ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- With Fresno State transfer quarterback Mikey Keene nursing an injury during spring ball, now is the time for freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and redshirt freshman Jadyn Davis to make a move. And by all accounts, they both have.
But all of the fan and media attention is noticeably on Underwood -- which is to be expected given that he was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 recruiting cycle, and it's at a position of need for the Wolverines. What's also fueling the hype, however, is what his teammates say about him and what they've seen halfway through spring ball.
From fifth-year defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny singling Underwood out, noting both his elusivity as well as pinpoint accuracy, to most every other player discussing his uncanny talent, there's a lot to tantalize those who are curious as to how effective he might be in 2025 if thrown into the fire.
You can add second-year edge rusher Dom Nichols to the mix of those singing his praises, noting that Underwood isn't just elusive, but he's steady under (literal) pressure.
"He's an athlete. He's good at what he does. He's just going to keep getting better," Nichols said. "I've seen good things out of him. He's still young. I can't talk about his progressions because I don't know nothing about that, but he'll stay in the pocket and throw that ball when we're coming at him, so that's a good thing to see."
"He's a great athlete," senior linebacker Jimmy Rolder added. "It's good seeing him run around, make plays, extend plays, get out of the pocket. So, moving around well."
Nichols mentioned Underwood's maturity. So, what makes him mature? After all, he's only 17 years old, and he won't turn 18 until just under two weeks before the season.
It's not his age that makes him mature, it's his poise, his stature, his knowledge of the game, as well as his knowing when and where to go with the football. And just as importantly, where not to go with it.
"I've seen some impressive throws. He's very mature for his age. It's just good competition," Curtis said. "Really not putting the ball in harm's way. He goes through his progressions well. He's a really mature quarterback."
Michigan will showcase its new-look team on April 19 in the annual spring game which is set to take place at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan defensive players marvel at Bryce Underwood maturity, poise
