Michigan player says Jim Harbaugh's presence is like an 'immovable object'

Jim Harbaugh isn't for everybody. He put Stanford on the map and eventually wore out his welcome. He took the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl, but then the same thing happened.

For the first six years of his time at Michigan, his alma mater, it appeared as if Harbaugh was heading in the same direction. 

He talked a big talk and was a big personality — especially on the recruiting trail — but the Wolverines didn't have any hardware to show for it.

After back-to-back Big Ten championships for Michigan, that's no longer the case, though. 

In fact, Harbaugh's presence and persona are something the Wolverines can't do without, according to defensive tackle Mazi Smith.

"His presence is kind of like an immovable object," Smith said via ESPN "He's the same guy every day and that's why we practice the same way every day and we bring that certain type of brand of football."

Right now, Michigan's brand of football is tough and hard-nosed, just like Harbaugh would want it. 

He led the Wolverines to a 12-2 season last season with a Big Ten championship win and a berth in the College Football Playoff, and this year, he's looking to get Michigan over the hump and into the National Championship game. From there, anything can happen.

"The team is just a reflection of him," Smith explained. "The way we play, just a reflection of how he is and who he is."

No. 2 Michigan will take on No. 3 TCU in the CFP Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. The winner will take on the winner of No. 1 Georgia and No. 4 Ohio State in the National Championship game.