Michigan offensive tackle Blake Frazier admitted the Wolverines must overhaul their pass protection to support star quarterback Bryce Underwood. After a 9-4 finish in 2025, Frazier emphasized that maintaining the pocket is the team's top priority under new leadership.

While Michigan has consistently been strong at running the ball, protecting the quarterback in the passing game has remained an issue. Redshirt sophomore Blake Frazier recently spoke about that shift on the In the Trenches podcast.

“We know we're going to be able to run the ball. We know that we can rush for as many as we need to. But at the end of the day, in this league, you have to be able to throw the football," Frazier said in the podcast.

"And that was something that we've struggled with as long as I've been here. So that's been our big focus: maintaining the pocket for Bryce,” he added.

He also said new offensive line coach Jim Harding has brought a different approach to the group, while also pointing out the areas they still need to improve.

To fix this, the offensive line is working to give Underwood five to seven seconds to throw the ball. Coach Harding has simplified the plays so the players can focus on schemes and communicate better, as per Frazier.

The team still wants to be the best in the country and win the Joe Moore Award. However, Frazier knows that they have to be disciplined and avoid making small mistakes. 

Blake Frazier Highlights New Elements Seen In Team’s QB In 2026

OT Blake Frazier, in the same podcast, highlighted that Underwood looks much more focused and prepared than expected for a young player. Frazier noted that the young dual-threat quarterback is showing a level of poise that is rare for a freshman. 

“He seems a lot more composed, a lot more comfortable with what’s going on,” Frazier began. “Not that he wasn’t last year, but obviously having a true freshman out there for game one is not something you see very often, and it’s for a reason,” he said.

Underwood is quickly mastering Whittingham’s new offensive system, showing he can lead the team effectively despite the coaching changes following Sherrone Moore’s departure.

Underwood is showing improved field vision and better utilization of his supporting cast.

Read more on the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Rudra Dubey