Bryce Underwood wows Michigan defender at practice

Jerred Johnson | 8 Hours Ago

Quarterback Bryce Underwood prepares to throw a pass during a team practice at the Belleville High School football field in Belleville on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. / David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

So far, it's all rave reviews for incoming freshmen quarterback Bryce Underwood, now officially practicing with the Wolverines as an early enrollee. He may be a freshman, but he's already built like a seasoned college QB - standing at 6'5" and weighing in around 215 lbs. For reference, Trevor Lawrence walked into Clemson standing 6'6" and weighing 220 pounds, and he had a pretty decent college career there.

During player availability on Thursday, Angelique Chenglis of The Detroit News asked returning Michigan edge rusher TJ Guy about his first impressions of Michigan's future QB1. "He's all of 6-5," Guy said. "That's one thing I noticed right away. He's tall, he's a big kid. Saw him throw a little bit and it looks good coming out of his hand."

Asked TJ Guy his initial reaction to Bryce Underwood at practice: “He’s all of 6-5. That’s one thing I noticed right away. He’s tall, he’s a big kid. Saw him throw a little bit and it looks good coming out of his hand”.
— angelique (@chengelis) December 19, 2024

Underwood possesses prototypical NFL size as a freshman, and once he undergoes a training regimen with the University of Michigan strength and conditioning team, he will undoubtedly enhance his arm strength, overall conditioning and foot speed.

Currently, he enters the University of Michigan quarterback room with a 4.58 40-yard dash, which is more than sufficient to cement him as a true dual-threat quarterback at the D1 level. It is worth noting that JJ McCarthy arrived at Michigan with a 4.89 40 time out of high school and improved to a 4.48 at the culmination of his career at the U of M pro day. This improvement demonstrates the significant strength and conditioning advancements made at elite developmental schools like U-M, even in comparison with a high-level high school program like IMG, where JJ played his senior season.

Sep 28, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end TJ Guy (42) lefts up the Little Brown Jug after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

While Guy is excited about what he's seen so far from the young QB, he's also looking forward to increasing his playing time and production ahead of the 2025 season. He emerged late this year and was a consistent positive presence on the defensive side of the ball. He concluded the 2024 regular season with 16 tackles and 5.5 sacks, numbers that are likely to increase as he gets more playing time in 2025.

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