CHICAGO -- All offseason, Michigan tight end Zack Marshall has been noting that the pass catchers in the offense have more freedom than they had before, with more ability to work to get open downfield compared to the scheme under the previous staff. Marshall says that the pass game should open up exponentially as a result. Quarterback Bryce Underwood agrees, noting how much it helps him out. He says, 'If you see it with the Utah offense last year, you're going to see the same.'
But that's not the only reason why the offense will take a step forward in his eyes.
It's not just about the scheme, per se, as much as it is about connection. Underwood says that while it's important that the players have the ability to use their athleticism and skills
to get open downfield, just as important is that everyone is on the same page. And given the bonds that he and his teammates have built this offseason, the ability to anticipate each other will pay dividends in the pass game, he says.
"Overall, it's about the bond that we build off the field, work when we have our own time," Underwood said. "When we get onto the field, make sure we've got the same mindset and the same page at all times. So, that's where the freedom comes from."
Underwood says the connection continues to grow with Andrew Marsh, but he's also gaining ground with JJ Buchanan, Jaime Ffrench, Travis Johnson, Salesi Moa, and Kendrick Bell. While the players are taking it upon themselves to grow closer, the offense will likewise be bolstered by new offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who turned both New Mexico and Utah into the No. 4 offenses in the country in successive years.
Given that Beck has been at multiple schools -- the aforementioned as well as Syracuse and Virginia -- Underwood has gone back to watch everything he's done everywhere he's been, so that he has a full understanding of what he might be tasked to do throughout the season.
"I've just watched everywhere that Jason had coached at," Underwood said. "Virginia, Utah. I've watched how he took advantage of each game. I'm excited to see what he does this year. That's what I'm looking forward to."
With that, Beck and quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr. have asked a lot of Underwood, and coming into his second year, Underwood loves that. Though his freshman campaign didn't go as he had hoped, he feels that the way that he'll be the most successful is by having as much put on his plate as possible, all while simplifying everything at the same time.
"They've been very demanding. I feel like that's what we've been needing," Underwood said. "I'm very excited because we've worked so hard this offseason. It's great to showcase everything."
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Bryce Underwood sees big changes for Michigan offense
