Both college programs and coaches often discourage athletes from playing multiple sports nowadays, claiming that it takes away from the players' ability to perform one or both sports at a high level. However, Jim Harbaugh is not one of those people who feel that way.
He explained that he is very much in favor of his football players playing another sport, but only if they are what he calls “elite-elite” in both. That could wind up being the case for freshman linebacker Jordan Anthony, who was a five-star football player out of high school, while also excelling on the baseball diamond. There has been some chatter that Anthony may look to engage in both sports at Michigan.
“We’d very much embrace it,” Harbaugh said. “He’s an elite football player and an elite baseball player. Starting in January, we’d let him go play baseball if he chooses to. But players who do that have to be 'elite-elite' in both sports – if you’re going to sit in the outfield and spit seeds, then come establish yourself in spring practice.
“It’s the same thing in basketball – once football is over they can go play basketball, but not if they’re only doing it to wear the sweat suit and get in the layup line.
“But I am very much in favor of a second sport. [Freshman wide receiver] Oliver Martin may play football and swim here – he’s 'elite-elite.' We may have some that want to wrestle too. We feel like the athletic reps they get in these other sports are very valuable, and we encourage it.”
Neither Anthony nor Martin were early enrollees, but Harbaugh said he anticipates all the freshmen to soon be on campus.
“They have to be here soon for orientation,” he explained. “We’ll say a prayer that all the cars and all the planes operate effectively, and God willing they get here safely.”
Although the start of fall camp is just over a month away, Harbaugh said there could still be some attrition before then.
“We’ll see,” he said. “Those things usually happen the day before winter conditioning starts, and the day before training camp starts. I usually sit at my desk and by my phone and wait for it to ring – they usually happen the day before camp.”
Though players could still potentially leave (just as they do every year), Harbaugh said he doesn’t expect there to be any new additions, citing they won’t be adding any grad transfers. However, the coaching staff did recently welcome a new addition in former NFL running back Alfonso Smith.
“He’s a great guy,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a first-class individual all the way. When we coached him in San Francisco, I remember going up to him and saying you should coach someday. When he decided he was hanging it up, he called us and we jumped at the opportunity.
“He’s going to be have an off the field position. His expertise is obviously running backs, so he’s a natural fit there. He checks all the boxes – high character, very intelligent and knows football.”
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