ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Michigan Wolverines offensive pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy shared his thoughts on the progress of key receivers, the depth of the room, and the team's offensive potential during fall camp.
Bellamy praised juniors Semaj Morgan and Fredrick Moore for their offseason work.
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"They're older, more experienced. They just attacked the offseason," said Bellamy. "Last year wasn't up to our standard. They challenged themselves and the room to be better. They understand the standards, having been on a national championship team. Every day, they're chasing excellence."
On newcomer Anthony Simpson, Bellamy said, "He's a good player, explosive, comes with production. He's familiar with a lot of what we do and has been a great addition. He brings veteran presence, does things the right way, and loves football. That's spreading in our room."
When asked about the absence of a 1,000-yard receiver since 2013's Jeremy Gallon, Bellamy acknowledged the goal to rewrite that script.
"We're not a program that chases numbers, but it's something we talk about. Hopefully, we can change that this year. We'd rather win, but it'd be great to do both," Bellamy said.
Bellamy highlighted the room's increased depth.
"We're deeper than we've been in years past," Bellamy said. "Guys like Kendrick Bell, Peyton O'Leary, Fred, Samaj, (Donaven) McCulley, Simpson, Joe Taylor, Channing Goodwin, and I'Marian Stewart bring experience. Plus, freshmen like Marsh Browder and Jacob Washington add to the competition. Depth means competition, and the best players will play."
Most receivers can play multiple positions, Bellamy noted.
"They're smart football players. We recruit guys who can do that because we shift and move a lot. Most of the guys are pretty sharp," Bellamy said.
The presence of quarterback Bryce Underwood helps recruiting, Bellamy said.
"I feel like they like Bryce more than me. He spends time with the receivers, developing relationships with guys he might throw to. That's important," Bellamy said.
Bellamy praised McCulley's work ethic and physicality.
"He's first out, last in. He shows up in the run game, loves to block, and is refining his route running and ball skills. He's a physical presence, and that's infectious in the room," Bellamy said.
Comparing McCulley to Browder, Bellamy said, "Both are 6-foot-5, big guys who can run and jump. McCulley is more physically developed and experienced, but Jamar watches and tries to emulate him. That's exciting."
On the quarterbacks, Bellamy said, "They've been awesome. Competition is great with Jake Garcia, Jadyn Davis, Bryce, Mikey Keene, and Chase Herbstreit. Chase is doing great when he gets his chance. It's been awesome to see their daily development."
Regarding early playing time for recent recruits, Bellamy said, "For sure. It doesn't matter if you're a freshman. If you're ready, you'll play. You have to be dependable and make plays when the opportunity comes. The freshmen are flashing, and last year's freshmen like I'Marian Stewart and Channing Goodwin have impressed."
Bellamy welcomed ambitious goals from McCulley, who aims for 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
"He puts himself in position every day to achieve those stats. Team goals come first, but the better the team, the better the chances for individual success," Bellamy said.
On defensive backs who have been tough on receivers, Bellamy named Jyaier Hill, Zeke Berry, Caleb (Anderson), Shamari Earls, and freshman Jaden Sanders.
"Coach (Lamar) Morgan has done a phenomenal job with them. Those guys are going to be pretty good. I'm excited."
Keene, who has been out for some time at the quarterback position, is fully involved, Bellamy confirmed.
"He's doing everything," Bellamy said.
Bellamy praised first-year offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey.
"He's a smart guy who understands Michigan's brand of football. He's done a phenomenal job, and the buy-in from the kids has been very high," Bellamy said.
Freshman receiver Andrew Marsh has impressed with his polish and competitiveness.
"He's fast, has a big catch radius, and is super competitive. He's chasing details every day, learning the offense and nuances. He's flashed, and I'm excited to see his career take off," Bellamy said.
Washington, another freshman, is progressing well despite missing spring ball.
"He's tall, rangy, can run, and is learning the position. It'll take time to fully learn the playbook, but he's making plays when given the chance," Bellamy said.
Bellamy described McCulley as the most physical receiver.
"He's very physical in the run game and pass game. Coming from a quarterback background, he wanted to establish toughness, and he did that in spring ball. It's been infectious in the room, and younger guys want to emulate that," Bellamy said.
On the significance of the No. 1 jersey, Bellamy said, "It's special. It represents the receiver room's utmost respect and a big-time ball player who demands the football and double teams. We show the history of Michigan receivers to the newcomers to inspire them. We're chasing that daily."
Finally, Bellamy discussed Moore's growth.
"He's no longer a sophomore or freshman. We're counting on him. The word we chase with him daily is confidence. The more confident he is, the better player he is. He came into camp super confident, stronger, and more experienced. The success he had in the bowl game showed him he can do it. Now it's about carrying that momentum into the season," Bellamy said.