One of the most anticipated Michigan football transfer additions is tight end AJ Barner, an experienced Big Ten star who will be forming an elite duo with sophomore tight end Colston Loveland. Earlier today, the media had a chance to catch up with the new Wolverine, where he broke down the biggest changes and differences since he arrived in Ann Arbor via the transfer portal.
New Michigan football transfer portal tight end talks changes, challenges since getting to Ann Arbor
Is AJ Barner shocked by the transition from Indiana to Michigan football? Not really, but he is enjoying the differences since leaving the transfer portal so far.
“I kind of knew what I was walking into for sure, but I just think the amount of really talented football players that we have on this team,” AJ Barner explained. “Every position is three guys deep, so that’s been a pleasant surprise for sure.”
New program is a reason for excitement for AJ Barner
While moving from Indiana to Michigan was a good transition for AJ Barner and the Wolverines’ tight end room, it did not all come without some growing pains. Still, it has been as pleasant as possible to this point for the huge tight end.
“Yeah, I think there could be some challenges to that for sure,” Barner explained. “When I was at Indiana, I had two offensive coordinators so I kind of had to learn some different things there. But I think Coach Newsome has done a tremendous job with not only myself but the rest of the tight ends. He harps on the details. He’s always there to take the extra time if we need to go over something. So having him has been extremely helpful.
“And (Michigan football) just has a system in place that the coaches really know and then also the players know too — Colston (Loveland), Matt Hibner, Brede (Max Bredeson) and Marlin (Klein), and JJ (McCarthy) and all those guys have been there to help me also, and I feel like I’m at the point now where I’m really comfortable with everything.”
Differences from across the division
Any other important changes and differences that AJ Barner has picked up since transferring to Michigan football?
“I think Michigan has plenty of resources at hand,” he said. “It’s a place that cares a whole bunch about football and if we need something, we’re probably going to get it. So I think that’s been a big difference. The new scoreboards going up and just this facility in itself — I’m just extremely grateful to be here and there’s just so many blessings in coming to this program.”
Applicable skills may carry over
What about tools he learned during his first few years in the Big Ten — are those helping him now that he is with the Wolverines?
“I would say I had a lot of good times there (at Indiana), and I had a lot of tough times there,” Barner said, “so just not to get too high and not to get too low and just understand that there’s gonna be really good things that happen and some bad things to happen, but hopefully a lot more good things here.”
Between his massive frame and solid pass-catching abilities, watch for AJ Barner to become a huge impact player for the Wolverines’ offense. Due to his optimal gritty skill set, he could quickly become a fan favorite as well.
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