When Jon Gruden saw Michigan football practice with Bryce Underwood in December 2024, it marked a strategic power move for the Wolverines’ quarterback development program. This collaboration between the former NFL coach and the nation’s top QB recruit could reshape college football’s talent development landscape.
The Surprise Tampa Bay Connection
I was gobsmacked when the news broke about Gruden’s appearance at Michigan’s Reliaquest Bowl practice.
This wasn’t just any coaching visit – this was calculated brilliance from head coach Sherrone Moore.
Gruden didn’t come alone either. He arrived alongside Todd Bowles, another Super Bowl-winning coach, creating an NFL braintrust around Michigan’s prized recruit.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect:
- Bowl preparation period (non-countable contact time per NCAA rules)
- Underwood transitioning from high school phenom to collegiate quarterback
- Michigan looking to build on their established football identity
What struck me most was Gruden’s hands-on approach. He wasn’t there for a photo op.
Who Is Bryce Underwood? The Generational Talent
Let’s chat about Underwood for a second because his stats are mind-blowing:
- 6’4″, 208 lbs with a 4.62 40-yard dash
- 9,619 career passing yards at Belleville High School
- 127 passing touchdowns
- 25 rushing scores
- State championship as a freshman
The lad isn’t just physically gifted – he’s got the mental processing that separates elite quarterbacks from the rest.
At Belleville, he changed 34% of plays at the line based on what he saw from defences – similar to NFL veterans.
His interception rate? A mere 1.3% across 1,202 attempts.
This isn’t your typical five-star recruit. This is someone special.
Gruden’s Quarterback Development Magic
I’ve always been fascinated by Gruden’s quarterback development approach.
During the practice, Gruden focused heavily on pre-snap recognition drills – identifying blitz packages and adjusting protection schemes.
These are the exact techniques he used when working with Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen during their pre-draft preparations.
His famous “Spider 2 Y Banana” play – a play-action bootleg – exemplifies his philosophy of marrying complex defensive reads with quarterback-friendly execution.
What makes Gruden’s method unique:
- Simplified reads through rhythm-based progression systems
- Focus on “alert” and “check-with-me” audibles
- Detail-oriented drills that build cognitive stamina
- Play-action mechanics that optimise balance when rolling out
Observers noticed Gruden adjusting Underwood’s foot alignment on play-action fakes during the practice – small tweaks that can dramatically improve execution.
The “Gruden QB Camp” Live Experience
If you’ve watched Gruden’s ESPN QB Camp series (2010-2017), you’ll know his style.
Gruden recreated this environment during Underwood’s practice sessions:
- Drilling prospects on obscure defensive fronts
- Challenging them to diagram plays against exotic blitz packages
- Emphasis on film study and defensive tendency analysis
His focus goes beyond physical tools to psychological preparation.
Those notorious “detail orientation” drills – like reciting every defensive play from memory or running two-minute drills without visual aids – aim to build mental toughness.
This is exactly what Underwood needs to handle Michigan’s pro-style offensive complexity.
Strategic Genius: Michigan’s NFL Incubator Model
What’s happening here is bigger than one practice.
Moore is positioning Michigan as an “NFL incubator” for elite recruits by bringing in Super Bowl-winning coaches.
This mirrors Clemson’s successful strategy during Deshaun Watson’s time, where guest coaches like Bruce Arians provided fresh perspectives.
For Underwood, access to Gruden’s proprietary QB curriculum – including his famed “Cobra” and “Hose” progression reads – could seriously speed up his development curve.
Balancing Acts: Tradition Meets Innovation
The most intriguing part is how Gruden’s concepts might mesh with Michigan’s identity.
Michigan ranked 11th nationally in rush attempts (42.3 per game) but just 68th in pass plays over 20 yards (42) during the 2024 season.
Gruden reportedly introduced “989 F Post” variations – deep play-action shots with dual crossers – that could transform Michigan’s offence.
These plays:
- Exploit Underwood’s arm strength
- Maintain run-pass conflict for linebackers
- Add vertical elements to a ground-based attack
Michigan’s investment in hybrid tight ends like Colston Loveland (6’5″, 245 lbs) provides the perfect personnel for these concepts.
The Bigger Picture: Consulting Coaching Revolution
This collaboration represents a growing trend of NFL veterans influencing collegiate quarterback development through consulting roles.
Unlike Jordan Palmer’s isolated sessions with Alabama’s Bryce Young, Gruden’s embedded role within Michigan’s staff allows for real-time adjustment during practices.
It raises questions about NCAA regulation, but Michigan’s compliance approach during bowl prep provides a blueprint for other programs.
Media Amplification Opportunities
There’s another angle worth mentioning.
Gruden’s dual role as Barstool Sports analyst creates brand-building opportunities for all involved:
- Practice footage on Barstool’s “Gruden’s QB Camp” reboot
- Increased national profile for Underwood
- Showcase of Michigan’s developmental infrastructure
This symbiotic relationship benefits everyone, though some critics worry about mixing educational objectives with commercial interests.
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FAQs About Gruden’s Michigan Practice Visit
Why did Jon Gruden visit Michigan’s practice?
Gruden was invited to work specifically with quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood and provide NFL-level coaching expertise during Michigan’s bowl preparations.
Is Gruden joining Michigan’s coaching staff?
No, Gruden served as a volunteer consultant during bowl prep, which is permitted under NCAA rules as long as he doesn’t coach during games.
What specific skills did Gruden work on with Underwood?
Gruden focused on pre-snap recognition, protection adjustments, foot alignment on play-action fakes, and complex progression reads.
How does this benefit Michigan’s recruiting?
Access to Super Bowl-winning coaches positions Michigan as an “NFL incubator” for elite recruits, differentiating them from programs still using traditional collegiate coaching models.
Will this collaboration continue?
While no formal arrangement exists, the success of this initial session suggests future collaborations are possible as Underwood transitions to starter.
The Future Is Bright
When Jon Gruden saw Michigan football practice Bryce Underwood. it wasn’t just a casual visit – it was the blueprint for a new era of collaborative quarterback development.
By bringing NFL-caliber expertise to collegiate training, Michigan is accelerating Underwood’s growth while enhancing their recruiting appeal.
The marriage of Gruden’s diagnostic frameworks with Michigan’s established identity positions Underwood perfectly for success.
As college football continues evolving, this experimental partnership between Gruden and Michigan could become the gold standard for quarterback cultivation.
The lines between collegiate and professional coaching are blurring, and Jon Gruden’s involvement with Michigan football practice and Bryce Underwood stands at the forefront of this revolution.
