Michigan QB Bryce Underwood can block, too

Michigan football starting quarterback Bryce Underwood is off to a solid and threw an impressive block on a Justice Haynes touchdown run.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19), right, and quarterback Jadyn Davis (2), left, warm up ahead of the New Mexico game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19), right, and quarterback Jadyn Davis (2), left, warm up ahead of the New Mexico game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, August 30, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bryce Underwood had some impressive throws in the first half of the Michigan football season opener against New Mexico, but one of his best plays so far has been a block.

You don't always want your quarterback acting as a lead blocker. Underwood didn't actually, but after former Alabama transfer Justice Haynes broke a tackle on a run, Underwood helped spring him for a touchdown with a pretty good block, knocking back a defender.

It was the second touchdown run of the game for Haynes, who opened the scoring with a 56-yard touchdown run on the opening drive of the game for the Wolverines.

Michigan football converted its first four third down attempts with Underwood at quarterback. He found SemaJ Morgan, Donaven McCulley, and Marlin Klein for multiple completions in the first half, including a 25-yard completion up the seam to Klein.

It came on a play-action fake, but Underwood saw the opening in the defense and threw a dart between defenders that allowed Klein to catch the ball in stride and run.

Since that second touchdown, the offense has stagnated a little. However, the block thrown by the 6-foot-4, 228-pound freshman was impressive. Not just because Underwood knocked the defender back, but because he was a willing blocker.

We have heard all about Underwood's arm talent. However, the intangibles are important, too, and it's starting to feel like Underwood is special in that area, too.

It also fits perfectly with the identity that is Michigan football. Underwood is a great quarterback but first and foremost, the identity is still all about smash.