From late last week through the weekend, the NFL Combine saw many of the nation’s top college football prospects showing what they’ve got to the NFL’s top scouts. Nine Wolverines made the trip to the combine this year, including two of the best linemen in the country. Ryan Hayes and Olu Oluwatimi — two incredible Michigan offensive linemen — had a lot to say about the Wolverines’ recent O-line success.
Two Michigan offensive linemen speak on Wolverines’ OL success
As most know by now, the Michigan Wolverines have won back-to-back Joe Moore Awards (nation’s top offensive line), becoming the first program to ever accomplish this feat. Here are what the Michigan offensive linemen had to say about their time at Michigan and what it meant to them and the program:
Olu Oluwatimi on his time on Michigan’s offensive line
“We had a magical year,” Michigan center Olu Oluwatimi said. “It was awesome just being at Michigan and being a part of that team — because we did some magical things.”
During the 2022 season, despite being a first-year Wolverine, Olu became the msot decorated Michigan offensive lineman ever, winning the Rimington Award (best center) and Outland Trophy (best interior offensive lineman).
“[offensive line coach Sherrone Moore] is always going to push you and put you in a great position to showcase your talents and win games,” said Oluwatimi. “Coach Moore means a lot to the offense, and he means the world to the o-line room.” He continued, We did well in almost every game, I wish we would have played a little better against TCU as a front, but there was a reason why we won the Joe Moore Award. Just the season, being consistent week-to-week, I would say that’s what I’m very proud of.”
Ryan Hayes speaks on Michigan’s offensive line success
“I think it’s just a combination of how close we are in that room with our coach and players,” Michigan offensive lineman Ryan Hayes said. “We’re kind of one unit. We play together. Coach Moore helped us do that. We’re together on and off the field.”
During his time in Ann Arbor, Hayes was a major part in the Wolverines’ two Big Ten titles, CFP appearances, and two-time Joe Moore Award-winning offensive lines. Hayes was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, a four-year letter winner, and a two-time All-Big Ten selection — he appeared in 40 games in the Maize and Blue, making 29 starts.
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