ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator Jason Beck offered a candid look at the team’s offensive philosophy, key players, and what he hopes to accomplish before fall camp.
Beck, who previously served as offensive coordinator at Utah and New Mexico, arrives in Ann Arbor with a track record of offensive production, including back-to-back top-five rankings, including his rushing attack, which is the nature of the Wolverines’ football program, as they’re known to be a ground-and-pound team.
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“A lot of things go into that,” said Beck. “A couple of the main highlight bullet points — it was really good quarterback play. A staff that the majority of the guys know the system, so we’re able to come in and really get rolling, installing it and teaching it fast. And then our whole thing is just to try to build it around the players’ strengths.”
Beck said he likes to build around the strength of his offense in order to help them play their best, like wide receiver/tight end JJ Buchanan.
For Buchanan, familiarity could be the next step toward a bigger impact, according to Beck.
Now entering his second year in the system under Beck, Buchanan stands out as one of the few players with prior experience in the scheme, a unique advantage as the Wolverines install a new offense this spring.
Buchanan’s emergence last season came quickly and unexpectedly.
Arriving in the summer as a true freshman, he missed spring practice entirely but made an immediate impression once fall camp began, per Beck.
“Within that first week, he just made some big contested catches,” Beck said. “You saw him do it and thought, ‘Let’s give him more opportunities.’”
Those opportunities came fast.
Buchanan earned a starting role in the season opener against the UCLA Bruins and never looked back, producing by making plays when the ball came his way.
“He just kept going,” Beck said.
While Buchanan’s natural playmaking ability translated right away, Beck noted that his development is still in the early stages.
The focus now shifts to refining the technical aspects of his game, including route running, releases, and overall precision.
“He showed up from high school and was able to play,” Beck said. “Now it’s about continuing to develop his skills.”
Even as those refinements take shape, Buchanan’s mindset remains his defining trait, according to Beck.
“His ability to show up and make plays, that’s who he is,” Beck said.
With experience in the system and a full offseason ahead, Buchanan is expected to build on his breakout freshman campaign while evolving into a more complete receiver for the men in maize.
Building around Bryce Underwood
Much of Beck’s early focus is on sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood, who started at Michigan as a true freshman last season, leading Michigan to the Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando.
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Beck said the challenge for Underwood isn’t just development, it’s learning an entirely new system.
“To play at this level in the Big Ten as a true freshman is really hard,” Beck said. “Just the ability that he went through the whole year doing that was impressive.”
Beck described Underwood’s footwork as a window into his comfort level on the field.
“When I watch a quarterback, if their feet are moving a lot, it kind of reflects how they’re thinking, which means they’re thinking fast, they’re a little uncomfortable,” Beck said. “It’s just a matter of getting the reps, getting the work so that can kind of all slow down, which will naturally happen in your second year of college football.”
Beck said the goal this spring is straightforward: repetitions.
“Just like as many reps as we can get doing everything we’re doing,” Beck said. “You got to start with plan A and get that developed at the highest level.”
As for Underwood’s work with outside quarterback coach Jordan Palmer, Beck said the relationship is welcome.
“When you’re doing your QB training, it’s all about mechanics,” Beck said. “When we’re working with them on the field, it’s all about reads and decisions. So it’s always been positive.”
Mobility at quarterback can be a valuable weapon, but Beck made clear it must be used with balance.
Speaking during spring practice, Beck outlined his philosophy on designed quarterback runs, particularly as it relates to sophomore Underwood.
“Do what they do best,” Beck said. “If they can run, then it’s a weapon.”
Underwood’s ability to make plays with his legs was evident during his freshman season, and Beck indicated that element will remain part of the offense, but not at the expense of durability.
“You have to be smart about it,” Beck said. “You don’t want to run your quarterback 25 times.”
Beck emphasized that quarterback rushing success depends heavily on the player’s comfort and skill level.
While capable runners can thrive in that role, overuse or poor fit can increase injury risk.
“If guys aren’t good runners, they can get themselves hurt,” Beck said. “But if they are, they’re comfortable, and they excel at it.”
Though spring practices are non-contact, Beck said the coaching staff has evaluated extensive game film from last season that highlights Underwood’s effectiveness as a runner.
“When he pulls it down and goes, it looks pretty impressive,” Beck said.
Moving forward, the Wolverines plan to incorporate those strengths into the offense while maintaining a measured approach.
“We’ll build on what he does well and utilize those talents,” Beck said.
As Michigan continues installing its system, Underwood’s dual-threat ability figures to be a key piece — provided it’s deployed strategically.
