ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines cornerback Zeke Berry spoke publicly for the first time since the dismissal of former head coach Sherrone Moore, sharing his thoughts on the team’s emotions ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl vs. Texas.
Berry said he has been focusing on talking with teammates and those close to him to support mental health. “Just reaching out to people for help, talking about things,” said Berry.
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When asked if the team felt betrayed, Berry said that feeling applies to many players.
“I guess you could say that,” Berry said. “It’s probably different for different people, but I feel like it’s a good thing for most people that do feel like that.”
Berry said he felt let down by the decisions made, rather than by Moore personally.
He praised defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale for helping keep players focused on the present.
“They’re doing a good job of trying to keep the players focused on what we have in front of us,” Berry said. “Not to really focus on what’s in the past because we still got a big game to play.”
When asked about what he looks for in the next head coach, Berry said, “Just looking for a coach that’s ready to win a national championship.”
Berry shared how the last few days have affected players mentally regarding interim head coach Biff Poggi.
“He said, ‘Don’t let someone else’s decisions affect your emotions,’ and that’s something that stuck with me,” Berry said. “I’ve been trying to think about that every day to keep pressing on.”
Coaching update
Regarding updates on the coaching situation, Berry said the team has not been given a timeline and is focused on preparing for the upcoming game against Texas.
Berry emphasized the importance of talking openly to process emotions.
“Being able to let things off their chest, listen to people’s feedback on how you can overcome something,” Berry said.
Berry credited Poggi for helping the team.
“Coach Biff definitely is helping us,” Berry said. “That comment about not letting other people’s choices affect your emotions really helped me through all this.”
Berry acknowledged the difficulties the program has faced in recent years, including NCAA investigations and staff issues.
“It’s not a good feeling,” Berry said. “It’s just a lot to take in.”
Future
When asked about his future, Berry said he has not made a decision and is focused on playing.
Berry shared that he was shocked by the coaching change, similar to teammate Jimmy Rolder.
On whether this affects his trust in coaches going forward, Berry said, “It can, but I try not to think about that so much because I know this program is going to bring somebody in that’s going to lead us.”
When asked if he would like to see changes in the program, Berry said, “Something does need to change, but I feel like we’ve already been doing that.”