Bryce Underwood has less than 13 weeks to prove the hype around Michigan’s football program is real.
Quarterback evaluator Jordan Palmer thinks there’s plenty of reason for optimism about the sophomore signal-caller.
“I’ve been blown away with how Bryce approaches development and how he’s able to compartmentalize a lot of new things, a new staff, a new system, new players,” Palmer told On3. “He’s kind of been the hero his whole life, and last year was a tough year. So with all this newness, I’ve been really impressed, especially at his age. But honestly, I’d be impressed if he were 27.”
Underwood struggled in clutch situations during his first season. Palmer expects that to change under the new coaching staff.
“I think we’ll see more decisiveness,” Palmer said. “Part of that is year two, and part of that is the system, and then part of that is how he’s moving and getting himself in a position to throw the ball. I don’t use the word ‘footwork,’ because it’s too vague.”
Palmer believes the improvements will come from better decision-making rather than just mechanics.
“It’s getting himself in a position to make an accurate throw more consistently, whether he is retreating, climbing, progressing, or throwing the ball on time,” Palmer said. “I think in year two you’re going to see him be more decisive in doing those things.”
Underwood said he’s ready to take his game to the next level. He realized during the spring game that he was trying too hard instead of staying relaxed after completing just three passes.
“Sometimes when I’m playing around with my teammates and things like that, I will try stuff, throwing with my left hand, throwing it behind me, just letting the moment happen,” Underwood said. “On that one, when I went to the sideline, the other quarterbacks were looking at me with their eyes just huge. I’m like, ‘I have nothing to say. My reflexes took over.'”
The Wolverines face several big games this season. The most important comes at the end of the regular season against Ohio State in Columbus.
Michigan is trying to regain momentum in that rivalry for the first time in two seasons.
Whether Underwood can make that leap remains to be seen.
