As college football signing day began on Wednesday, Bryce Underwood, surrounded by a plethora of reporters and cameras, was relieved to officially pledge to Michigan by writing his name.
When Underwood stated, “It’s time for the next level,”
As the best player at any position, Underwood took advantage of his chances, but there are undoubtedly tiers to the recruitment of highly regarded athletes in this day and age.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback told LSU over a year ago that he planned to play at Belleville High School, which is located roughly 15 miles east of Ann Arbor.
He continued to be recruited by Michigan.
When Jim Harbaugh was still coaching Michigan, Underwood made a commitment to play for Brian Kelly and the Tigers.
College football’s most successful program made another attempt to retain Underwood when Harbaugh left to become coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, with first-year coach Sherrone Moore fostering a bond with him and his family.
Michigan also showed off its star power and financial might.
In a market where college athletes can earn up to $10 million, Champions Circle negotiated a very competitive name, image, and likeness deal.
“Just happy for all the support that we are getting and that they’re understanding that this is a different world,” Moore stated.
In order to keep Underwood at home, Champions Circle, which has teamed up with the school to recruit and retain athletes in every sport, took advantage of a prior connection with Oracle founder Larry Ellison and his wife, Jolin, a Michigan alum.
Nate Forbes, the chairman of the collective, stated, “I want to personally thank Larry and his wife Jolin who were instrumental in making this happen by providing Champions Circle with invaluable guidance and financial resources,” following Underwood’s announcement.
During the school’s reopened recruitment, Underwood also made a connection with former Wolverine Tom Brady.
How did it feel to be recruited by seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady and Ellison, one of the wealthiest individuals in the world?
“It was a great opportunity, but I’m just more focused on getting into the school and starting my classes,” Underwood stated.
Underwood, who plans to enroll next month, should shortly be permitted to join the team for practices before to the bowl game and start working out at Michigan’s football facilities.
Underwood stated, “I’m ready to bring my talents, my athleticism and everything that I’m capable of,” and he added that he hopes to take home a few national titles.
With no standout quarterback on the roster, the Wolverines, who dismissed their offensive coordinator earlier in the week, will give Underwood every opportunity to play. When it became evident early in the season how unreliable Michigan was at the position, Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, said that he would contribute $3 million to help recruit a quarterback.
Moore, who has refrained from commenting on Portnoy’s offer, stated that Underwood’s playing time will not be determined by the cost.
“He wants to earn everything,” Moore reported. “He doesn’t want to be given anything.”
On signing day, Underwood gathered a large gathering, filling the school cafeteria with Michigan supporters, family, friends, and members of the media.
Volunteer assistant Connor Stalions stood and grinned for pictures as the Belleville coaching staff gathered behind a line of players who were also registering with schools. A sign-stealing controversy during the 2023 Michigan football team’s national championship season led to the resignation of the former staff member.
Later in the evening, Beverly Underwood was as eager to breathe as her kid.
“It’s been insane, but it’s been a blessing,” she stated. “It’s been a dream.”
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