LAS VEGAS — College football coaches obsess over data. They dissect statistical splits in games and practices and monitor players’ body-load outputs via GPS, searching for any edge to utilize on game days. But when it comes to identifying the best quarterback to lead their program during the grind of preseason camp, good old-fashioned intuition is often the deciding factor.
“I’ve never really had a feel for when the right time is,” said Ohio State coach Ryan Day. “It’s important for the locker room to believe in the quarterback. When the locker room believes in that guy, that’s the right time.”
Not every decision in football is scientific or complex. For fans and media, assumptions and projections often lead to preconceptions. As many as 13 Big Ten programs are expected to start a new quarterback this season. While many battles remain unsettled, the media have already penciled in presumed starters.
At Michigan, that assumed QB1 is a freshman: the nation’s No. 1 prospect, a 17-year-old Michigan native with the weight of the program on his shoulders. Bryce Underwood wasn’t at Big Ten media days this week, but his presence loomed large.
“Before anybody asks, it’s an open competition,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said with a smile. “He is not the starter right now. There is not a starter.”
If testimonials and intuition offer a preview of Moore’s eventual decision, Underwood may already be on his way to becoming the next Michigan Man.
Underwood has already earned the respect of Michigan’s upperclassmen. Teammates praised his humility and tireless work ethic in the weight room and during offseason practices.
“Every person sitting up here is going to tell you this guy is a great person,” said veteran tight end Max Bredeson. “But as…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/freshman-phenom-bryce-underwood-already-has-all-the-tools-but-michigan-qb-battle-wont-be-won-on-paper/
Author : Brandon Marcello
Publish date : 2025-07-25 16:36:00
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