ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Donaven McCulley praised freshman Andrew Marsh for his clutch catches in key moments against the Northwestern Wildcats.
“It’s extremely impressive because I see him do that every day in practice,” said McCulley. “Being a freshman and stepping up to make plays when we really need it is extremely important.”
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McCulley described Marsh as his “little brother,” guiding him to improve.
“He’s already pretty good, so I’m just helping him hone in on his skills and giving him little nuggets to continue to get better,” McCulley said.
Bryce Underwood
On quarterback Bryce Underwood’s progress, McCulley said, “I was just telling him to keep taking what they’re giving you. I feel like he did a way better job of that this week until he really couldn’t anymore.”
Regarding Underwood’s handling of back-to-back interceptions, McCulley emphasized resilience.
“He came back and made a play. You just got to get rid of that play, move on to the next,” McCulley said.
McCulley praised Underwood for his resilience following back-to-back interceptions.
“He came back and he made a play,” McCulley said. “That’s what it’s all about—just coming back and bouncing back. You just got to get rid of that play. Even if it’s good or bad, you’ve got to move on to the next play. And that’s what he did.”
McCulley emphasized the importance of mental toughness and moving past mistakes to succeed in critical moments.
Reflecting on his leadership role with Underwood, McCulley said, “As a former quarterback, I learned to take what they give you until you can’t. That’s helping him along the way.”
On Underwood’s handling of the spotlight since arriving on campus, McCulley said, “He’s handling it pretty well. College football is changing with NIL and all the glitz, but he’s working every day. That’s what’s important.”
Production
McCulley offered a candid assessment of his season as the team’s lead receiver.
“My production is what it is right now, and you know, we’re winning, so that’s all that matters,” McCulley said.
He emphasized that team success takes priority over individual statistics, highlighting the collective goal of winning games.
When asked about not being the primary target, McCulley said, “Of course I want the ball, but I have the mindset of a former quarterback. If a guy is hot, keep going to him. If I’m hot, keep going to me. It’s good having two guys on each side.”
When asked about his mature approach to sharing targets, McCulley said, “I kind of always had that mindset. I want to win first.”
Team belief
McCulley highlighted the team’s belief in tough games.
“The belief on the sideline never goes away. If we get the ball back and have to score, that’s what we’re going to try to do. If the defense needs a stop, we’re going to believe in them and have their backs,” McCulley said.
Regarding the game-winning kick by Dominic Zvada, McCulley said, “I was just watching, ready for him to make that kick. I had all faith in him.”
Key injuries
With key injuries to Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall, McCulley welcomed the added pressure to the passing game.
“If it is added pressure, that’s what we want.”
McCulley addressed the added pressure on the receiving corps and the role of the run game in their offensive strategy.
“I think our run game really helps the RPO (Run-pass option) game because safeties fill the run,” McCulley said. “It helps us get the ball over their heads and stuff like that. So, I feel like the run game really helps in RPOs.”
McCulley highlighted how the running attack creates opportunities for the passing game, making their run-pass option plays more effective.
Maryland
On avoiding overlooking Maryland despite their losing streak, McCulley said, “Every game is a playoff game. Records don’t really matter. We need to lock in on every team and every game.”
On college football rankings, McCulley said the team takes it week by week.
“We got a new opponent this week in Maryland, and that’s what we’re focused on,” McCulley said.
Michigan will travel to College Park to take on the Maryland Terrapins at 4 p.m.