Michigan’s Colston Loveland On Wolverine Offense: ‘We’ve Got Weapons Everywhere’
One of the Wolverine offense’s most dependable targets is Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, although he acknowledges that there are many weapons available. Loveland spoke with the media on Saturday about his expectations for the Huskies defense and the impending game against Washington.
Q. What are your overall thoughts on being here in this atmosphere, how’s the turnaround been from last game to this game of being in a shorter week than having a full month with Alabama.
COLTON LOVELAND: Indeed, being here has been a blessing in and of itself. I’m delighted we managed to pull off the thrilling victory last weekend since it’s what I’ve always hoped and dreamed of. It is a short turnaround, as you mentioned, but we have been prepping all week and are clearly still preparing. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I’m looking forward to it.
Q. What was it like to have Monday night celebration and a quick turn around?
COLSTON LOVELAND: I mean, we flew back Monday night right after the game, so you know, kind of reminisced on the plane ride with all the guys, but then it was right back to work. We know this is what we’ve been chasing all season. So, you know, like you said, it’s not finished yet, but yeah. The preparation has been great this week.
Q. What have you seen in Washington’s defensive backs, and what have you been able to put together? How do you think they’re going to work together on Monday?
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah. They’re obviously a great team, very well-coached, kind of always where they need to be. But, you know, I think we got a great game plan: Just do what we do normally. You know, we’re gonna run the ball, we’re gonna throw the ball, but just, I think, the big thing for us is just making sure we’re perfect on every alignment, assignments, every play. And make sure to have no MA’s, and I think that will do good things for us.
Q. And Mason Graham has been, during his teleconference, compared Washington to 2021 Ohio State. Do you see Washington and in any comparison to any other teams, or do you think that’s a good comparison what he said?
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, I’d say that’s a pretty good comparison for sure. They got some lethal receivers for sure on offense and quarterback on offense. And so yeah, I’d say, as far as the offensive side, yeah, I would say pretty similar.
Q. What was the practice schedule like this week. Was it less physicality, or more film study?
COLSTON LOVELAND: Nothing different than we always do: Had the same practices, full padded practices, a lot of meeting time, and going over the game plan and watching their looks and seeing different defensive looks, and everything. Nothing different than what we always do. Ton of film. Ton of film.
Q. With all the hype around the game and the pressure obviously on all of you, how does this affect your mental health, and how are you able to prioritize your mental health through all this? It’s so taxing being a student and also being in the spotlight for so long.
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, that’s a good question. Right now, we don’t have school, and it’s nice, one less thing to worry about. For me, it’s easy, being surrounded by all the teammates and this staff, and it makes it easy to come in every day, and work, and get better. Everyone has the same mindset. We only have 4 or 5 more days with this team, and people move after this year, and just knowing that, that gives me enough motivation to get through it for sure.
Q. Talking about next year guys like Marlin Klein taking bigger roles. What have you seen from those guys this year and the difference it’s making.
COLSTON LOVELAND: Rapid growth this year, for sure, with all those guys. A lot of young guys, especially. Tight end room is definitely deep, and those guys are going to be ready next year, especially with spring ball and getting good reps. It’s open next year, and going to be a good time in the tight end room.
Q. Were you surprised Alabama is keying on you. Putting secondary guys on you rather than wide receivers, figuring that was the weak spot of the defense, tight ends going bacck in the backfield. What do you make of that, and do you think Washington will take the same approach on Monday?
COLSTON LOVELAND: I believe it demonstrates that they, in Alabama, do indeed appreciate me. However, as you pointed out, we are armed with guns everywhere; if you try to take one away, there will undoubtedly be more outside, be it a running back or a quarterback. Since every position on our team is strong, I believe it’s difficult to concentrate on just one because they’re all so deep. What Washington will do is unknown to me. Of course, they’ll have a solid strategy. As previously stated, we have a fantastic game plan in place, are well-prepared, and are eager to see what transpires on game day.
Q. Kind of old school with everyone blocking…
(Inquiry from Microphone).
COLSTON LOVELAND: Well, since January 1st, particularly the one following the TCU game, quite a bit. We’ve always been the team with greater physicality. And we always bang pads in our practices, which are really physical. We’ve done a fantastic job as a team adjusting to that mentality, and the position coaches, head coach, and strength coaches all do a tremendous job of making sure we’re prepared for it. It’s visible on the tape. We frequently attempt to make it stand out for sure.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: I’ve heard stories, obviously, of people going, ‘Oh, I went here, went here,’ because of NIL opportunities, and I totally understand. You know, people make their own decisions and what’s best for them. Just hearing at Michigan, I have no reason to leave and feel we have just as strong a culture, something money can’t buy.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: Like if you just spend time in the locker room or just at the facility, you can just tell like great camaraderie between everybody, and I think that’s just one thing we definitely got going for sure.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: I think we can all say we played our best game, and probably should have won that game. We made mistakes, and they beat us fair and square. I wouldn’t say it’s a fluke; we ultimately didn’t win the game. I don’t believe in all that kind of stuff. I believe we got outplayed, whether due to lack of focus or lack of detail on our part. Yeah, hopefully, that’s erased from the memory now, and now we’re focused on winning this game.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, right after that game, going into spring ball, and everything, our mindset was like, anytime anybody gets lackadaisical or anything, just think back to that time like we never want to have that feeling again. You know, it was an awful feeling I think we can all agree on, but I think that’s definitely motivated us going into this season for sure.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: No. Well, I was recruited, never got an offer or nothing. The tight end coach, was talking to me a little bit.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: Maybe a little bit, yeah, ever since I visited Michigan, it’s the only spot I wanted to be.
