Story by
Could Bryce Underwood Have a Future at Michigan Playing a Different Position?
- Story by
- Could Bryce Underwood Have a Future at Michigan Playing a Different Position?
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
When Bryce Underwood arrived at Michigan , the expectation was that he would become the next great Wolverine quarterback. Now, less than a full season into the Kyle Whittingham era, it's fair to wonder whether his future in Ann Arbor might involve playing an entirely different position.
It sounds crazy considering Underwood's recruiting pedigree, but it's at least a conversation worth having.
Advertisement
Underwood was benched at halftime against Penn State after completing just five of 11 passes for 43 yards and two interceptions. True freshman Tommy Carr replaced him, led Michigan to a 21-18 victory and subsequently earned the starting assignment against Indiana.
Suddenly, Underwood's path back onto the field looks considerably more complicated, and maybe even impossible.
But here's the thing: Underwood is still one of the most physically gifted athletes on Michigan's roster.
At 6-4 and roughly 230 pounds, Underwood possesses a rare combination of size, speed and explosiveness. Even when he's struggled throwing the football, his ability to make defenders miss and generate yards with his legs has been obvious.
Advertisement
So why not find another way to get him involved?
The most intriguing possibility would be some sort of hybrid offensive role. Underwood could line up in the backfield alongside Carr, take direct snaps in short-yardage situations or even operate as a running threat on designed packages. Coincidentally, Whittingham's old program, Utah, is utilizing a two-QB system to perfection this year.
Essentially, Michigan could use him as an offensive weapon without asking him to shoulder the responsibilities of a traditional quarterback.
There's also the possibility of experimenting with Underwood at wide receiver or tight end, although those transitions would be considerably more complicated. Being a tremendous athlete doesn't automatically translate to running precise routes, catching passes in traffic or understanding blocking assignments. Underwood has been a pass catcher sparingly during his high school 7-on-7 days, but playing one of those positions at a place like Michigan in the Big Ten is a completely different animal.
Advertisement
And then there's the biggest obstacle of all: Would Underwood even entertain the idea?
He came to Michigan to play quarterback as THE No. 1 signal caller in the nation, and changing positions would represent a massive departure from the expectations surrounding his arrival. With the transfer portal providing opportunities elsewhere, there's no guarantee he'd be interested in reinventing himself.
It's also important to remember that Underwood is still quite young. Struggling as a quarterback early in his career doesn't mean he can't eventually develop into an excellent one. After all, his physical gifts are off the charts and it still feels like he could be unleashed with some different parameters.
Michigan shouldn't abandon that possibility simply because Carr has provided a spark.
Advertisement
Still, Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck desperately need more explosive playmakers, and Underwood's abilities are difficult to ignore.
Nobody is suggesting Michigan has actually approached Underwood about changing positions. But if Carr establishes himself as the long-term answer at quarterback, the Wolverines could eventually face an interesting decision.
Do they leave one of their most talented athletes standing on the sideline, or get creative enough to put him on the field?
It's an unconventional idea, but given Michigan's offensive struggles, perhaps it's one worth exploring.
