It has been some time since Clint Brewster provided direct coverage of Michigan football for 247Sports, but the analyst and former quarterback for Minnesota and Tennessee Tech has remained well-connected within the football sphere.
Brewster previously covered the Wolverines remotely until 2015 for what was then known as Wolverine247, and he now serves as a national analyst for 247Sports. During one of his recent discussions, Brewster has heard promising reports about one of the potential contenders for the starting quarterback position in 2024.
This player is Alex Orji, who saw action in six games last season but did not attempt any passes. Instead, he showcased his rushing ability by carrying the ball 15 times for 86 yards and scoring a touchdown, averaging 5.73 yards per carry, ranking fifth overall on the team in 2023. Throughout his college career, Orji has thrown only one pass, completing it for five yards. However, despite limited playing time, the junior-to-be has made a significant impression on someone within the Michigan football program, who likened Orji’s potential impact to that of Alabama standout Jalen Milroe, suggesting he may even excel in passing.
One person at Michigan told me Alex Orji will be Jalen Milroe but a more natural passer 👀 #GoBlue
— Clint Brewster (@clintbrew247) February 22, 2024
Of course, these are merely speculative assessments, and time will tell how Orji’s skills translate onto the field. It is worth noting that comparisons, such as those between Joe Milton and Cam Newton in the past, often originate from external sources, including figures like Urban Meyer and Matt Leinart.
Orji did emulate Milroe’s style of play during preparations for the Rose Bowl, providing Michigan with some insight into his capabilities. However, he must first secure the starting quarterback position, a task made challenging by the return of Jack Tuttle for a seventh year and the likely competition from Jayden Denegal during the upcoming offseason.
