Sophomore wide receiver Andrew Marsh will have a lot of attention this fall. He finished last season with 45 catches for 651 yards and four touchdowns, and is hoping to build off what was a successful freshman year.
Marsh joined Jon Jansen on In the Trenches this week to talk about how this offense will look different, and how he’s using what he learned last year to be an even better player.
On his jersey number change
“For me, it was kind of just going back to my original number. Three is something I’ve worn since I was three.”
Marsh also said it was the first number he had and it’s always stuck with him.
On the new offense
Marsh “feels great” about the new offense. There is a lot of freedom in the way that offensive coordinator Jason Beck organizes things. Marsh said that on each play, he thinks every position has a chance to get the ball. He also said it doesn’t necessarily change how he thinks about the routes, but it does give the players more freedom when it comes to getting open.
On the efficiency of the offense
Jansen said he’s been hearing more about how the new offense will actually call its plays and that it seems like it’ll be efficient in moving the ball. Marsh agreed, saying, “I feel like we’re really able to move and really push the tempo.” Marsh expects it will keep the offense on the field while they have opposing defenses on their toes.
On the new WR room
“I love the room right now,” Marsh said. He pointed out the new additions, Jaime Ffrench and JJ Buchanan, along with Salesi Moa and Travis Johnson. “For the first time in a while, I feel like the Michigan receiver room is really going to be something special this year.”
On new position coach Micah Simon
Marsh believes coach Micah Simon is relatable for the players because he’s a younger guy. He also talked about how Simon is a smart guy and that the group is learning to work with each other day by day.
On his freshman season
Reflecting on his first year, Northwestern was Marsh’s favorite game of the season. He had 12 catches in that game for 189 yards and a crucial first-down catch late in the game to keep the Wolverines’ chances alive. It wasn’t just his performance, as Marsh said playing football at Wrigley Field was exciting. He also said that was the point in the season where things started to click for him.
On what he’s working on ahead of the fall
Marsh said he’s working on everything and focusing on the speed of his game. When it comes to improvements, he is focused on how he can be the best for the team at his position.
On QB Bryce Underwood
For Marsh and Bryce Underwood, they’re building on their freshman connection. “As a receiver you can’t ask for anything more. He’s probably the best quarterback I’ve ever played with,” said Marsh.
On the development of the secondary
Jansen asked about Marsh’s experience of the secondary in practice. He told him, “It’s been scary. Just seeing the development. They’re all reaching new levels.” Marsh is looking forward to seeing the defense play in the fall.
On his relationship with HC Kyle Whittingham
When it comes to new head coach Kyle Whittingham, Marsh said he has a good relationship with him. He also said Whittingham is meeting with the players regularly and is trying to make sure they have good relationships with each other this season.
