Michigan football transfer describes initial feelings as a Wolverine

This week, we had a chance to speak with new Michigan football transfer tight end AJ Barner, who came to the Wolverines from the Indian Hoosiers. There, Barner explained his first feelings in the Big House, his first catch in the Maize and Blue, and more ahead of this weekend’s matchup against Bowling Green.

Michigan football transfer details feelings behind first catch

AJ Barner was a team captain and standout tight end for the Indiana Hoosiers for years, though over the 2023 offseason, he decided it was time for a change. Now, the new Michigan football transfer is standing out in the Maize and Blue, and many aspects of the program have been thrilling for him already. Last weekend, against the UNLV Rebels, AJ Barner logged his first-ever reception as a Wolverine.

“It felt good,” AJ Barner said of his first reception (12 yards) with Michigan football. “I’m just super hungry for more, and I can’t wait to make more plays on the field.”

AJ Barner says it’s an honor to play at The Big House

What about his first two games in the Big House — Michigan’s iconic stadium?

“It’s a lot of people,” Barner said of Michigan Stadium, which is the largest stadium in North America and the third-largest in the world. “I just think it’s a tremendous honor. There’s so much tradition here (at Michigan), and just to go out there with the guys and just play, it’s an awesome honor.”

Barner also likes his coaching staff — especially Grant Newsome

Another aspect of playing for Michigan football that AJ Barner loves is his tight ends coach, Grant Newsome, who is a former Wolverine himself.

“I love playing for him (Coach Newsome),” Barner explained. “He’s a really detailed guy, and that’s something that’s extremely important to me. He’s always looking for ways that we can get better. He’s gonna love you, but also, at the same time, he’s gonna coach you hard, and that’s what I appreciate from him a lot because there’s always room to get better.”

This weekend, new Michigan football transfer tight end AJ Barner will throw on the Maize and Blue for the third time in his career as the Wolverines wrap up their non-conference schedule. Next weekend, Michigan starts Big Ten play against Rutgers — something Barner is quite familiar with after years of Big Ten experience with Indiana.

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