Roman Wilson leads Michigan in receiving yards and touchdowns as the team prepares to face Alabama in the College Football Playoff.
Caleb Downs, a true freshman, is a great addition to the Crimson Tide, which also features outstanding cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold. As the Rose Bowl draws near, Wilson talked with reporters earlier this month about what he had seen of Alabama on film. Here are some salient points from our discussion:
Regarding what he has witnessed on camera from the corners of Alabama: Their corners are excellent, in my opinion. Three of them are available for rotation. All three of these are enjoyable to see. They run incredibly well and are, in my opinion, physically strong. Furthermore, they seem to be generally excellent.They play that Cover 2 man all the time. That’s not something that you see very often in the Big Ten.”
What he anticipates from the Crimson Tide in terms of coverage: Most of the time, it will be one-on-one. I have no idea what their game plan entails, so I really can’t tell. Probably leave things alone; that’s how they type of operate.
They all have excellent technique, in my opinion. They have excellent recovery speed and play deep balls exceptionally well, in my opinion. They have great confidence when they play. … You approach them directly. Have no fear and be yourself to them. Avoid being afraid. Simply walk outside without fear.
About the things he learned from his previous two CFP appearances: Give it your all, that’s my motto. The only one with a guarantee is this one. Make sure you’re in the proper place and making plays by giving it everything you’ve got and focusing on the details.
Regarding accepting the meeting with Alabama: No one else can speak for me. However, it all comes down to Alabama, their history, identity, and coach. It’s just an amazing game to compete against some of the greatest. Going up against a coach like Nick Saban is amazing. He is perhaps one of the greatest coaches of all time.
About if he has thought about his options after the 2023 campaign: Not in a big way. All I’m really thinking about at the moment is his game.
About the offensive balance of Michigan this season: We can pretty well toss the ball, in my opinion. Of course, we’re also really good at running the ball. However, I don’t really give it much thought. Winning games is the only thing that counts to me.
Regarding his preparations for the Rose Bowl: Simply put, man, attack it more. being more present-oriented and mentally closed in. Coach Harbaugh frequently talks about how people get down when it’s hot outside or how you should consider that other people aren’t doing sports right now because they’re on vacation. I feel quite fortunate to be in this circumstance, though. I’ll be playing with a fantastic team. I get to try for a national title. It’s gratifying.