The 2023 Michigan football transfer portal class was incredible, and despite being three games into the 2023 season, none of these new players have played a down with Jim Harbaugh on the sideline. Why? Because the 9th-year Wolverine head coach has been suspended by the University of Michigan for a trio of games this fall. That said, this weekend, for the first time ever, Josh Wallace and other new additions will get their first in-game experience with one of the best head coaches in college football.
Michigan football transfer portal class about to get first taste of in-game Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh, who has led the Wolverines from 5-7 to a being consistent top-ranked team, claiming Big Ten titles, CFP berths, and more along the way, is back this week. Not just as a game-prep coach, but has the Wolverines’ in-game head coach.
This means that, for the first time ever, the new Michigan football transfer portal class — including standout cornerback Josh Wallace — will get its first reps with Harbaugh in the Big House. Yesterday, Wallace broke down what he is expecting from his first game with the Wolverines’ beloved head coach.
“Honestly, just like fall camp, really,” the standout Michigan football transfer cornerback said of getting Jim Harbaugh back. “He’s a great guy, great coach, legendary, has a ton of experience in the NFL. So just happy to be a part of the show.
“All four coaches, they were all great coaches,” he stated. “Honestly, for us, the biggest thing was playing for Coach Harbaugh, because that’s what we’re really playing for, to get him back. And that’s really the biggest thing that we focused on.”
Josh Wallace talks first experience in the Maize and Blue
Due to injuries and more, Josh Wallace has gotten a ton of playing time during his first few games with Michigan football.
“I would say it hasn’t been that difficult because the whole defensive staff has been doing a great job of us learning multiple positions,” Josh Wallace said. “So I would say it wasn’t that difficult because they prepared us.
“There’s a lot to improve on, as in every game,” he continued. “Just got to keep getting better every day. Go over the film and just keep looking at things that I can improve on.”
Additionally, when Wallace transferred, he says playing for an elite defense like Michigan football has is exactly what he was looking for. Right now, Michigan has the No. 1 defense in the country,
“Yes, sir,” Josh Wallace said when asked if Michigan’s defense is what he was hoping for. “And also whatever helps get the win at the end of the day. So that’s really all that matters.”
Wallace and the Michigan football defensive backfield have been adjusting well so far
Despite being a transfer from UMass, Wallace has taken on a huge role for the Michigan football defense since transferring. This weekend, his preseason ends, and Big Ten play will officially begin.
“It’s most definitely gonna rise,” the Michigan football transfer said of Big Ten play beginning this weekend. “But you got to keep it simple. At the end of the day, football is football. You’ve been playing it since you were a child. I’m very excited to get into Big Ten play though.”
Per the ESPN FPI, Michigan has a nearly 85% chance of starting conference play with a win over Rutgers this weekend.
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