Michigan football coach gives update on key special teams position

So far this year, the Michigan football offense and defense have received a lot of praise for being elite. Although it’s often overlooked, the Michigan special teams units have also been incredible through the first seven weeks, especially in the punt return. While the Wolverines are yet to take any returns to the house, Michigan football linebacker coach Chris Partridge thinks the unit is more than ready to make a splash.

Michigan football coach Chris Partridge thinks punt return unit is “ready for a big one”

Partridge, who is in his first year back with Michigan as linebacker coach, has also been helping with special teams throughout the year. Recently, Partridge emphasized the difficulty of returning punts but expressed his confidence in the current Wolverine returners.

“It’s very challenging,” Partridge said, adding, “I mean, it’s even more challenging in my opinion in college football than the NFL. A football will be hung up farther in the NFL, they’re gonna be able to pinpoint their accuracy more, but in college, the block spots change. One second, the punter is punting it from the left A-gap, and then the next punt he’s outside the right tackle. So you’ve got to track that.”

While the position may not be easy, Partridge is confident the Wolverines can make a bang this year on special teams. Partridge added, “I like what I see. I think we’re ready for a big one. I mean, we’re returning balls at a good pace. Our guys running down the field are awesome blocking and playing to the high effort. Jay (Harbaugh) has done a really good job scheming things up. I think we’re ready to explode on that unit. Whether it’s blocks or returns, it’s kind of ready to go.

Wide receivers Jake Thaw and Tyler Morris have been splitting most of the punt return reps so far this year and have both shown promise as returners. Here’s what Chris Partridge had to say when asked about their development. “They’re developing, they’re getting better, they’re improving. … And the young guys too. Excited about Semaj (Morgan) and Karmello English developing back there. We’re building a pretty good stable back there.”

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