Bryce Underwood has had doubters since day one at Michigan Wolverines. But the latest criticism came from a name that made people stop and pay attention.

Eric Weddle, a former NFL All-Pro safety, visited Ann Arbor during spring ball with his son, who is being recruited by Michigan in the 2028 class. He watched the practice and went to the Zero to Sixty podcast with his verdict. Days later, On3 analyst J.D.PicKell spoke in Underwood's defense.

"All of this, from what I can gather, is based on an estimation during spring practice," said PicKell on the June 2 episode of the podcast. "The 'he can't throw part of this is just not true.' Whatever you think about Bryce Underwood as a quarterback and his long-term success at Michigan, the dude can throw the football." 

After appearing in spring practice, the former safety, who played under Kyle Whittingham in Utah Utes, was not impressed with Underwood.

"Mark my words, I was out there for spring ball. Don't be surprised if the backup is playing early because that Underwood kid, I don't think he could throw or play quarterback, so we'll see," Weddle said.

PicKell then brought up the spring game context. Underwood only played the first quarter, and it was all two-hand touch. His ability to move, scramble, and extend plays was completely off the table that day.

The talent was evident throughout Underwood's freshman campaign. He showed elite arm strength and the ability to fit passes into tight windows. Michigan fans must be remembering the Wolverines' 63-3 victory against Central Michigan.

Underwood caught attention with his back-shoulder fade to tight end Hogan Hansen. Yet, inconsistencies have been a major problem for the quarterback, as he completed 60.3% of his passes for 2,428 yards.

After Weddle's take, PicKell also pointed out how Whittingham sat down with Underwood as his first order of business.

"It is a priority for Kyle Whittingham to have Bryce Underwood as his starting quarterback," PicKell said. "That was one of his top priorities when he got the job."

He made the point since Weddle played under Whittingham at Utah.

The main point PicKell kept landing on was simple. Underwood is 18-years-old. It is only his second year of college football. Calling it this early, he said, is just too much too soon.

Why Kyle Whittingham's Cam Newton Comparison Changes the Conversation

While Weddle was dismissing Underwood, his former head coach came with a different take. Whittingham publicly compared Underwood to Cam Newton this spring, per Maize n Brew.

"Big dude, 6-4-plus, 240 pounds, live arm, great athlete," said the head coach. "Flashes that smile a lot as Cam did."

With over 20 years of coaching experience, Whittingham is not known for making lofty comparisons lightly. Such remarks generally reflect his genuine assessment of a player.

Weddle's opinion stems from a limited viewing sample, while Whittingham's is informed by what he sees on a day-to-day basis. So, it offers two different perspectives on the situation.

What do you think on PicKell's take on the Bryce Underwood debate? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Michigan Football Community.

Written by

Farheen Fathima

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar