ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Andrew Sprague believes the team’s offensive line is entering the season with a different level of confidence.
Sprague, who is expected to anchor the right tackle spot, said the unit has been more consistent throughout Fall camp and has yet to experience what he considers a truly bad practice.
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“I feel like honestly we have a lot more confidence as a line,” Sprague said. “Last year we’d have bad days at practice, and I haven’t felt a bad day at practice yet.”
Sprague credited the line’s experience, improved strength and conditioning, and Michigan’s strength staff for the progress.
“Us being older, us being a lot stronger in the weight room,” Sprague said. “Honestly, that’s probably been the biggest thing: how coach E’s (Doug Elisaia) transformed our bodies and just got us in great shape, a lot more lean, a lot more muscle.”
Sprague praises Michigan’s center
Sprague also offered high praise for Jake Guarnera.
Asked about Michigan’s center play, Sprague said the Wolverines have one of the best centers in the country.
“He’s going to be one of the best centers in the country for sure,” Sprague said, pointing to Guarnera’s quick recognition of defensive alignments, leadership, and physical ability.
Michigan has continued to work through several position battles along the offensive line.
Sprague said the competition has been intense because everyone competing for a starting job came to Michigan expecting to play.
“Everybody competing their ass off and trying to win the job,” Sprague said.
Sprague said he has developed chemistry with multiple players competing for the right guard position, including Brady Norton and Nathan Efobi, who has worked alongside him since spring practice.
Michigan offensive line focused on late-game conditioning
A major emphasis for the offensive line has been conditioning and developing the mental toughness to remain effective late in games.
Sprague said Michigan’s strength program combines heavy lifting with demanding conditioning and competitive drills designed to prepare players to keep pushing when they are fatigued.
“When you feel like your body’s about to shut down, you still actually have 40% left,” Sprague said.
That mindset has translated into noticeable improvement for the offensive line.
“We’re definitely in better shape than we were last year,” Sprague said.
Sprague also underwent a significant physical transformation during the offseason, saying he lost more than 20 pounds of fat.
“I feel like that’s been big for me,” Sprague said. “I’m moving a lot better now. Just ready to go.”
Sprague highlights Michigan’s pass rush
The improved offensive line has had plenty of opportunities to test itself against Michigan’s defensive front during camp.
Sprague singled out defensive lineman Dominic Nichols as the toughest pass rusher he has faced and predicted Nichols could become one of the nation’s best.
“Not too many people talk about him, but he’s going to be one of the best in the country in my opinion,” Sprague said.
Sprague also mentioned John Henry Daley, Benny Patterson III, Lugard Edokpayi, Carter Meadows and Tariq Boney as players who have impressed him during camp.
Sprague confident in Bryce Underwood
Sprague also expressed confidence in quarterback Bryce Underwood, saying the sophomore has taken his preparation to another level.
“He knows our team kind of depends on how he plays, and he works so hard,” Sprague said. “Every single day he watches so much film.”
Sprague said there is no concern within the team about Underwood’s readiness.
“Nobody on our team is worried about Bryce,” Sprague said. “He’s a great leader, great kid, great quarterback.”
Sprague said the competition between Michigan’s offense and defense has also been particularly strong during fall camp, calling it the most competitive camp he has experienced.
Sprague impressed by Michigan’s running backs
Michigan’s running backs have also caught Sprague’s attention, particularly freshman running back Savion Hiter.
Sprague said the young back’s explosiveness stands out, particularly his ability to change direction quickly.
“He’s huge. He’s fast. He can do anything,” Sprague said.
Sprague also praised the running backs’ work ethic and credited veteran teammates like Jordan Marshall and Bryson Kuzdzal with helping mentor younger players.
With the season approaching, Sprague believes Michigan’s offensive line is better equipped to handle the physical demands of a full season, both because of its experience and the work it has put in away from the field.
For the Wolverines, the goal is to carry that progress from camp into the regular season.