Kyle Whittingham says he trusts Bryce Underwood, and while he told that to Rich Eisen on Monday, he's also told that to Underwood's face. But while the true sophomore is the subject of consternation for many, he's working diligently to ensure that he's continually earning that trust.
Underwood told Eisen on The Rich Eisen Show on Monday that he's learned that the best thing he can do to improve his game isn't as much adding more, it's simplifying that which he already knows. That's the way the game comes easiest, so he's stripping everything down with independent quarterbacks coach Jordan Palmer and making things as easy as they could be.
"Overall, just simplifying everything, making everything as simple as possible, easy as possible. That's a simple way
to put it," Underwood said. "Overall, just making the game way easier, not doing too much, just being calm, relaxed in a pocket, just football.:
Underwood recognizes that last year didn't quite go the way he had hoped, nor the way he verbally announced it would around this time last year. Though there has been an identification of multiple issues he's working on, there's one place he wants to advance more than others.
"I'd say being mentally stronger," Underwood said. "I feel like last year was more of like, OK, see if I'm physically gifted, and now it's about seeing how mentally strong I can be going throughout the season. Of course, the goal is being 1-0 every single week, but no matter what, being mentally strong every game."
Underwood is still focused on the minutiae, however. Eisen asked him if he is working on his footwork and mechanics, and he agreed that he is. But he noted that the problematic mechanics are a product of him trying to hurry himself up. With making things easier and slowing things down, Underwood says that takes care of the mechanical issues he displayed last year and in the spring game.
"Like I said, just being calm, being real calm in the pocket," Underwood said. "Don't feel like I got to be in a rush for everything. Just relax, calm."
All that said, he doesn't want a repeat of last year. He says that he's still got some ways to go to showcase that he has a mastery of that which he needs to, and because of that, he's studying the playbook and film more, to ensure that he has the mental component down as much as he needs to.
"I feel overall, I could have done also a better way of showing that I fully trust the playbook and everything in those ways by staying more. I was in the film room a lot, but I feel I could have done a little bit more on my behalf as well."
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Bryce Underwood simplifying game to improve mechanical issues
