, probably some more zip on the ball compared to high school. Jadyn’s been doing a great job, too,” Channing said.
Playing time
Channing said he realized he was going to get increased playing time during camp.
“It was probably throughout camp,” Channing said. Getting some more reps with the ones. That’s probably the biggest indicator.”
Environment in Oklahoma
Asked about the environment he expects in Oklahoma, Goodwin said, “This will be my first time in Norman, so definitely, you know, I hear all the stuff about it being loud and stuff. So, I can’t wait. It’s going to be a great environment. You dream to play in games like this, so I’m sure it’ll be awesome.”
The Sooners’ matchup will be under the lights in Norman, Oklahoma, as the Wolverines will travel to the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.