ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Jaime Ffrench believes the Michigan Wolverines were the right place for the next step in his college football career.
The wide receiver transferred to Michigan after spending his freshman season at Texas and said the Wolverines’ new coaching staff, quarterback Bryce Underwood, and offensive coordinator Jason Beck all played a role in his decision.
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“Why not?” Ffrench said. “Michigan stands out for itself. Bryce is a great quarterback. Why not play with another great quarterback in my class?”
Ffrench said the coaching change also provided an opportunity for a reset as he adjusts to his new surroundings and Michigan’s offensive system.
“Easy. No-brainer, especially in coach Beck’s offense for sure,” Ffrench said when asked whether the new staff played a role in his decision.
Ffrench settling into Michigan offense
Ffrench said he has become increasingly comfortable since the spring, crediting Michigan’s playbook for helping him adjust.
“The coach’s playbook is pretty simple, pretty straightforward,” Ffrench said.
He has also developed a relationship with fellow receiver Andrew Marsh, spending time with him away from practice while continuing to learn the offense and build chemistry.
Ffrench said he has also leaned on Michigan’s established receivers, including Marsh and another veteran wideout, for advice.
“Those are two great receivers,” Ffrench said. “They play the game very well, very high level. So just picking their brain, see what I can do to develop my game as well.”
Ffrench identified his release package and his ability to change speeds and stop quickly as strengths as a receiver.
Bryce Underwood pushing Ffrench
One of the biggest draws for Ffrench was the opportunity to catch passes from Underwood.
Ffrench said the young quarterback has already pushed him to improve and holds his teammates to a high standard.
“He’s a very hard quarterback,” Ffrench said. “Just stay on me as well. Just pushing all of us to the next level.”
Ffrench gave Underwood an “A+” when asked about the quarterback’s development since spring practice, praising his physical ability and continued improvement.
“He’s been all-around showing his physicalities, even showing how he’s been getting better as well,” Ffrench said.
Ffrench also compared Underwood’s approach to that of another highly regarded quarterback he played with at Texas, Arch Manning, saying both players approach the game at a high level.
“Two great quarterbacks,” Ffrench said. “They approach the game at a very high level. So definitely see the same type of trait in both.”
Ffrench likes Michigan’s offensive approach
Ffrench said Michigan’s offense under its new coaching staff has impressed him with its combination of speed and physicality.
“It’s fast,” Ffrench said. “Definitely physical as well. He’s going to be able to run the ball. He’s going to be able to get the ball to the receivers as well.”
That balance could create opportunities for Ffrench and Michigan’s other receivers.
Ffrench also praised cornerback Jyaire Hill’s competitiveness during practice, describing him as patient and willing to fight through each rep.
When asked who the fastest receiver on Michigan’s roster is, Ffrench pointed to Travis Johnson.
“He’s a great receiver all around,” Ffrench said. “Great practice to me. I feel like he can go up and get the ball at the high point.”
Ffrench impressed by Michigan’s young talent
Ffrench has also been impressed by Michigan’s young running backs, particularly freshman Savion Hiter.
After a video of Hiter throwing a practice dummy drew attention, Ffrench said the freshman’s physicality has carried over to practice.
“Savion, he’s a dog,” Ffrench said. “He’s a freshman dog. He’s ready.”
Ffrench said joining Michigan has been a blessing, particularly because he is part of a recruiting class that could grow together over multiple seasons.
“Be able to play here at a university like this and be able to learn these guys and be able to grow together, especially with me being new and joining the brotherhood, it’s a blessing,” Ffrench said.
For Ffrench, the transition to Michigan is about more than finding a new offense.
He sees an opportunity to develop alongside Underwood and a talented group of young players while establishing himself as a key piece of the Wolverines’ passing game.