Carter Smith committed to Michigan:”WHAT ABOUT BRYCE UNDERWOOD?” has been the main response to this news. Let’s talk about that quickly: insiders agree that Michigan will continue to pursue Underwood, but Kirk Campbell has stated that he will not take Smith’s commitment and go the all-in-one-basket strategy for 2025 quarterbacks. When Michigan attempted to acquire Dante Moore, a 5* in-state prospect for 2023, it backfired miserably as Moore chose Oregon over Michigan before switching to UCLA, leaving the Wolverines without a win. Their “quarterback” is Kendrick Bell, Ronnie’s Who Dat 3* brother, but there’s no chance Bell will play quarterback for Michigan. In true actuality, Michigan decided not to select a quarterback in 2023, and the outcome of that Carter
In the 2023 cycle, Campbell made the decision to learn from Matt Weiss’ mistakes and discovered a match in Smith. As a result of strong interest from both sides, the recruitment process swiftly heated up. Underwood is a highly sought-after recruit, so Michigan will not be taking any chances with him. Take advantage of the opportunity to include any other guy you want in your program if he wants to. The more the merrier if Underwood decides to enroll and you wind up with a 2021 OSU-style class that features two quarterbacks (the Bucks have Quinn Ewers and Kyle McCord). You’re still in a good place if he doesn’t.
And they’re in a nice place. Smith is not to be disregarded. Everyone would be giddy about Carter Smith, a 6’3″ signal-caller from Bishop Verot HS in Fort Myers, Florida, if Underwood were a native Texan. He is now ranked in the top 100 by ESPN and is On3 as the nation’s eighth-best quarterback. Even if 247 and Rivals are currently a little lower, there is still a LONG way to go. He is ranked 223rd overall in the country by the On3 consensus, and 213th by the 247 Composite. Nobody can argue Smith is a complete steal at quarterback, especially considering offers from schools like Texas A&M, PSU, Ole Miss, FSU, Florida, and Miami. I’ll say hello in full later, but first, Smith
Carter, welcome! Go, Blue! I’m thrilled to have a player with your caliber on the club!
Carter, welcome! Go, Blue! I’m thrilled to have a player with your caliber on the club!
This makes me wonder, “But what about Bryce?!”
Is it not necessary to ask “what’s up?” if another local child who has spent years getting to know both UM and the program leaves?
Regarding “not putting all your eggs in one basket,” what happens if Bryce commits elsewhere on January 6th, I believe? Does the “basket” become a pumpkin?
Still not sure if we attract many 5* quarterback and wide receiver recruits, especially after a loss to Penn State. But any day of the week, I’ll choose victory with an unmatched ground game over excellent stats but a patchy record with a stud.
Stated differently, I’m pleased to have players who are interested in attending Michigan, and I have faith in this coaching staff to identify athletes who will complement their approach.
That’s wonderful news. Go, Blue!
Yes, but only a week ago, JJ passed for over 300 yards and several touchdowns.
Michigan’s offensive will always be led by Harbaugh, with Sherrone overseeing the show as well.
However, this season they’ve demonstrated a willingness to be more adaptable and take what the D offers. JJ had a lot of media attention before PSU.
I believe that NIL matters more than pass/run balance.
In any case, I don’t want to overly emphasize it, but (a) some players just do want to play somewhere else, and (b) UM’s offensive strategy won’t produce a ton of points and will hold them back until one of their quarterbacks is selected. While UCLA hasn’t been the best since Harbaugh took over, they have sent three quarterbacks to the NFL as opposed to just one (Rudock) for UM. Daniels is putting up incredible numbers for LSU even though he is, in all honesty, a rather restricted quarterback. Guys will find that appealing.
Do I now believe Dante Moore might have regretted attending UCLA? Yes, he hasn’t played well nearly the entire season, and I don’t think Chip Kelly can turn things around to the point where they’re fighting for a conference title or even a championship, but he’ll probably start looking for a transfer place, so maybe UM can get back into the running. Though I believe Brian Kelly is a better QB developer than Chip and Underwood is equally good, there’s always a chance you wash out.
Is it possible that Dante Moore now regrets attending UCLA? Yes, he’s had difficulties for the better part of the season, and I don’t think Chip Kelly can turn things around to the point where they’re fighting for a conference title or even a championship, but he’ll probably start looking for a transfer place, so maybe UM can get back into the running thereafter. There’s always a chance you wash out, but Underwood is as gifted and, in my opinion, Brian Kelly develops quarterbacks better than Chip.
