Michigan's Colston Loveland On Wolverine Offense: 'We've Got Weapons Everywhere'

The sophomore tight end will be more than ready when his number is called, but notes that the Michigan offense has plenty of weapons to choose from.

Christopher Breiler | Jan 6, 2024

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Michigan Wolverines

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is one of the most reliable targets for the Wolverine offense, but he notes that there are plenty of weapons to choose from. Meeting with the media on Saturday, Loveland discussed his thoughts on the upcoming matchup with Washington, and what he expects to see from the Huskies defense.

Q. What are your overall thoughts on being here in this atmosphere, how's the turnaround been from last game to this game of being in a shorter week than having a full month with Alabama.

COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, it's been, I mean honestly, a blessing just to be here. This is what I've always dreamed of and prayed for, and glad we came out with the tight, tight win last weekend. But like you said, it is a quick turnaround, but we've been preparing all week, still preparing, obviously. Got a lot of work to go but looking forward to it for sure.

Q. What was it like to have Monday night celebration and a quick turn around?

COLSTON LOVELAND: I mean, we flew back Monday night right after the game, so you know, kind of reminisced on the plane ride with all the guys, but then it was right back to work. We know this is what we've been chasing all season. So, you know, like you said, it's not finished yet, but yeah. The preparation has been great this week.

Q. What have you seen in Washington's defensive backs, and what have you been able to put together? How do you think they're going to work together on Monday?

COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah. They're obviously a great team, very well-coached, kind of always where they need to be. But, you know, I think we got a great game plan: Just do what we do normally. You know, we're gonna run the ball, we're gonna throw the ball, but just, I think, the big thing for us is just making sure we're perfect on every alignment, assignments, every play. And make sure to have no MA's, and I think that will do good things for us.

Q. And Mason Graham has been, during his teleconference, compared Washington to 2021 Ohio State. Do you see Washington and in any comparison to any other teams, or do you think that's a good comparison what he said?

COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, I'd say that's a pretty good comparison for sure. They got some lethal receivers for sure on offense and quarterback on offense. And so yeah, I'd say, as far as the offensive side, yeah, I would say pretty similar.

Q. What was the practice schedule like this week. Was it less physicality, or more film study?

COLSTON LOVELAND: Nothing different than we always do: Had the same practices, full padded practices, a lot of meeting time, and going over the game plan and watching their looks and seeing different defensive looks, and everything. Nothing different than what we always do. Ton of film. Ton of film.

Q. With all the hype around the game and the pressure obviously on all of you, how does this affect your mental health, and how are you able to prioritize your mental health through all this? It's so taxing being a student and also being in the spotlight for so long.

COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, that's a good question. Right now, we don't have school, and it's nice, one less thing to worry about. For me, it's easy, being surrounded by all the teammates and this staff, and it makes it easy to come in every day, and work, and get better. Everyone has the same mindset. We only have 4 or 5 more days with this team, and people move after this year, and just knowing that, that gives me enough motivation to get through it for sure.

Q. Talking about next year guys like Marlin Klein taking bigger roles. What have you seen from those guys this year and the difference it's making.

COLSTON LOVELAND: Rapid growth this year, for sure, with all those guys. A lot of young guys, especially. Tight end room is definitely deep, and those guys are going to be ready next year, especially with spring ball and getting good reps. It's open next year, and going to be a good time in the tight end room.

Q. Were you surprised Alabama is keying on you. Putting secondary guys on you rather than wide receivers, figuring that was the weak spot of the defense, tight ends going bacck in the backfield. What do you make of that, and do you think Washington will take the same approach on Monday?

COLSTON LOVELAND: I think it shows they've got some respect for me, for sure, from Alabama. But like you said, we have weapons all over; you try to take one away, there is going to be another one on the outside, whether that's running backs or quarterbacks, whatever it is. I think our team is just so deep, and it's kind of hard to focus on one position when all the other positions are just as good. I'm not sure what Washington will do. They obviously will have a good game plan. Like I said earlier, we have a great game plan in and are preparing our butts off, and can't wait to get to the game day and see what happens.

Q. Kind of old school with everyone blocking...

(Question off Microphone).

COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, a lot since January 1st, last January 1st, right after the TCU game. Always been that we're going to be the more physical team. And our practices are so physical, always banging pads. As a team, we've done a great job adapting that mindset, and the strength coaches do a really good job, as the position coaches and head coach do a good job making sure we're ready for that. You see it on the tape. A lot of times, we try to make it pop for sure.