Joe Milton explains how Jim Harbaugh’s NFL experience prepared him for Senior Bowl, draft process

Joe Milton waited his turn at Tennessee, watching Hendon Hooker ball out for a couple of seasons. He was the backup but took over at the end of the 2022 season after Hooker’s ACL injury. But head coach Josh Heuepel eventually called on him, leading the Vols to an 8-4 record to continue the positive momentum in Knoxville.

Now, it’s time for Milton to take the next step and prepare for the NFL. He is currently at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, being one of the first steps of the process.

Senior Bowl week can open the eyes of a few prospects, getting to experience playing with some of the top players in the country. Even the practice structure can be different, taking some adjustments. But not for Milton, who says his time at Michigan helped and prepared him to perform in the moment in front of NFL eyes.

“I’ve been at Michigan before,” Milton said. “There were a ton of NFL coaches. Just got to take every day how you would in life. Approach it the same way. They’re not trying to bash you in the ground but they see you good you want to take coaching.”

Being at Michigan, Milton was coached by Jim Harbaugh — now of the Los Angeles Chargers. Staples asked if the practice in Ann Arbor was similar to what he had gone through in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Milton has not been with the Wolverines for a few years but can tell the similarities.

“Walk-throughs,” Milton began. “One-on-ones. Seven on seven. Just the whole nine. Calling the plays. Making sure the huddle is addressed correctly. And getting the guys going.”

Milton played in 14 games over three seasons with Michigan, completing 56.6% of his throws for 1,194 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions.

Harbaugh could technically select Milton in the NFL Draft and bring the duo back together. Of course, the Chargers have Justin Herbert but he could continue to learn the NFL way under Harbaugh.

Even if not, Milton will have plenty of experience under his wing. Harbaugh came to Michigan directly from the San Francisco 49ers and made sure the structure was similar. While it was a few years down the road, it eventually paid off with a national championship, something Milton was “happy” to see for a few of his former teammates.