Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome had a rough first year with his group, though it improved somewhat by the end of the season. He and the line are off to a much better start in 2025, for many reasons. 

No. 1, he said — depth. They feel they have several capable bodies, and there’s no fear about putting someone in who might not be capable. There are four players working out at right guard, for example, and Newsome insisted any of them could be good enough to start. 

“Nate Efobi has done a great job of making that next step from where he was last year to being a guy who’s put himself in the mix to be the guy. Lawrence Hattar, who transferred in from Ferris State … we’ve mixed Jake Guarnera in there some, as well, as well as Brady Norton. 

“It’s another good competition, and it’s a credit to those guys where it’s not a feeling of, ‘oh, shoot — we’re going to have to play one of these guys eventually.’ It’s more we feel like all four of these guys are playing well enough that we can win. Who’s going to be the best one?”

Three positions seem set — left guard with Giovanni El-Hadi, who D-line coach Lou Esposito said has really picked it up this fall, center Greg Crippen, and right tackle Andrew Sprague. Competition has been outstanding, meanwhile, at left tackle, where Evan Link has made huge strides.

“We always like to think of it like it’s a true meritocracy. The first game, until we get out there, every job is up for grabs,” the Michigan line coach continued. “That competition has been healthy. Left tackle, Evan Link’s been there, played well in the bowl game and has done a great job elevating his play. We really kind of challenged him to get that next step to go from a guy feeling your way through your first season, getting used to it, to go be the tackle you’re capable of being. I’ve been really, really impressed with the steps he’s taken this summer to continue that. He’s having a really, really good camp. 

“Obviously, Andrew Babalola is competing there, as well, and Blake Frazier has gotten himself back healthy and he’s done a remarkable job for a guy who was out for spring of getting himself back in the mix there.” 

Confidence will be key there, Newsome added, and that’s the one area in which Link has improved most in the offseason, he said. 

Efobi, meanwhile, might have an early lead at right guard, but he’s being pushed. Hattar showed up to Michigan from Ferris State as though he had something to prove. 

“The thing II love about Lawrence and part of the reason why we were so happy to get him … there’s something to be said for someone who’s won,” Newsome said, noting Hattar had won three national titles at Ferris State. “At the end of the day, you’re either a winner or you’re not. He’s tough, gritty, hard-nosed individual. That’s what we are and aspire to be every day.”

There’s a room full of them, including some young freshmen who have pushed the veterans to get better. There are question marks, but there’s talent here, and time to put it all together to make the unit a strength in front of what should be a freshman quarterback starter in Bryce Underwood.