ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football fans are a little on edge after new starting quarterback Alex Orji threw for 32 yards in his first start and 86 yards in his second. But players and coaches insist progress is happening and that Orji can be a bona fide QB for the reigning national champion.
Orji hadn’t taken five snaps in a row before the Week 4 game against USC, so he’s still getting his feet wet after just two games. And those who have seen what Orji can do in practice know he’s capable of so much more than he’s shown in the past two weeks.
Of those who think there’s a lot more to Orji’s game includes the top tight end in the nation, Colston Loveland.
“Kind of just waiting for him to take over,” Loveland said. “I think he’s definitely got it in him. Can be. Obviously, he’s freaky, but like, just, I’m waiting on him — which I know he will — just take over the game with his legs, with his arm strength. And I know it’s coming, so I’m excited. I’m excited to see when that comes.”
Orji’s skill set, as a dual-threat quarterback, does open up a lot of possibilities that haven’t been fully exploited as of yet. But another aspect to his game that we might not get to see from Orji is his leadership.
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Kendrick Bell says that Orji’s leadership is an attribute that fans don’t get to see that resonates highly with his teammates. In such, Bell gave an example in practice how Orji has changed the confidence of the offense due to his willingness to step up and lead the team.
“He is a vocal leader,” Bell said. “He throws the ball well. If things are not going right, he’ll bring the whole offense together. Be like, ‘We gotta get this right. Let’s fix this next period,’ and actually, we’ll have a good period after that. But he’s just a really good leader.”
Fans will get a chance to see Orji try to get his third win, and the first on the road, when Michigan heads to Washington to take on the Huskies on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan players on Alex Orji: ‘Just waiting for him to take over’ games
