SAD NEWS: Michigan Wolverines star to miss remainder of season with…..

admin | December 29, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

As NFL rumors swirl, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is keeping a “one-track mind” ahead of Monday’s College Football Playoff.

This week, he avoided queries regarding his relationship with the Los Angeles Chargers, who have an open coaching position. According to ESPN College GameDay analyst and former Michigan star Desmond Howard, based on what happened during the 2023 season — including Harbaugh’s late-season suspension imposed by the Big Ten and commissioner Tony Petitti — this could be an opportunity for Harbaugh to clean his hands and start fresh in the NFL.

“For Michigan fans, first and foremost, they look at it as a distraction, some sort of recruiting distraction,” Howard told ESPN’s Pat McAfee on Thursday. “They see us as people attempting to distract recruits from signing.” But, to be honest, if I’m Jim Harbaugh and that’s something you hear circulating… if I were in (Harbaugh’s) position and the way my commissioner handled this situation, it would be a possibility for me. I’m at an age where you won’t just treat me anyway you want just because you believe you can. Jim had a birthday recently, I believe he turned 61.”

Howard believes Michigan “knows their mission” and that NFL rumors will not distract the Wolverines ahead of the Rose Bowl.

Harbaugh, who has won three consecutive Big Ten championships, initially discussed his career possibilities in November of this year. He recalled a past chat with his father about instructing for as long as he possibly could. According to Alejandro Zuniga, after taking a photo with numerous fourth and fifth-year players at Michigan’s football awards luncheon before leaving for Pasadena, Harbaugh made a remark that received some of the night’s loudest chuckles and applause.

“I’d just like to say that I hope some of you are coming back next year,” Harbaugh stated, according to The Michigan Insider.

Despite his frequent flirtations with the next level, NFL media remains wary of Harbaugh’s pro prospects. Earlier this season, the Michigan Insider stated that insiders expect Harbaugh to entertain NFL rumors again, including a probable opening with the Chicago Bears, but some of those speculations have calmed down.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Harbaugh’s job in Ann Arbor isn’t yet finished and it would take two more wins this season before speculation commences again. He shares a similar sentiment to Howard. “To me, he’s always wanted to bring a national championship to Michigan, and I think if he brings a national championship to Michigan, I would think there’ll be a part of him that feels like he set out to do what he intended all along,” Schefter said during an appearance this month on the Pat McAfee Show. “And I think that that would give him even more liberty to take the jump to the NFL. Now, again, he’s assessed this in each of the last two years. Two years ago, Minnesota came

Harbaugh signed a five-year extension prior to the 2022 season which was followed by continued NFL flirtations during the winter. There’s been talks of another extension in the works, but nothing has been signed yet by the veteran coach.

Harris says his team’s defense will take more of a hybrid approach this fall under a new head coach and all players should benefit, especially James.

“This is a totally different scheme from last year,” Harris said. “(James is) going to be more downhill. I’m excited to see those boys. It’s going to be tough. Our dime and nickel package should be the best in the league, when you have me, Derwin and K. Murray or (LB Drue) Tranquil on the inside — or (linebacker) Kyzir White because he a guy that can cover, too. So, we have a lot of packages that coach Staley is going to use, and it’s going to be hard for a team to identify us.”

Desmond Morgan, Michigan football team survive Akron scare

As a rookie in 2018, James finished with 105 total tackles, 75 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, 13 pass deflections and started all 16 games. But in just five games in 2019, James finished with 34 total tackles, 23 solo tackles, three tackles for loss and one pass deflection.

“He’s cleared for full participation, which is a real credit to our sports performance team, his performance team and himself,” head coach Brandon Staley said, via the Los Angeles Daily News. “He looks great, he sounds great. One of his strengths as a football player is his leadership and energy that he gives everybody each and every day.”

James spoke about his injury and return earlier this year, saying he needs practice as he returns from nearly going two years without playing an NFL game.

“I need my practice,” James said. “I can’t sit up here and say I can just go out here and play a perfect game. I need my practice reps. I cannot play this game and not practice, so I need my reps. I can’t simulate a game on how I’m going to be able to make the tackle, so I need to be out there in practice to make the tackle, to make the play or show myself that I can put myself in position to make the plays that I know I can make.

“I’m not really looking at it as (trying to avoid injuries). Of course, I can be smarter here and there, but I’m here to play football.”