"The Call" with Junior Colson (Chargers)

Submitted by FrankMurphy on April 29th, 2024 at 12:20 PM

Very cool video that shows both ends of the call. This was obviously special for both sides given their familiarity with each other. Also, nice Michigan shoutout from the Chargers.

I have to say: as much as we might wish that Coach Harbaugh had stayed, he looks happier than he's been in over a year. This was a good move for him, honestly. I think the NCAA bullshit was taking its toll on him and he's excited to get back to being a football coach. Can't blame him one bit.

Amazinblu

April 29th, 2024 at 2:49 PM ^

Do you remember the play - pass breakup against Stover - in the Shoe in ‘22?

If Michigan knew the play - why did Sainristil have to make an incredible recovery to break it up?

Oh - on a similar note - was there anything in the Advanced Scouting allegation that indicated what Michigan could have done to “spook” the Buckeyes?  What I’m referring to is the number of procedural infractions that occurred because of what I thought was stadium / fan noise - or communication issues within the Buckeyes offensive and defensive units.

MichaelCarras

April 29th, 2024 at 9:34 PM ^

I just noticed this weekend when I was watching the draft and seeing Twitter reactions the OSU and MSU Twitter replies are STILL endlessly babbling about "cheating".  Seems like running the table to end the season would have ended this, but nope.  Endless conspiracy theories from how cheating is the reason guys like Mike Sainristil got drafted as high as he did to PED use. There is HUGE contingent of people who think Michigan beat OSU this year by cheating. They even think scouting the  MSU-Washington two years ago was difference in the National Championship.  It's Crazyville on MSU and OSU Twitter. It's a toxic combination of low IQ and unearned confidence in their views.

Vote_Crisler_1937

April 29th, 2024 at 9:28 PM ^

Only basing this off of meeting Junior briefly at two NIL events. He was very stoic and said nothing either time. Most players either try to make conversation or at least engage you back if you say hello. Junior didn’t make a sound for me or the kids around. I think that’s just how he is. Limited sample size obviously and he did have those quotes about mattresses to Zuniga as a bit of a counter example so take it FWIW. But he’s clearly not very demonstrative away from the field. 

Amazinblu

April 29th, 2024 at 12:53 PM ^

Great link - thanks for posting.

This just leads to a couple of questions and perspectives.   First, Harbaugh's enthusiasm is clearly visible - and, as fans - usually seeing him in press conferences - his demeanor changes because of the approach the press can take.   My view has always been that Harbaugh followed another "mantra" - which is from Bear Bryant - "If things didn't go well - I did it.  If things went ok - we did it.  If things turned out great - they did it."    I loved the post game interviews when Harbaugh would take one question from the reporter and then said - "This is who you need to talk to" - and, he'd take a player for the post game conversation.

The biggest issue - difference, IMO is - subjectivity vs objectivity.   In the NFL - the rules about what you can - and cannot do - are clear.  Harbaugh's a rule follower and will leverage his knowledge of both the game and the rules to create differentiators for his team - which could be reflected in a formation, etc.   The college game with NCAA enforcement, NIL, etc. - is completely subjective - from identifying what infractions to pursue as well as any enforcement.   And - officiating - while the NFL officials are evaluated after every game - the NCAA makes no effort to provide or ensure a level playing field.

There's a lot of "noise" around the college game - and NIL contributes to that.   In the NFL, Harbaugh doesn't have to even think about that.   If companies want players to be their spokesman - they'll contact the player / agent - and figure out the deal.   NIL will be the wild, wild West for the foreseeable future - and tampering will continue in ways we can't even think  of.

I'm SO glad Team 144 accomplished what it did - and that Harbaugh resurrected Michigan's football program from a dark period.    I wish him well in every adventure and will forever be appreciative for his time as Michigan's head coach.

Faith - Family - Football.  Go Blue!

Eng1980

April 29th, 2024 at 7:19 PM ^

^^^^ Exactly.    The intent to deceive and the basketball penalty are legendary events.  I also like the time the reporter asked Harbaugh about challenging the ref when the game was nearly over and already decided.  Then Harbaugh asked if the rules went away at that point, and should the backups get a chance to play by the rules?

CaliforniaNobody

April 29th, 2024 at 3:08 PM ^

This is so sweet.The relationships you develop in sports are stronger than many realize. Can't imagine the bonding these guys have done the last 3 years. Good luck not playing my team, Coach.     

SD Larry

April 29th, 2024 at 7:18 PM ^

Could not agree more with everything you wrote about this FrankMurphy.  I miss will Jim being at Michigan while always being thankful for his team here and what he and Team 144 achieved.  Awesome he was able to pick Junior to play for the Chargers.

Buffalowing Blue

April 30th, 2024 at 8:50 AM ^

Frank, that comment seems pretty damn accurate considering all the fuckery the NCAA has done to Harbaugh since he stepped foot in A2.

As great as it would have been to stay at Michigan this may take a ton of stress off of him.