Jim Harbaugh | Notebook 8.14
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke on Monday evening following practice No. 10 for the Wolverines.
On offensive pieces coming together:
“Historically, the first week of training camp a lot of guys come out of the gates like a Tour de France race. Everyone is pedaling hard, and the sprint is on. You get to the second week and start to go uphill. Each guy has to do something day after day.
“When you get into day eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve - some are meeting that challenge better than others. This week is moving day. Some guys are moving up, and some are moving down.”
On players sticking out:
“Devin Bush is one of the fastest linebackers I’ve ever been around. Everyone on the team has an incredible example in Rashan Gary. Seeing him run to the ball play after play and he’s running as fast as the skill guys. He wants to be one of the best.
“Chase Winovich continues to play at a high level. Khaleke Hudson has emerged as a high-level player. Our cornerbacks are really good as well as our safeties.
“The offensive line is getting better. Ed Warinner is doing a terrific job. Chris Evans, Karan Higdon have emerged as leaders on the offensive side of the ball. Receiver position, the guys you think are good are playing good football.”
On quarterback position:
“There has been great competition there. The competition is making each other better. I’m very happy with how that’s progressing. I’m seeing good things.”
On quarterback decision:
“Sooner than later.”
On letting the media/public know of the decision on a quarterback:
“I haven’t decided that yet.”
On the feeling of improvement on offense:
“The offensive line is ascending very nicely. The guys are working hard. We’re moving people better than we have and it’s been a big difference.”
On tackle position:
“We’ll see what happens this week. It’s a tremendous week for finding out who you really like and count on. The thing that stands out the most is no one is backing down. No one is giving in."
On freshmen:
“We’re starting to get a good feel. The thing about freshmen, the longer it takes them to figure out they’re good, the better off they’ll be. I don’t want to let them think they have arrived. It’s a hardworking group.”
On shoe investigation:
“Our compliance has investigated that, and we’ve gone through everyone that’s currently on the roster, and they’ve accounted for those pairs of shoes. I saw No. 52 and no one currently on the roster had that number last year.
“I’m not in every person or know what happened in every single case. If someone sold their shoes, they are going to be ineligible. We had coaches too. We have two coaches with size 14 shoes, and they aren’t here anymore."
On the potential of players missing time because of investigation:
“No, I don’t think so. If we did have some that sold their shoes, it’s going to result in missed games."