ANN ARBOR — When Jim Harbaugh began to discuss his first season as Michigan’s head coach, he didn’t immediately segue into Xs and Os or tactical strategy.
He considered a recurring dream he has as each football season approaches, even as his career has progressed from playing at quarterback to coaching college and NFL teams.
In his dream, he’s prepared to steer his team for the final drive of a game.
“I always wake up before the final drive,” Harbaugh said. “And I’m always playing. I’ve never coached in my football dream.
“I know when I get my first football dream, it’s my body clock telling me it’s time to compete.”
With five weeks left before the Wolverines open the regular season Sept. 3 at Utah, Harbaugh met with a group of reporters Tuesday morning.
While he didn’t give away much as far as details go, the first-year UM coach clarified personnel issues that face the Wolverines, and discussed potential changes for UM’s on-field apparel.
He once again outlined his goal for his first season at UM — one he’s oft repeated.
“We’re trying to be better today than we were yesterday,” Harbaugh said. “We’re trying to be better tomorrow than we were today.”
The focal point of this year’s team — and, possibly, the question mark — is at quarterback. Jake Rudock transferred from Iowa as a fifth-year senior and, as one of seven quarterbacks in UM’s stable, he’s expected to compete with Shane Morris for the starting job. Harbaugh and passing game coordinator Jedd Fisch have worked with the quarterbacks on a limited basis.
“It’s been very positive, and he’s got a lot that he wants to get done,” Harbaugh said of Rudock. “He’s got goals, he’s got a plan to make this a successful year for him and our team. He shares that with Shane Morris. Both of them, I notice they way they carry themselves. They’ve each got a plan.
“They’re champing at the bit to execute it. That’s my impression.”
UM also returns Jabrill Peppers, a defensive back who was limited to three games in 2014 before a knee injury ended his season.
Peppers was granted a medical redshirt in February and Harbaugh said Peppers could also play on offense, in addition to contributing on special teams.
“He’s very sharp, very focused,” Harbaugh said. “I’m never seen him unconfident. He’s confident in his preparation and his ability.”
Harbaugh confirmed that while kick returner Dennis Norfleet has been granted a release to speak with other college football programs, he has not been dismissed from the program outright.
"A plan was put into place for Dennis to where he could accomplish all his goals, academically and athletically," Harbaugh said. "Our desire is that he gets his Michigan degree, and that plan hasn't changed from our viewpoint. With the conversations I've had with Dennis, that's where we stand. But he has been granted a release to talk to any school."
In May, multiple reports said Norfleet had been dismissed from the football program, but the UM athletic department said in a statement that Norfleet's status with the program was an internal matter. Norfleet had 19 kickoff returns for 438 yards in 2014 and, in three seasons at UM, finished with 94 returns for 2,203 yards with 15 catches for 111 yards last season.
As far as apparel goes, Harbaugh said Michigan is considering bringing back helmet stickers and will discontinue its Legends jerseys, a designation that began in 2011 to honor former players.
UM announced that it plans to retire six uniform numbers that were part of the Legends program — numbers of former Michigan greats that have been worn by current players — at the end of the season, when UM hosts Ohio State on Nov. 28 at Michigan Stadium.
The numbers to be retired are Gerald Ford (No. 48), Tom Harmon (No. 98), Desmond Howard (No. 21), Ron Kramer (No. 87), Bennie Oosterbaan (No. 47), and the Wistert brothers (No. 11) — Albert, Alvin, and Whitey, who have ties to Toledo.
First Published July 29, 2015, 4:26 a.m.
