Jim Nagy outlines Josaiah Stewart’s expected role at Michigan in 2024 | 08/23/24
The Michigan Wolverines Football In the offensive, despite almost the same coaching staff, only one full-time starter returns from last season, the junior tight end Colston LovelandIn the spring, the group lagged behind a defense that has much more experience, but that gap was narrowed during fall camp.
“At the beginning of camp, it’s always back and forth,” Michigan’s senior running back and captain Donovan Edwards said. “I think the offense has looked really, really good the last four practices. I know that’s the best defense in America, and being able to compete against them every single practice helps us, that shapes us.”
“We play against the defense and they play against us. It creates a bond and a connection between us. When the defense plays, we celebrate with them because we know what they went through during fall camp. It’s going to be great for the chemistry on our team this coming season.”
Michigan Junior Wide Receiver Tyler Morris predicted earlier in training camp that the Wolverines would “open up the offense a little more” this season. However, Edwards acknowledged that the Wolverines have a reputation for playing high-level football, even though he believes all options are open.
“However, (offensive coordinator) Coach (Kirk) Campbell The offense will run as it sees fit. I know we’re going to continue to run the ball, and the more we can do on offense, the better.
“If we can spread the guys out and throw the football and make football plays, we’ll do it. If we can run the ball successfully, we’ll do it.”
Edwards reiterated that competing with Michigan’s defense, which is considered one of the best in America, has been helpful.
“Playing against the best defense in all of fall camp is torture,” Edwards said. “It’s torture. It just sucks. Dude, these guys are really good. It’s a constant back and forth – offense wins, defense wins – and that’s something you want to have as a football team.”
“There are a lot of things we’re really good at and when the season comes, it will show.”
He said the practice makes the games easier, based on his experience from the last three seasons at Michigan.
“Absolutely, because you’re going against the best – the best of the best,” Edwards explained. “In games, you’re still going against the best of the best, but there are those tough times when you don’t really want to make a play, for example, that’s when you find that inner dog inside you that you have to bring out to keep fighting. That’s what our defense does, it brings out the best in us.”
The West Bloomfield (Mich.) High product has rushed for over 2,300 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career as a runner and receiver, and he’s been credited with playing a major role in Michigan’s offense this season. His versatility is a strength — 714 of his yards have come as a receiver — but he hasn’t demanded more use in the passing game or overall offense.
“If my number is called and we have a play for me, I’m going to make it,” Edwards said. “But we have so many talented guys like (sophomore wideout) Semaj (Morgan), C-Love (Junior Tight End Colston Loveland), (Wideout with university degree) Peyton O’Leary(Junior Wideout) Amorion Walker(First year wideout) Channing Goodwin is a guy that really stands out to me, and (Freshman Wide Receiver) I am Marion Stewart and (wideout with university degree) CJ Charleston. We have a lot of boys who can play.
“It would be selfish of me to say, ‘I want the ball right here and now.’ Maybe I’ll do that at some point, but… but no, it’s not like I want the ball all the time, because we have a lot of playmakers on the team who deserve to have their skills used.”
Michigan has two quarterbacks battling for the starting spot next week against Fresno State, Junior Alex Orji and Seniors Davis Warren. Edwards said there isn’t much difference on offense depending on which playmaker is in the game.
“The thing is, they’re very similar,” Edwards noted. “They both make exceptional plays, get the ball where it needs to be for the receivers and run the offense really well.”
“Ultimately, it’s up to the coach to decide who the starting quarterback will be, and whoever the starting quarterback is, we’re going to support him because he deserves it and he’s going to be a leader in our offense.”