Q. Seeing Washington and what they are now, does that surprise you at all?
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, very surprising, great coaching staff, great players, and a great team, where they need to be. You see on tape, they win a lot of games in crunch time, and do what they need to do. Props to them for that, for sure. With Michigan, a big name brand in collge football, does it surprise you they haven’t won a national title since 1997?
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, it does surprise me, just like you said, it’s such a big football name. The fact that we haven’t won in that long is crazy but, you know, obviously, this is like we got a really good chance at making history this year. So that’s kind of all we’re focused on right now.
Q. Is that part driving you since it’s been so long?
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, for sure. In the indoor facility you see the banners up, and see that year, and like, ‘Man, we got to get one up there.’
Q. This season, what has been the toughest part you have whether a game or somthing else?
COLSTON LOVELAND: The games we played were, in my opinion, the most challenging part. OSU vs. Penn State is the last game. Every game is challenging. The main issue this year was the media and all the outside noise, which we managed to manage very well. The coaching staff did a great job of keeping the circle compact. You’ve really done a great job of blocking out the media, which is one of those things that nags you because it’s constantly in the background of your thoughts.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: Hasn’t really been anything too crazy. Just school is out right now, and not ton of people on campus. But I think we got to take care of business and it will be a lot crazier in Ann Arbor for sure.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: I’m not from Washington. Idaho, yeah. No, I never went to Washington game, no.
Q. How do you expect the passing game?
COLSTON LOVELAND: We’re going to have to see how they play us. I think we’re going to do a good job of balancing both and see what looks they give us, and adapt on the fly to whatever is working.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: That’s great to see, indeed. He was undoubtedly a fantastic quarterback last season, but that was only this offseason. Being able to toss and catch the ball with him outside and witnessing his leadership develop are both amazing. It’s been insane, and someone is going to get a terrific quarterback, wherever he decides to go after the season, or if we get him back, it’s going to be amazing.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLTON LOVELAND: Yes, it’s evident that we won’t know until we do. I believe it will since both of our offense and defense are well-rounded teams. Whoever can win at least two of the game’s phases—offensive, defensive, or special teams—will prevail. That could change how the game turns out. It’s going to be a fight, as I mentioned, between two excellent teams. We’ll see what transpires.
Q. Similar question… how special is it with the match up with everything on the line?
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, super special. I mean, someone’s going to be undefeated by the end of this. Amazing record, 15-0. That’s hard to do. But man, just can’t wait to get out there Monday and show what we can do.
Q. (Question off Microphone).
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, I saw on Instagram how we’re going to be playing them and Texas and everyone next year. I think that’s great we get to play them right now, and play them in a couple of months. I think, just that schedule next year, that’s going to be a great schedule. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it, going to be a good schedule, and if we come out there with some wins, going to be a strong team for sure.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
Colston Loveland: Well, ever since I began playing, which is probably about as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to play. Especially when the playoffs were announced, I’ve always wanted to compete in the national championship. As you can see, Alabama and Georgia were in the lead for a spell. But yes, it’s always been a dream of mine and my family’s, and it’s such a joy that we’re here now. I mean, I just always wanted to.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, that’s pretty big too, because it’s all going to change next year, so I think it’s, you know, we all kind of know this is a super special year and definitely got to get it done.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: Certainly, players in their fifth and sixth years undoubtedly played a lot more basketball than I have. One thing: game reps—really important reps. Excellent for a player, but as you mentioned, our team also includes some older, more experienced gentlemen. We’re excited about it and, as I mentioned earlier, well-prepared.
Q. (Question off Microphone)
COLSTON LOVELAND: Yeah, I think it started pretty early in the season, I don’t remember how, but just started doing it, and just kind of stuff, and a little celebration.
Q. What’s the meaning behind it.
COLSTON LOVELAND: The crown, I believe, is just a score, and he’s praising and crowning you. Very cool.
(Inquiry from Microphone).
COLSTON LOVELAND: Well, he’s a good player, and there are a lot of excellent players in the league. He also has a lot of experience, is well-coached, and presents a formidable test to us, but we’re undoubtedly up to the task.
This piece was syndicated with permission after it originally published on FanNation Wolverine Digest.
