Henry Poggi Talks Wilton Speight, Jay Harbaugh, New Fullbacks
Michigan senior fullback Henry Poggi has played multiple positions while at U-M including defensive line, tight end and now fullback so he understands that sometimes change can be good.
He has noticed some changes in projected starting quarterback Wilton Speight from last year to this fall.
"It’s been a whole year and he’s learned a lot," Poggi said of Speight. "I think he’s really progressed and his leadership skills are really noted. He did a good job this summer making sure guys got here for 7-on-7 and other player-led stuff. Him and all the quarterbacks really took charge that all the offensive guys and defensive guys were showing up."
There's also a new coach showing Poggi's position group the ropes. Jay Harbaugh coached tight ends last year but will head up the running back room now that Tyrone Wheatley has moved on to the NFL. Poggi is not worried at all even though the young coach has never coached the position before.
"Coach Jay coached me with tight ends and I know that he’s a phenomenal coach," Poggi said. "I was really happy to have him come over."
Harbaugh will have a couple of new toys to play with in the running back room and Poggi has taken note of the two guys who started out as linebackers but will play fullback in 2017.
"[Senior Jared Wangler] is doing a great job," Poggi said. "He’s picking up everything really fast and he’s learned the playbook. He plays very physically and it’s fun having him out there.
"[Freshman Ben Mason has made the transition] smoothly; very smoothly. He’s going to be a really, really — he [already] is a really good player. He’s really strong. He’s definitely up there."
Poggi has never been in the spotlight at Michigan but coaches love a guy who is willing to do anything for the team and that's exactly what Poggi has been.
---
• Talk about this article inside The Fort
• Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes
• Learn more about our print and digital publication, The Wolverine
• Follow us on Twitter: @TheWolverineMag, @BSB_Wolverine, @JB_ Wolverine, @AustinFox42 and @Balas_Wolverine
• Like us on Facebook