ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines offensive line coach Grant Newsome expressed pride in Blake Frazier‘s progress and attitude after stepping up this season.
“Sometimes you forget the redshirt freshman,” said Newsome. “As a coach, you have to remind yourself he hasn’t seen that before or played four years of football to know how to adjust on the fly. But he’s out there fighting and getting better every week.”
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On his role in the run game, Newsome emphasized the collaborative effort with offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey during their victory over the Michigan State Spartans.
“It’s a team effort from all of us in the offensive staff,” Newsome said, highlighting how input from coaches is packaged and called by Chip.
Three red-shirt freshmen
Newsome acknowledged the challenges of injuries, leading to three redshirt freshmen starting on the offensive line.
“It’s not what you hope for, but it shows the depth we have in our room,” Newsome said. “Those young guys like Blake have taken ownership and prepared as if they were starters all along.”
Newsome explained why it’s tougher for offensive linemen to see the field early in their careers.
“Physically, you go from being one of the strongest in high school to facing grown men with years of college strength training,” Newsome said. “Mentally, there’s a lot of adjustments and learning to react to different defensive looks. Experience is key.”
On coaching three redshirt freshmen starters, Newsome said, “You have to make sure you’re not doing too much, but those guys work hard, are smart, and prepared mentally and physically. We haven’t had to dumb down the offense for them.”
Jalen Hoffman
Regarding Jalen Hoffman‘s transition to fullback, Newsome credited the tight ends and fullbacks for their preparation and physicality.
“They set the tone for the offense with their violence and execution,” Newsome said, praising coach Steve Casula‘s work with the group.
Run block
When evaluating run blocking versus pass protection through eight games, Newsome stressed consistency. “You can’t have really good plays followed by really bad ones,” he said. “The upward trajectory in execution is what leads to success.”
Wearing No. 77
Newsome described wearing No. 77 as an honor steeped in a long history and tradition.
“It’s a point of pride for sure,” Newsome said, noting that Frazier also deeply respects the legacy behind the number.
Newsome acknowledged the many successful players who have worn No. 77 at Michigan and in the NFL, emphasizing the responsibility it carries.
“Every time you step on the practice field or play a game, you’re representing all those guys,” Newsome said. “If you’re not finishing, playing physical, chasing the running back, it’s a reflection on all those who wore that jersey before you.”
Newsome called the standard for No. 77 and the offensive line “incredible,” and said the players embrace the opportunity to live up to it.
When asked who the best No. 77 wearer was, Newsome humbly declined to name himself, citing the immense talent that has worn the number.
Newsome also shared that he did not wear No. 77 in high school, but rather No. 72.
Pass protection
On pass protection against the Spartans, Newsome said it was solid overall despite a few challenges.
“Running the football wasn’t about protection issues; it was just that kind of game ‚” Newsome said, praising the offense’s adaptability.
Andrew Babalola
Newsome highlighted the mental toughness of injured player Andrew Babalola, who remains engaged in rehab and team activities.
“He’s attacking rehab with the right mindset, which is hard to do at 18 years old,” Newsome said.
Looking ahead, Newsome said the decision on Jake Guarnera‘s position between center and guard will focus on fielding the best five players as the Purdue Boilermakers head into Ann Arbor, under the lights as they’ll take on Michigan at 7 p.m. on the Big Ten Network on Saturday, Nov. 1.
“Jake can handle both, and being a center helps him understand the calls, which makes playing guard easier,” Newsome said.