This week, Jon Jansen interviewed Michigan wide receiver Jaime Ffrench and offensive lineman Andrew Sprague on the In the Trenches podcast. The two players shared their journeys and expectations ahead of a new season.
WR Jaime Ffrench
On what he learned his freshman year at Texas
Ffrench said playing with guys like Ryan Wingo at Texas helped him learn how to prepare each week. Ffrench took a lot of notes from other guys to better himself as a player.
On why he chose Michigan
Ffrench had connections with Andrew Marsh and Bryce Underwood through 7-on-7 camps in high school, and the friendships
he has with them really helped him feel comfortable making the decision to transfer to Michigan. Ffrench also said having offensive coordinator Jason Beck in Ann Arbor factored into his decision because he knew how successful Beck’s offenses had been in the past.
On his relationships with Michigan coaches
It’s been easy for Ffrench to build relationships with the current coaching staff because they’re focused on getting to work. He has two coaches helping with the position, and they’re focused on giving the guys an idea of where they’re at in their game.
On the offense
Ffrench has the offense down, and while it took a little time to learn some plays, he has a handle on what he needs to do for his role on the team. Ffrench said he’s going to bring his speed to the team and that he wants to play fast, score touchdowns, and help his team win. He knows he’s going to be asked to block, and he’s ready for that, too.
Ffrench also believes the offense is ahead of where it wants to be at this point in fall camp. But when asked to pick an aspect to improve on, he said they know they’ll be prepared because the staff is great.
On playing with WR Andrew Marsh
“He’s my good friend,” said Ffrench. French told Jansen that he and Marsh have been able to pick each other’s brains on plays and what’s going on for the team.
On his last name
Ffrench shared that his father is Jamaican, and that’s how his family spells Ffrench. But one “F” is, indeed, silent.
OL Andrew Sprague
On his transformation from last season to this season
Sprague talked about his transformation this offseason, which prepared him physically for the upcoming year. He said the new staff helped him clean up his diet and improve the workouts they’re doing, resulting in Sprague losing 20 pounds of body fat. One of the major changes was cutting out some fried food, including cutting back on some fast food.
On his approach to training camp
Sprague has been able to try out different techniques ahead of the season to see what works for him. Working with offensive line coach Jim Harding has helped, and he felt he used his length and was good in pass protection. This offseason, Sprague spent time working on moving his feet. That’s a great sign, as expectations for the offensive line room continue to climb.
On the battle for the starting guard
Sprague told Jansen that communication is key for him to work well with whoever plays at the right guard position. He also said it helps when the guard is big and has some strength to take on defensive tackles.
On what’s important for the offensive line
The offensive line knows it’s going to take everything it has to be the best in the country. He focused on how they’re working in the film room, saying they know they’ll have to sacrifice everything to bring home an award like the Joe Moore Award.
On the bonding for the OL this offseason
The offensive line has spent a lot of time with one another this offseason. They even had a home run derby. But it’s not just the bigger events — it’s going out and getting meals together. Sprague said a lot of the guys enjoy Red Robin, and while it’s not his favorite, there are a few things on the menu he likes; Sprague seems like a pretty big Raising Cane’s fan over other places to eat. The offensive line’s bonding this summer has gotten them closer, and they know they have each other’s backs. For him, that’s going to be important for this position when they get on the field.
On his relationship with Underwood
Sprague’s prediction is that Underwood will “ball out this year.” He has gotten to spend some time getting to know his quarterback and sees the work he puts in every single day. They’ve become good friends, and he knows that Underwood will take a step forward.
