Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore made the switch from incumbent starter and senior Davis Warren to junior Alex Orji on Monday, two days after Warren threw three interceptions against Arkansas State in a 28-18 Wolverines win.
Orji brings a wealth of size and talent to the Wolverines offense, but questions abound about his throwing abilities. Orji has thrown just seven passes in three seasons in Ann Arbor, notching 20 yards and two touchdowns against zero interceptions.
He’s run the football 31 times for 181 yards and three touchdowns, revealing a glimpse of the running ability the 6-foot-3, 235-pound quarterback brings to the Wolverines offense.
Orji’s first appearance as starting quarterback is set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Michigan Stadium against the USC Trojans.
Here are six reasons Michigan’s offense will improve with Orji at the helm over the long run:
1. Chain-mover
Orji has the ability to run for big gains on both designed running plays and after the play breaks down. He is one of the fastest quarterbacks in the country and he has experience running the football in big games, including vs. Ohio State, Alabama and Washington last year.
This is a dimension that Warren did not consistently bring to the table as the team’s starting quarterback.
2. Physicality
Orji is one of the biggest and strongest quarterbacks in the nation, with a physique akin to that of a bodybuilder. Defenses will have to devote additional thought to the possibility that Orji could run both through and over not just defensive backs but also linemen and linebackers.
His physical strength is that impressive.
3. Unpredictability
Many fans are concerned that Orji’s lack of game experience throwing the football will make the Wolverines offense more limited under offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell.
That could be the case in certain ways, but Orji will give Campbell additional play-calling opportunities because of his unique talents. What he may lack in accuracy compared to Warren, he could make up for in versatility and unpredictability.
Michigan fans knew what they were getting from Warren: solid play in the short passing game and a handful of dangerous throws each game that could result in interceptions.
With Orji leading, Campbell will have a chance to mold his team’s offensive attack around the hulking quarterback’s unique skillset.
4. Confidence
Orji has shown he has the confidence to plant his foot in the ground and run for big plays vs. the best of the best in college football. His off-field interviews reveal a confident, team-first player who is not afraid to make a mistake.
Too many times, Warren hesitated and threw the ball up for grabs. Orji may make similar mistakes, but the sense is that he will “fail forward” while making them because of his confident approach to the game.
5. Arm strength
Warren has shown the ability to move the Wolverines offense and get the ball to Michigan’s playmakers, but his lack of arm strength and poor footwork at times limited his potential and consistency.
Orji has similar challenges in the footwork department, but his arm strength will allow him to get away with throws that Warren did not at times.
6. Athleticism
Orji is not just athletic for a quarterback; he’s athletic among all the players that Michigan will run out on the football field on Saturday.
That will help tremendously against teams, including the Trojans, who bring an element of the unknown with fast, physical defenders at all positions.
Orji is still a work in progress.
As Michigan fans saw during the days of Joe Milton, a rocket arm and the ability to run don’t mean a whole lot if you can’t make the most of them in game situations.
Orji has a strong chance to improve Michigan’s offense in myriad ways. He was compared to Alabama star Jalen Milroe in the lead-up to the Rose Bowl last year by Jim Harbaugh because of his talent that has been on display for years in Ann Arbor behind closed doors.
Now it’s up to the Texas native to make the most of his opportunity with Indiana transfer Jack Tuttle still rehabbing an injury and waiting to possibly take over soon.
Orji has the skills and the mindset to get the job done. Now, it’s showtime.
