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One of the narratives about Michigan football with it facing potential NCAA charges in the wake of the Connor Stalions scandal has had to do with the turnaround following 2020.
The ‘just asking questions’ crowd on social media tends to say something like this: Jim Harbaugh had a 69-24 record before Stalions was hired and a 40-3 record after. What changed?
That’s supposed to appeal to one’s logic, suggesting that Stalions was the reason for the Wolverines’ turnaround over the past three years. However, what it does instead is appeal to one’s ignorance and emotion, in hopes that they don’t know the full story. Perhaps those posters are ignorant themselves.
Because a lot more than Connor Stalions changed for the maize and blue following the 2020 season.
Culture change
Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
The first thing that is pointed out inside the program is the culture change. And no, that’s not code for Stalions having a legion of vagabond iPhone wielders.
Before 2021, Michigan was in desperate need for player leadership. Though there had been leaders on the team, the locker room was fractious. What was emboldened and strong in Jim Harbaugh’s first two years (2015-16) had a lot of individuals who had more so sought their own accolades over team success.
Those players who were still on the roster entering 2021 were purged from the program. And suddenly, you had a multitude of leaders who were vocal and led by example. Quarterback Cade McNamara, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Josh Ross, wide receiver/nickelback Mike Sainristil, and running back Hassan Haskins were among those who took it upon themselves to hold the locker room accountable, starting that year. Hutchinson went on to be the No. 2 draft pick the following year, Haskins was a fourth-round pick the same year, and Sainristil was a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/changed-michigan-football-2021-besides-212225916.html
Author : Wolverines Wire
Publish date : 2024-08-06 21:22:25
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