During the first few seasons of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines had a special weapon on offense: Jake Butt, the greatest tight end in the program’s history. Recently, this Michigan football legend appeared on the ‘In The Trenches’ podcast and identified a rising superstar for the Maize and Blue ahead of the 2023 season: sophomore tight end Colston Loveland.
Michigan football legend sees a star in the making
Last year, the Michigan football tight end room was plagued with injuries, prompting then-freshman Colston Loveland to get quite a bit of playing time. In the season’s biggest moments, such as Michigan’s 45-23 win at Ohio State or its 43-22 victory over Purdue in the Big Ten title game, Loveland proved to be a star in the making, stepping into a larger role and showcasing his incredible talent.
According to Michigan football legend Jake Butt, Loveland is bound to be a star player for the Wolverines.
“I see a superstar (in Colston Loveland),” Jake Butt said. “Some of the plays he made, particularly late in the season, he did it against Ohio State, in the Big Ten championship. He had a number of targets even in the playoff against TCU.”
Colston Loveland has the tools to be a superstar for the Wolverines
Colston Loveland is special for more than just his big plays; he excels in all the little details, making him valuable for the Wolverines’ offense on every single down.
“He’s almost got a certain tempo and control, and he sets up his route with fluidity,” Butt continued. “What I see with Colston is that fluidity. There’s an art to the tight end position of understanding the soft spots in the zone, understanding how to use your body to create separation, set up your routes, have patience and feel. That’s what I saw from Colston even from the first time he got here.”
“… He’s just got that natural ability,” Butt continued. “It comes easy to him. He’s not thinking out there. He knows the art of running routes, and I was actually impressed with his blocking for a young guy.”
Jake Butt may be passing the torch as the best Michigan tight end ever
Right now, Jake Butt is seen as a Michigan football legend and one of the best offensive players to ever wear the Maize and Blue. However, he believes that Colston Loveland has the potential to be right up there with the greats when all is said and done.
“I’ve shared this with him, I don’t see why he can’t be one of, if not the best (Michigan) tight end when it’s all said and done here,” Butt said. “He’s got the system in place, got the relationship with JJ McCarthy. He’s proven himself on the field. The only reason he might not do that is he might leave after his junior year. He’s that talented. I’m excited to see him take a huge leap forward this fall.”
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