ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines offensive pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy opened his remarks by thanking everyone for their thoughts and prayers following the passing of his former roommate and teammate, Zia Combs.
Bellamy described Combs as a talented player from Lexington, Kentucky, who faced a tough injury during his sophomore year but showed remarkable mental fortitude.
Recommended Videos
“Just watching the game taken away from him and just his mental fortitude, just how he handled that,” Bellamy said, emphasizing Combs’ growth into a respected father and husband.
Michigan State rivalry
Turning to the upcoming game against the Michigan State Spartans, Bellamy noted the challenge posed by a veteran MSU secondary.
“It’s all seniors across the defensive backfield. Guys played a lot of football, they play hard, play physical,” Bellamy said.
Bellamy stressed the importance of detail and making plays in both the run and pass game.
High school coach
Reflecting on his time as a high school coach in Michigan, Bellamy highlighted the deep passion for the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry among young athletes.
“You could tell, you know, there was no allegiance to a school. They wore that team’s colors,” Bellamy said, noting the pride and attention the rivalry commands statewide.
Jamar Browder
Bellamy provided updates on key players, including Jamar Browder, who he described as a young, talented player with a promising future.
“He’s going to be special,” Bellamy said, praising Browder’s progress and mentorship under Donaven McCulley.
Andrew Marsh
On Andrew Marsh, Bellamy called him a “ball fetcher” who works hard to perfect his craft.
He acknowledged Marsh’s role in improving the team’s performance amid struggles with dropped passes.
“He shows up ready to work, smile on his face,” Bellamy said.
Bellamy spoke about the impact of Marsh’s increased role on recruiting, emphasizing Michigan’s willingness to play talented freshmen who are ready.
“We’re not afraid to play freshmen if they’re ready to play,” Bellamy said, citing examples from his coaching tenure.
Depth chart changes
When asked about potential depth chart changes, Bellamy emphasized ongoing competition and the need for players to practice well.
He noted that reduced playing time usually stems from performance on film.
“If you’re not playing more, it’s because of the product we’re putting on film,” Bellamy said.
Semaj Morgan
Bellamy also addressed the mental state of receiver Semaj Morgan, who has faced some drops this season. “He’s confident,” Bellamy said. “We just got to keep building his confidence up.”
Donaven McCulley
Discussing McCulley, Bellamy highlighted his size and athletic ability, noting his transition from quarterback to receiver and his growing confidence in the offense.
Bellamy described a trick play involving McCulley that showcased McCulley’s throwing ability, though the play was not executed perfectly.
“What a bad throw,” Bellamy joked.
When asked if he ever threw passes in his playing career, Bellamy shared a humorous anecdote about a single snap at quarterback during the 2003 Outback Bowl, which resulted in a 15-yard gain.
Tight ends
On tight ends, Bellamy praised Deakon Tonielli and Zack Marshall for their versatility and energy.
“Deakon is going to show up in a run game and a pass game,” Bellamy said.
He described Marshall as a physical player with unmatched energy.
Bryce Underwood
Regarding quarterback Bryce Underwood‘s throwing velocity, Bellamy said the receivers are accustomed to catching hard throws and that the focus is on playing with detail and confidence.
“He’s throwing catchable football,” Bellamy said.
Personal experience with MSU rivalry
Bellamy shared his personal experience with the rivalry, recalling his freshman year in Louisiana and how quickly he recognized the intensity of the Michigan-Michigan State matchup.
“You’ve got to put your big boy pants on, strap them up, ready to go,” Bellamy said.
On preparing players for rivalry games, Bellamy emphasized the importance of paying attention to details and playing hard.
“Everyone’s going to be tuned into it the entire state,” Bellamy said, noting the pride and physicality involved.
Bellamy addressed the installation of the RPO offense, saying it is not difficult but requires ironing out nuances.
He views it as particularly beneficial for receivers, especially when paired with a talented quarterback who can execute quick throws.
Tempo offense
Discussing tempo offense, Bellamy said it helps quarterbacks anticipate plays and disrupts defensive communication. “It’s great to implement that during the game,” he said.
Jacob Washington
Bellamy provided an update on Jacob Washington, a young receiver still developing after joining the team later than others.
“He’s another one of those young guys just plugging away,” Bellamy said.
The Wolverines head to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday (Oct. 25) inside Spartan Stadium.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.