Key Takeaways
- Todd McShay praised Michigan quarterback Underwood's character, highlighting his care for teammates during his debut.
- Underwood demonstrated joy and enthusiasm for the game, celebrating even a simple completion as if it were a significant victory.
- He showcased impressive technical skills, including a quick release and solid mechanics, particularly in RPO formations.
- Underwood avoided critical freshman mistakes, making precise throws in crucial situations, including a third-and-14 completion.
Michigan Quarterback Underwood Shows Elite Character
Here’s what separated Underwood from your typical primadonna recruit: the kid actually cares about his teammates. McShay zeroed in on one play that had nothing to do with passing yards or completion percentages. After handing off the ball, Underwood didn’t just stand there admiring his work—he threw a crucial crackback block that helped spring his running back for a touchdown.
“Five star multi-million dollar NIL deal, all world recruit,” McShay noted, before posing the question that cuts to the heart of modern college football: would most players with that pedigree protect their teammates, or would they act like “primadonnas”?
Then there was the moment that really caught McShay’s eye. Underwood’s first completion was nothing special—a simple bubble screen for minimal yardage. But the freshman celebrated like he’d just won the Rose Bowl. “He’s out there playing with joy,” McShay observed, and you could hear the relief in his voice. This wasn’t premature celebration; this was a kid who genuinely loves the game.
Technical Skills Impress Veteran Scout
The character stuff is nice, but McShay knows you need more than heart to succeed at Michigan. Underwood delivered on the technical side too. His release from RPO formations was lightning-quick, and his mechanics stayed solid throughout the contest. More importantly, the coaching staff trusted him when it mattered.
Picture this: third-and-14 near halftime, the kind of situation where most coaches would call a safe run and head to the locker room. Not Michigan. They called passing plays, and Underwood responded with a precise first-down completion. He followed that up with a touchdown pass to extend the lead before intermission.
McShay was quick to point out that Underwood avoided the critical freshman mistakes that derail so many debuts. The velocity on his intermediate throws particularly stood out—the kind of arm strength that translates to Sundays. But the analyst kept things in perspective. Upcoming games against stronger competition will provide the real evaluation opportunities.
This is just the beginning for Underwood, but if McShay’s right, Michigan fans have every reason to be excited about what they’re seeing from their true freshman signal-caller.
