ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Trey Pierce said the program’s offseason approach has taken on a more disciplined tone, highlighted by demanding workouts, increased accountability, and a renewed focus on detail as spring practices get underway.
Pierce said the Wolverines’ updated strength program has emphasized heavier lifting and foundational exercises, including squats, bench press, and Olympic-style movements.
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“The program has been pretty good,” Pierce said. “A lot more heavy lifting, a lot more squat, bench, hang clean, those types of lifts.”
Despite dropping weight, Pierce said he has added muscle and feels stronger entering the season.
He currently weighs about 300 pounds.
Pierce, a veteran presence on the defensive line, said he and returning teammates like Enow Etta see an opportunity to lead a group that has played significant snaps together.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Pierce said. “We’ve played a lot of football together, and now we’re able to start and play more games together. It’s exciting.”
He described the new coaching staff’s approach as “different,” highlighting an increased emphasis on discipline and attention to detail.
“It manifests on the field as a lot more discipline,” Pierce said. “The biggest thing is attention to detail.”
That focus extends beyond the field, he said, with stricter enforcement of punctuality and expectations in areas such as workouts and class attendance.
“It’s the little things,” Pierce said. “Guys being late for lifts, not being where they’re supposed to be, that’s being enforced more.”
Pierce said the staff has also gained player buy-in by emphasizing personal development off the field, including academics.
“For him to stand up after practice and say his first job is to get us to graduate, that made me feel like he cares,” Pierce said.
The offseason schedule has also shifted, with more early-morning workouts and adjustments to practice structure.
Pierce said those changes have helped build toughness and team chemistry.
“We’re waking up earlier, going through that grind together,” Pierce said. “It puts you in a headspace like we’ve done harder things than this.”
Pierce also revealed that head coach Kyle Whittingham that not many could believe.
When asked if Whittingham, 66, lifts with the team, Pierce said, “He does,” with a smile on his face. “He does some stuff that I don’t think that I can do in the weight room. He’s a beast in there.”
On the field, Pierce believes Michigan’s defensive line, often scrutinized externally, can emerge as a strength.
“I see people saying our interior D-line needs help,” Pierce said. “I take that personally. We’re going to show that we are a strength of this team.”
He pointed to newcomers Jonah Lea’ea and Dayvid Palepale as potential impact contributors.
Pierce said Lea’ea was a freak athlete who doesn’t talk much.
He also said the defense has held its own in early practices but acknowledged the offense has shown increased explosiveness.
Pierce also praised quarterback Bryce Underwood for his playmaking ability.
“You can have good pressure and good coverage, and he’ll still make a throw only a handful of guys can make,” Pierce said. “That guy’s pretty good.”
As Michigan continues spring preparations, Pierce said the combination of experience, discipline, and internal motivation could define the team’s identity heading into the season.