ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines interim head coach Biff Poggi provided updates on player status and shared insights on the team’s progress and leadership.
Regarding TJ Guy, Poggi said, “TJ’s fine. Just using a game plan, a heavy run team, so we wanted some bigger bodies in there. No issues with TJ. He’s a complete team player and all good with it.”
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Poggi praised the edge players, noting their improvement and depth.
“I don’t want to get out over my skis and say elite, but when you look at that room. It’s awfully close to it. Deep, experienced, twitchy, good football players and very selfless kids,” Poggi said.
Injured players
On injured players, Poggi said Rod Moore is progressing well and likely to play against Nebraska.
Poggi also expects guards Giovanni El-Hadi and Brady Norton to return to practice soon, while El-Hadi will take a bit longer but is expected to return in a couple of weeks.
Poggi praised Jake Guarnera‘s first start, calling him “strong, smart, physical” and saying he played “really well.”
On Moore’s return, Poggi highlighted his high football IQ and said they will manage his reps carefully. He expects Moore to be a difference-maker despite the time off.
Jim Harbaugh
Poggi also described the offensive line’s performance positively, but acknowledged Nebraska will present a tougher challenge.
Poggi shared the story of how he connected with the Michigan football team.
"Jim Harbaugh called me out of the blue during a Bible study and asked me to join the staff," Poggi recalled.
Poggi described his time at Michigan as feeling like home and said he returned after coaching in Baltimore and being fired at Charlotte.
“I personally needed a little bit of Michigan healing,” Poggi said.
Player leadership
On player leadership, Poggi emphasized its importance and the challenge of being a captain.
“You have to be willing to be respected and not liked. Coaches do not win games. Players do,” Poggi said, praising the current team’s leadership.
Discussing the Big Ten Conference, Poggi called it “ridiculous” and “incredible,” noting its size and competitiveness.
He highlighted Nebraska as a very strong team with a solid staff and talented players.
Sherrone Moore
Poggi spoke warmly about Sherrone Moore, the suspended head coach, describing him as deeply caring and well-loved.
“When he’s out, it is an enormous void in the building because of the heart-to-heart human relationship factor,” Poggi said.
In regard to Sherrone, Poggi said, “Sherrone is a very organized, detailed football coach. Before he left, he gave us a strict menu of what he wanted to see. And as I said to you before, think of him as Tiger Woods, and I’m the old guy with a fluffy mustache caddying for him. So, we’re going to keep it the way he wants it.”
Nebraska
On Nebraska’s quarterback Dylan Raiola, Poggi called him “very polished and very dangerous” with a high football IQ and the ability to extend plays.
Poggi advised Underwood to focus on playing his game despite the loud Nebraska stadium.
“You’re not playing against the stadium. There are 11 on each side. Everything else is noise,” Poggi said.
Bryce Underwood
On Underwood’s green light to run, Poggi said, “He’s got a green light to do whatever he wants because he’s one of the great playmakers in the country.”
Poggi also mentioned ongoing work to improve punt return operations.
Regarding the decision to let Bryce Underwood run more freely, Poggi said, “You have to let your players play,” emphasizing trust in the team’s abilities.
First game as head coach
Reflecting on his first game as acting head coach, Poggi admitted to feeling anxious but said, “Football’s football. Whether it’s Pop Warner or the NFL, it’s all just football.”
Poggi credited assistant coaches for maintaining team leadership during the head coach’s absence.
“These are the guys we’re coaching. Whatever happens, you’re getting your absolute best from a group of fantastic kids,” Poggi said.
Regarding offensive line positions, Poggi said guards are interchangeable, and they will decide starters based on practice.
Poggi described player Jaishawn Barham as a quiet, deep thinker with a beautiful heart off the field but intense on it.
Poggi praised the emotional intelligence of players like Barham, Derrick Moore, and Justice Haynes.
Poggi spoke positively about his relationship with Matt Rule, a former Carolina Panthers coach, and plans to reach out to him.
Finally, Poggi praised Haynes’ competitiveness, intelligence, and athleticism.
“He wants the football, and you want him to have the football as a coach. He’s one of the top backs in the country, if not the top back,” Poggi said.