Breaking down comments from Jim Harbaugh, players at Big Ten Media Days

Breaking down the key comments from Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football players on Thursday at Big Ten Media Days. 

Jim Harbaugh, joined by defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Josh Ross, and running back Hassan Haskins all took the podium Thursday for Michigan football on day one of Big Ten Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Below is a breakdown of the most important Michigan football quotes from Big Ten Media Days:

Coach Harbaugh spoke on a number of different topics, many of which have been reoccurring, such as questions regarding Ohio State, as well as the quarterback competition.  Although he heard a lot of the same questions, Harbaugh had the opportunity to speak on his new assistant coaches, which is something he hasn’t had much of an opportunity to do in his time at Michigan.

Harbaugh spoke to the contribution from multiple people when it comes to the defensive side of the ball:

"“When I sit in the defensive room and Mike MacDonald, our coordinator, is talking and there’s input coming from Coach Clink and George Helow and Shaun Nua, the dialog that’s going on in the room is really tremendous.”"

This quote is quite encouraging especially considering where the defense came from with Don Brown and the predictable and close-minded scheme that was thrown out every game.  It’s exciting to hear that new defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald is listening to what the other coaches have to say.

Coach Harbaugh also spoke on the quarterback competition, which is something he has a great amount of experience speaking about in his time in Ann Arbor so far.

Nearly every year there is a new competition at quarterback, and fans and media are always curious as to who will win the competition.  Harbaugh gave some insight as it relates to the quarterback depth on Thursday, and here’s what he had to say:

"“So right now, Cade McNamara is, has done a tremendous job. He played in some games last year and did very well, went through spring practice, and was outstanding. So he’s our No. 1 quarterback going into fall camp.”"

Harbaugh also spoke on true freshman J.J. McCarthy:

"“And then J.J. McCarthy has some of those very same qualities and did an excellent job in spring practice. He’s fighting. He is, he’s got the athletic ability and the arm talent to get it done, but Cade McNamara is not letting him take it away, and that’s probably the best thing for our team and for J.J. and all of us. So that’s where we stand, as I see it, at quarterback.”"

Harbaugh tends to be a little more secretive when it comes to who is winning the quarterback battle, but that was not the case on Thursday.  Harbaugh clearly stated that McNamara is QB1 heading into fall practice and that it’s unlikely that he’ll give that spot up.

Harbaugh said that he could see Dan Villari playing a Taysom Hill-type role for Michigan football this season, which would mean he would be more of a wild-card as opposed to a true quarterback. He also spoke on Texas Tech transfer Alan Bowman, saying that he likes Bowman’s energy, confidence, and experience.

Michigan football players speak too

Aidan Hutchinson also received some high praise from Coach Harbaugh, “I’m like leaning forward here to tell you that, yeah, this is one of my absolute favorite guys that I’ve coached”, said the head coach.  Hutchinson is expected to have a breakout season and is projected to be a sure-fire first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft.

Hutchinson also had some words, saying that “In 2018, 2019, clearly something wasn’t right about our culture” and that the MSU loss last season “still haunts” him.  Possibly the most important quote of the day from Hutchinson was regarding the predictability of the defense this season, saying, “Yes, it will be less predictable. 100%.”

Not only did Harbaugh seem more enthusiastic at Thursday’s media day, but there was a visible emphasis regarding Ohio State. Harbaugh and Josh Ross spoke on the importance of beating Ohio State.

On beating Ohio State “We’re going to do it or die trying,” said Harbaugh.  Ross also added, “Our purpose is to beat Ohio State.”