Michigan football got to represent itself with coach Sherrone Moore and his three players in their home away from home over the last three years on Thursday to wrap up the media days. Moore spoke briefly, while his players made the rounds as well. It's a sincere reminder that we have to put 2023 in the past, but get ready for another hopeful season of Michigan football that is only a month away.
Here are three of the takeaways from the event.
1. Sherrone Moore presented himself in commanding fashion
Jim Harbaugh's successor is an impressive speaker when he is at the podium. He got his chance to address the media for about 10 minutes or so and did so in convincing form. The most clear takeaway from his press conference was that coach Moore showed the world why he is a tremendous ambassador for Michigan football.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore at the podium previewing the upcoming season:
— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) July 25, 2024
I think every year, our goal is to win that (National Championship). For our team, it’ll take shape in training camp and game one. Very confident about our team. pic.twitter.com/MK03akPEHv
He was asked about the quarterback situation and was honest about it. He didn't say anything surprising either and he was the complete opposite of UCLA coach Deshaun Foster who went viral for how nervous he was when he got to speak on Wednesday. Overall it was a great first impression for his first media day presser in his head coaching career.
2. Grant Newsome is viewed as a future head coach
Coach Moore got to chat with Dave Revsine, Gerry DiNardo and Jake Butt moments after he finished his presser. He talked about how busy his life has been and how much more is on his plate now that he is the man in charge of the national championship program.
He raved about some of his coaches including Grant Newsome. He views Newsome as a potential head coach one day. That's something that will thrill the Michigan football faithful, especially with five new starters on the line this year.
He shared a story about Kirk Campbell watching film after they returned from winning the title. He was animated about something he saw when re-watching the game and coach Moore caught him in the act. He knew right then that Campbell was a prime choice for a position on his staff once he took over.
Moore also mentioned Wink Martindale and how he is learning about the defense. He feels that there is no one better to coordinate his defense mainly because he is the man who taught the two previous coordinators who are both in the NFL now.
3. Makari Paige says there will be no "drop-off" on defense
The senior safety was confident when he was bragging about his side of the ball. He dropped some names like Zeke Berry, Ja'Den McBurrows and others as to who will be players who join him in leading one of the nation's top defenses.
Paige also stated that what he thinks of Ohio State, "a dub, a win." He said they respect them, but on gameday there is disrespect. His teammate Donovan Edwards said that "it's fine" having the Buckeyes as the favorite to win the Big Ten in 2024. Pretty much all of the Big Ten network analysts all predicted the Buckeyes to face Oregon in a rematch in December.
Edwards may have surprised some people with his statement about still wanting to earn the starting back role on offense. He said he still wants to "outcompete" the other backs. With the way Michigan football uses their halfbacks, expecting a lot of ball carriers this fall is always the likelihood of their offense. When push comes to shove though, Edwards will probably be the guy with the ball in his hands the most.
Edwards will do what is best for the team and that he can be a 25 carry a game back if needed too. He'll be a receiver when the time comes, but also wants his fellow teammates to get carries also. You can tell he learned well from Blake Corum about being humble.