Tony Alford, the new running backs coach, probably had a lot on his mind when he first made the decision to leave Ohio State after nine years as head coach of the Michigan football team. How he could benefit professionally from the opportunity. He has much to offer the Wolverines. What it’s like to be on the losing side of November’s The Game.
But before any of those other ideas could enter his mind, the following more pressing message had to get through:
Alford said on Wednesday, “Duck.”
Though it was satirical, Alford’s statement captures the hostility that arises when one side of one of college football’s fiercest rivalries is switched. He’s had a lot of talk going through his head after switching sides. After years of detesting the players he coached, Michigan supporters are now cheering for him, while those who supported Alford for almost ten years now feel deceived by his exit.
It should go without saying that Alford gave himself a lot to get used to after exchanging Buckeyes for Wolverines.
Alford pointed to his pullover bearing the Michigan state emblem and remarked, “It was a little weird putting on this blue, that was a little weird.” It had been about nine years since my Notre Dame days that I had done that. However, you are aware of the work involved, so perhaps I can just add value here and move on.
The Wolverines already recognise his worth. After Alford was hired, junior running back Donovan Edwards, whom he had recruited straight out of high school, called many times to express his joy during the three-hour drive from Columbus to Ann Arbour. Kalel Mullings, a graduate running back, had similar things to say about his new position coach. Alford’s coworkers are eager for him to bring in fresh talent and have already noted his aptitude for hiring.
Alford is aware of the potential importance of his contribution to Michigan, though. For the past three years, he has witnessed firsthand how the Wolverines’ running backs have destroyed opponents, and he is aware of the influence they have had in changing the dynamic of the rivalry—though Edwards won’t ever allow him to forget it.
The Wolverines are aware of his value already. During the three-hour journey from Columbus to Ann Arbour, junior running back Donovan Edwards, whom Alford had recruited straight out of high school, called multiple times to express his happiness when Alford was hired. Running back graduate Kalel Mullings had similar views about his new position coach. Alford’s colleagues have already noticed his ability for hiring and are excited for him to bring on new hires.
Alford refrained from making any generalisations about which team is more resilient, leaving that discussion to the fans and the media. He did, however, recognise the kind of offensive line toughness that he has observed in his new programme, which is what makes his position group successful.
Perhaps it was Michigan’s rigorous, run-focused culture that initially persuaded Alford to desert. He’s embracing Ann Arbour now that he’s here. Alford claims that his recruiting technique is centred on building relationships with individuals, but he finds that connecting with running back recruits is aided by the opportunity to demonstrate his tough persona.
Alford refrained from making any generalisations about which team is more resilient, leaving that discussion to the fans and the media. He did, however, recognise the kind of offensive line toughness that he has observed in his new programme, which is what makes his position group successful.
Perhaps it was Michigan’s rigorous, run-focused culture that initially persuaded Alford to desert. He’s embracing Ann Arbour now that he’s here. Alford claims that his recruiting technique is centred on building relationships with individuals, but he finds that connecting with running back recruits is aided by the opportunity to demonstrate his tough personality.
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