Andrew Stueber Discusses The Impact Of Jalen Mayfield's Return
One of the major question marks Michigan will address this season is how the offensive line will perform after losing so much talent and experience over the offseason. In fact, the five specific starters on that OL are still up in the air themselves, but the most surefire bet among the group is for Jalen Mayfield to start at right tackle this year.
"When he left, it was kind of a big shock I felt like," Stueber said on Thursday. "I was definitely in contact and talking to him, but never trying to give too much pressure or anything, but there were definitely some talks and I just want the best for him."
Mayfield is expected to be joined by Andrew Stueber at right guard throughout the season as well, and Stueber may even carve out a starting job by the time Oct. 24 rolls around. Whether that happens, the Wolverines are unquestionably a stronger unit with Mayfield's return.
"He's a great player," Stueber said. "Watching him throughout the year really grow and learn from the coaches on how to fit in the zone, it was really great to watch. I enjoyed watching film with him, helping coach him and giving him points when I could. It was really great to see, so when he made the decision to opt out, it came as kind of a shock to us, but it was his decision."
Once that decision was made, the quality of Michigan's offensive line instantly jumped a notch, but it was not a decision that was made over night.
"I was in a little bit of contact with him to kind of get in his head and see what he was thinking about coming back," Stueber said. "When he made the decision to come back, it kind of all clicked. He's coming back, he's working hard. It's kind of like he never skipped a beat. It helps the overall O-Line chemistry. We're gelling well, so it feels really good."
As Stueber mentioned, the reports coming out of Schmbechler Hall indicate that though U-M's front unit won't be as experienced this season, it will still be ripe with talented, heady players who are working tirelessly to understand offensive line coach Ed Warinner's scheme. That unity in practice has helped build chemistry between Stueber and Mayfield thus far.
"It definitely develops through everyday practice, but I've also played right tackle so I know what he's looking for in a guard on a double block or whatever on a double team."
Stueber also helped Mayfield understand offensive concepts during film study last year, so the two have been working together for quite some time now, and in just over three weeks the pair will be working together on the field against Minnesota.
How do you think Michigan's OL will look this year? Is it possible to see an improvement in effectiveness despite losing so much experience? Let us know!