ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator Jason Beck said the Wolverines have made significant progress during fall camp, with quarterback Bryce Underwood showing more consistency and several position battles still unsettled.
Beck said Michigan has completed 13 practices and believes the offense is developing chemistry, particularly between its quarterbacks and young receivers.
“We’ve made a lot of really good progress,” Beck said. “We feel really good with where we’re at, the progress we’re making and with just about two weeks to go.”
Beck: Underwood has had 13 “good practices”
Underwood has drawn particular attention during camp after an uneven freshman season, but Beck said the quarterback has been much more consistent this fall.
Beck said Underwood’s footwork has improved, contributing to better results, although he emphasized that the quarterback cannot afford to become overly focused on mechanics once the game begins.
“He’s had 13 good practices,” Beck said. “He’s been really steady.”
Beck also said Underwood has handled taking snaps from under center without problems, noting that the Wolverines work on the exchange every day.
The bigger emphasis, Beck said, is teaching Underwood to avoid trying to do too much.
That includes protecting himself as a runner, avoiding unnecessary hits and not forcing throws into tight windows.
“Just make the routine plays,” Beck said. “When everything breaks down, extend it, scramble, get what you can get.”
Quarterback competition remains close behind Underwood
While Underwood remains the clear focus, Beck said the competition between Tommy Carr and Brady Smigiel has tightened.
Carr initially had an advantage because of his familiarity with the offense. Smigiel, however, has made significant progress during the past week.
“They’ve just been splitting all the two reps and just kind of battling it out,” Beck said.
Beck described Carr as the more mobile quarterback who can extend plays and create with his legs, while Smigiel has a strong arm and throws accurately once he makes his decision.
Offensive line still being sorted out
The offensive line also remains up for grabs.
Beck identified Jake Guarnera as a consistent presence at center and Andrew Sprague as having played well at tackle.
He said competition remains among players such as Andrew Babalola, Blake Frazier, Evan Link, Nathan Efobi, Brady Norton and Avery Gach.
Michigan has improved in pass protection, particularly on the edges, Beck said.
The Wolverines’ defensive line has provided strong competition during practices, giving the offensive line a daily test against a talented group.
“We’re getting great work every day in practice,” Beck said.
Michigan wants to get its best playmakers on the field
Beck said Michigan’s depth at running back could allow the Wolverines to use two backs simultaneously.
He said having Savion Hiter, Jordan Marshall and other talented backs on the field together is a strength, although the coaching staff must balance that with the fact that Michigan has only three primary backs.
The same philosophy applies to the wide receiver position.
Beck said the competition for the No. 3 receiver role remains open, with different players potentially serving as the third receiver depending on personnel packages.
“We want to play to each guy’s skill set,” Beck said.
The tight end group also has provided consistency, Beck said, with several players expected to contribute based on their individual strengths.
Beck prefers a quarterback who can run
Beck said he has long preferred having a quarterback who can create plays with his legs.
He pointed to his time at BYU, where he coached quarterbacks with different skill sets, including Taysom Hill.
“I love a guy that can be a weapon with his legs in the run game,” Beck said.
But Beck emphasized that mobility cannot come at the expense of passing ability.
“He still has to do the other thing at a high level,” Beck said.
With Michigan’s season opener approaching, Beck said the offense’s focus remains on steady improvement, developing depth and putting its players in situations where they can succeed.
The Wolverines also continue to monitor player workloads during camp, using sports science and strength staff data to balance conditioning with recovery.
The goal, Beck said, is to have the team in peak physical condition without sacrificing freshness when the games begin.