Bryce Underwood’s summer work is showing up where Michigan needed it most.
Quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr. said the Wolverines’ young starter has taken real steps forward after a spring that came with its share of growing pains, sharpening the parts of his game that matter most: footwork, pocket presence and decision-making.
“To his credit, man, he hit it head-on and worked his tail off,” Detmer said.
That response matters because Underwood, who recently turned 19, was challenged by the staff to put in extra work in May and through the summer after an uneven spring practice stretch. Now, in fall camp, Detmer said the difference is obvious.
“He’s a lot more comfortable, specifically with his feet and his pocket presence,” Detmer said.
The growth hasn’t been limited to mechanics. Detmer also pointed to a more assertive version of Underwood inside the program, even if he still comes across as reserved in front of the media.
“You’ve seen more vocal leadership out of him,” Detmer said. “You’ve seen his personality kind of blossom a little more.”
Detmer said Underwood has become more willing to speak up in the quarterback room and around teammates as his comfort and trust within the program have grown. That development has already been recognized in a big way: Underwood was voted a team captain despite his age.
Michigan’s starting job appears settled, but the battle behind Underwood is still very much alive. Detmer said the competition for the backup spot between Tommy Carr and Brady Smigiel is tight, with Carr benefiting from extra spring reps and Smigiel drawing praise for his veteran experience and arm talent.
“It’s pretty neck and neck,” Detmer said.
The staff is looking for consistency, decision-making, ball security and the ability to keep the offense on schedule.
Underwood’s athleticism will also be part of the plan, though Detmer made it clear Michigan wants to use those legs without exposing the quarterback to unnecessary punishment. He said the key is knowing when to run, when to slide and when to get out of bounds - part coaching, part instinct.
“That is a huge part of what he does,” Detmer said. “And I think what’ll help us be really successful.”
There’s also optimism that Michigan can stretch the field more often. Detmer said the Wolverines have the pieces to create explosive plays with their receivers, tight ends and running backs, and Underwood’s arm strength gives the offense a real chance to attack vertically.
But the message stays the same: don’t chase the deep shot at the expense of the offense. Detmer said Underwood has to recognize when the safer throw underneath is the right answer and when it’s time to test a defense downfield.
That philosophy carries over to how Michigan evaluates quarterbacks in general. Detmer said the staff puts accuracy and decision-making first when scouting recruits, studying whether a prospect consistently makes choices that move the offense rather than just flashing on highlight plays before considering arm strength and mobility.
Those same standards, he said, guide the development of the quarterbacks already in the program: make good decisions, protect the football and keep the offense in the best possible position.
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