How Michigan football LB transfer Ernest Hausmann looks in spring ball

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The more, the merrier. And while that may seem counterintuitive when your college football program is suddenly bringing established, high-level talent to the quarterback you’re playing for, that’s actually the attitude Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett takes with Ernest Hausmann.

Hausmann has been listed as the nation’s No. 2 transfer this season by 247Sports since coming aboard Nebraska. And while he’s entering a room with several established starters — Barrett, Junior Colson, Nikhai Hill-Green (who missed 2022 due to injury) — as well as up-and-comers like Jimmy Rolder, Barrett says there’s no one at linebacker. a room that doesn’t like the idea of ​​adding competition. Rather, it’s about them welcoming Hausmann and at the same time taking it as a challenge to improve their own game in order to stay on the field.

“I feel like it’s different here with the boys because I don’t think we look at it negatively. I think we take everything that is thrown at us with a positive attitude,” Barrett said. “That’s one thing Coach Herb instilled in us. You never know what will happen. You never know what adversity you will face. But you are defined by how you react to it.

“So I feel like just being in the room, I’d say for the last couple of years, we just look at it as a competition, we look at it as a way to better ourselves, better group better. And that’s why we’re always happy for a man’s success. We are always teaching each other, coaching each other. We never look at it like, “Oh, he’s taking my place.” So let me get rid of him. It’s never that, it’s always love. Everyone in that room always shows love to each other, support. And we’re always there for each other.”

What did Hausmann look like in the early stages? Barrett says he’s seen a lot from him so far in spring ball and is excited to see what he brings to the table when the games arrive.

“Just his natural athletic ability. He’s smart, quick, can move, Barrett said. “How quickly he learns defenses, gets with our guys, blends in, meshes well with everybody. He’s going to be a great player. I like his enthusiasm, the way, which he flies in training. He always has a smile on his face. He brings something to this team.

Fans will get their first chance to see Ernest Hausmann in action on April 1st at the annual spring game at The Big House.