Savion Hiter
Freshman running back Savion Hiter has already made an impression during his first weeks with the Wolverines, not just for his talent, but for his relentless approach.
Beck said Hiter’s effort level has stood out immediately in spring practice, even as the newcomer adjusts to the college game.
“What I’ve been impressed with is just how hard he goes and competes in everything,” Beck said. “He’s not out there trying to figure it out slowly; he’s going full speed all the time.”
That mindset, Beck said, can accelerate development, even when mistakes are part of the process.
“Whether he’s right or wrong, he’s just going,” Beck said. “You can coach the details, but that effort and intensity allow him to have an impact.”
Haidider joins a backfield that includes returning contributor Jordan Marshall and Bryson Kuzdzal, giving Michigan multiple options as it evaluates personnel early in camp.
While roles have yet to be defined, Beck indicated the offense will adapt to maximize its strongest position groups.
“If running back is one of our best groups, then let’s get two backs on the field,” Beck said. “If it’s three, we’ll find ways to use them.”
That flexibility extends beyond the backfield, with Beck emphasizing a broader philosophy of putting playmakers in position to succeed, regardless of traditional formations.
“Whatever those skilled players are that are going to help you score points and win games, let’s get those guys on the field,” Beck said.
With spring practice still in its early stages, Michigan has yet to determine how carries will be distributed. But Hiter’s early effort has already positioned him as a player to watch as the Wolverines continue shaping their offense.
Underwood, Marsh connection already forming
One early bright spot Beck pointed to is the chemistry between Underwood and wide receiver Andrew Marsh.
“They kind of just have a nice chemistry going,” Beck said. “Some guys just see things the same way, and they just have a connection kind of naturally. The quarterback can anticipate what he’s doing, and they’re on the same page quite a bit.”
Beck said that on-field timing was apparent almost immediately.
“Day one, they just are making some nice plays right off the gate,” Beck said. “It’s a real positive to build on.”
JJ Buchanan’s expanded role
Buchanan, who broke out as a true freshman last season, is the one returning player with a year in Beck’s system.
Beck said Buchanan’s emergence wasn’t complicated; it was simply the result of making plays.
“Within that first week, he just made some big contested catches, and you just saw him do it and you go, ‘All right, let’s give him more opportunities,’” Beck said. “Sure enough, game one, UCLA, he started, first snap, he’s starting and played.”
Beck described Buchanan’s current position in the offense as firmly in the receiver room, not as a traditional tight end, despite being recruited as one.
“He’s like 98% in a two-point stance, flexed out,” Beck said. “He’s in that receiver room, and he’ll play all those different spots.”
The focus now, Beck said, is refining Buchanan’s technical skills.
“It’s just a matter of continuing to develop his skills, work on his releases, work on his routes, in and out of break,” Beck said. “His mindset and just showing up and making plays, that’s who he is.”
O-line coach draws praise
Beck spoke at length about offensive line coach Jim Harding, whom Beck said was strongly endorsed by head coach Kyle Whittingham before Beck even arrived.
“Coach Whittingham said, ‘He’s the best O-line coach in the country, and I’ll let you have a lot of control on your staff, but I really want you to keep him,’” Beck said.
Beck said Harding’s background as a math teacher directly translates into his work in the field.
“His ability to teach and be detailed and be exact, he does an excellent job and has an excellent relationship with his players,” Beck said. “Which means they respect him, they trust him, and they want to learn from him.”
Offensive identity: Still taking shape
When asked what offensive strengths have emerged early in spring, Beck was measured in his response, noting the process is just beginning.
“It is just a matter of putting out some general baseline things and getting to work, and then as guys emerge, start evolving and heading down those paths,” Beck said.
He added that spring evaluations can only go so far.
“You’ll have a good idea at the end of spring,” Beck said. “But there are guys that join you in the summer, and there’s always some surprises. Some guys can kind of be hit and miss in spring, and then in fall, all of a sudden it’s like there’s a new player out there.”
Beck referenced a former player, Ryan Davis, from his time at New Mexico as an example.
When asked how different his offense will look compared to Michigan’s 2024 scheme, Beck was direct.
“It is quite a bit different,” Beck said. “Most of it’s new, and most of it’s different.”
Still, Beck said he pulled concepts from the previous Michigan offense that were working well.
“As I was watching through games, I saw this concept come up once, twice a game, every game, and it was really good for them,” Beck said. “So we put that in and named it the exact same thing because we literally copied it.”
One area of carryover: the outside zone run game.
“They were a pretty good outside zone team,” Beck said. “Let’s pick up on some of the ways they were running outside zone and just build on the good things they had going. You don’t have to start everything from scratch.”