Michigan quarterbacks Alex Orji (10), Jayden Denegal (4), Jack Tuttle (13) and Davis Warren (16) practice before the UNLV game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.
With Michigan football returning in nearly a week, it remains unclear who will be under center when Fresno State visits The Big House in Week 1.
It appeared to be a three-man battle between seventh-year senior Jack Tuttle, senior Davis Warren, and junior Alex Orji. However, Dave Revsine of the Big Ten Network recently revealed it is now a two-man race during the network’s annual training camp tour stop in Ann Arbor.
“I think we can tell you it’s not going to be Jack Tuttle, at least initially,” he said. “He’s working his way back from an injury so it’s a two-man race at quarterback. A lot of interest, obviously, in how this plays out.”
While Tuttle has only attempted 199 career passes, he has the most experience of any quarterback on the roster. Warren is a pocket-passer, while Orji – who has just one career pass attempt – is considered more of a scrambling quarterback.
The position remains the biggest question mark on a roster that is stacked with talent.
Check out Dave Revsine’s comments on the Michigan Wolverines’ quarterback battle below (starting at the 20:12 mark):
Two-time Super Bowl champion names who he wants under center for Michigan
Howard Griffith was also on hand as the Big Ten Network visited Ann Arbor. The two-time Super Bowl champion revealed that he’d like to see Orji win the starting job.
After former All-American Gerry DiNardo noted the urgency in resolving the quarterback battle due to big early season matchups with Texas & USC, Griffith responded:
“I like what Orji brings to the table. I think if you want to be a more run-dominant team and you look at this offensive line, I think they’re going to be right back where they should be – a big, dominant O-line,” he said. “So, I think a quarterback that gives you the ability to have that mobility is going to give you an opportunity against teams like that. Does he have to continue to grow as a passer? No doubt about it, but I want him on the field so he can continue to gain experience.”
Orji has attempted just one career pass during his two years at Michigan – a five-yard completion as a true freshman. He has, however, accounted for 123 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Head coach Sherrone Moore previously shared that the program is in no rush to name a starting quarterback.
Check out Howard Griffith’s comments on Alex Orji below (starting at the 20:45 mark):
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