Recapping Jim Harbaugh’s opening week press conference

Jim Harbaugh spoke to the media on Monday afternoon to open the week for the Michigan Wolverines football team ahead of their showdown with Middle Tennessee. Here’s a recap of the topics discussed.

• Harbaugh “likes everything about” tight end Nick Eubanks. Progress has been really good and “always really athletic.” Improved “immensely as a blocker.”
• Cornerback Ambry Thomas, who missed some time while dealing with colitis, has been back in meetings and participating in portions of practice. Whether he plays or not this week will be decided by him and doctors.
• Offensive tackle Andrew Stueber is out for the season with an ACL tear.
• The kicking competition is still going on between Quinn Nordin and Jake Moody.
• Asked about Andrew Luck’s retirement and said that he understands and respects his decision and is confused by those who are against it.
• Great respect for MTSU heading into this week, has stressed this to his team and expects them to be ready.
• Michigan has not decided the No. 1 running back yet between Tru Wilson, Christian Turner and freshman Zach Charbonnet
• Harbaugh about wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and he is another one of his favorite players.
• Wide receiver Tarik Black has had a “good camp, good spring, especially over last five practices or so.” Also singled out Ronnie Bell as most improved player from last year to this year.
• Harbaugh feels like he is getting better himself by learning from the past and new offensive system implementation is going well.
• Defensive linemen Carlo Kemp and Kwity Paye, linebacker Josh Uche standing out as most improved from last year on the defensive side of the ball. Cam McGrone and Josh Ross also impressive and improved at linebacker.
• Cornerback LaVert Hill has had a “really good camp.” Keeping it simple and the improvement is “good and noticeable” and expected to be one of the best defensive players on the team.
• “Excited about weekend, a lot of buildup for college football. Improvements in a lot of areas.”
• Harbaugh feels like all position groups ready to play, but happy to have another week of practice to get things tighter and better.
• Devin Gil, Jordan Glasgow, Jordan Anthony major players at the MIKE and WILL in addition to Ross and McGrone.
• Options opposite LaVert Hill include Vincent Gray, who was mentioned first, Jaylen Kelly-Powell and Ambry Thomas also in the mix for playing time.
• Jalen Mayfield is ready to play at right tackle and Harbaugh liked the battle between both players and Stueber “will be back.” Mayfield was right there in competition.
• Offensive tackle Jon Runyan Jr. has had a good camp. Ryan Hayes the backup at both tackle spots.
• Safety Dax Hill is “as advertised” and is going to play a lot on special teams and work in with safety group. Defensive tackles Mazi Smith and Chris Hinton, cornerback DJ Turner also named as defensive standouts. Cornerback Gemon Green was also mentioned as a standout player on defense.
• Running back Zach Charbonnet has stood out and done well. Tight end Erick All is “going to play quite a bit.” Freshman wide receivers Cornelius Johnson and Giles Jackson will play special teams and work in with receivers. Defensive lineman David Ojabo coming on “very, very strong” and having his best practice yet every day. Caden Kolesar will get time on special teams. Freshman wide receiver Mike Sainristil will play a lot and in the mix for kick and punt return jobs.

That is the abbreviated version, but we will have more from Harbaugh and the players throughout the afternoon.