Jim Harbaugh press conference recap: beginning of spring practice

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh met with members of the media Friday evening to kick off the spring season. Spring practices officially began yesterday for the Wolverines, and Harbaugh had a lot to update us with.

Here are the most notable points Harbaugh hit on:

• Harbaugh said the team is “rejuvenated” in attitude and confidence. “There’s a bounce in their step and it’s been good over the last weeks, months.”
• On transfer quarterback Shea Patterson: “He did good, did a good job, as did a lot of guys.” Harbaugh also mentioned he does not yet have an update on Patterson’s eligibility for the 2018 season. The reps between the quarterbacks are all currently the same, regardless of Patterson’s eligibility.
• Offensive lineman Grant Newsome is going through conditioning and other workouts, but is still unable to practice right now.
• Wide receiver Grant Perry, defensive lineman Luiji Vilain, linebacker Jameson Offerdahl and tight end Tyrone Wheatley Jr. will all miss spring practice. Wheatley Jr. fractured a metatarsal in a foot yesterday, but he is expected to be ready for the season.
• On players who stand out as leaders: “Rashan Gary is the most dedicated into this. Devin Bush Jr., Chase Winovich, Ben Mason. Those would be the four that jump out.”
• On the work with the new coaches on the field: “It was great! It was really great. Great guys, great coaches. Very confident and very good at their jobs.”
• On Jim McElwain and what he brings to being the new wide receivers coach: “Great intellect, but also a lot of fire. It was great to see his enthusiasm, and he gets after it. There’s some paint-peeling out there and he gets into it. I didn’t know that side of him, but tremendous enthusiasm and you could tell he was chomping at the bit and ready to go.”
• Harbaugh has not named an offensive coordinator or play-caller yet, said it will always be a “collaborative process.”
• Harbaugh was confused when a reporter brought up his recent comments to The Michigan Insider ($) about incorporating the run-pass option into Michigan’s offense this season. Harbaugh didn’t exactly say the offense would incorporate it, but at the very least he sounds open to the idea. So instead, he said the staff is “studying the offense.”
• On early enrollees: “Joe Milton had a really good first day, very impressive. He treated the first practice like it was a game. Myles Sims, the same. And Taylor Upshaw as well. Those three guys have had a great first two months.”
• Wide receiver Tarik Black is back “full speed” and had a good first day.
• Offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz is competing at center. Ben Bredeson will stay at left guard.
• Called Michigan’s basketball team “beasts.” Said the team could’ve beat the Los Angeles Lakers the way they played in the Sweet 16.