On stage during Michigan football’s national title celebration, Trevor Keegan expressed gratitude to the Wolverines’ supporters for their support during their undefeated run, as well as for their attendance at the Rose Bowl and NRG Stadium..
The captain remarked, “You guys came up big when we needed you.” “You guys encouraged us.” In particular, when they began performing that “Dixieland Delight” bulls—at the Rose Bowl.
At some moments in the overtime victory against Alabama and the thrilling first and fourth quarters versus Washington, locations outside of Ann Arbor had the atmosphere of the Big House. Apart from the Michigan athletes who inspired supporters, one individual in particular—Zack Marshall—deserves recognition for energizing the U-M crowd.
The rookie tight end was aware that he wouldn’t play in U-M’s run through the College Football Playoffs, barring extraordinary injuries. He so took on a new duty that involved “going nuts” on the sidelines, frequently climbing atop benches and facing the stands to ensure that everyone else was doing the same.
“You want the enthusiasm of the spectators and the enthusiasm of your fellow players.” I would suggest that a dull sideline leads to a dull game, Marshall told The Michigan Insider. “You require a noisy atmosphere. When the fans drag them offsides four times during the game, you should congratulate them. Do you understand what I mean? That is what needs to be done.
It was successful. In Pasadena and Houston, Michigan fans dominated those of the Tide and Huskies, and Marshall isn’t the only reason why fans were yelling during both games. However, some credit should go to the tight end for getting them to cheer louder and longer.
“I’m going to the bench to stand. I’m going to make an arm swing motion. That’s just me, so of course I’m going to be ecstatic,” he declared.
In the tight end room, that oversized demeanor was certainly a bit of an outlier. Max Bredeson, according to Marshall, has a similarly large personality, but what about Colston Loveland and AJ Barner? He said, “They don’t talk much, but they get things done.”
Marshall was able to see the games as a fan, much like countless others, when Loveland and Barner produced plays that delivered a national championship to Ann Arbor. During the 2023 season, he got snaps against Minnesota and Indiana, but he spent the most of his Saturdays doing what you did: watching, applauding, and motivating others to do the same.
He simply happened to be able to enjoy the extra luxury of watching from the sidelines and the assurance that one day he will advance from being a benchwarmer to a touchdown receiver.
“As a child, you were always itching to visit the Rose Bowl. And then I was on the sidelines for my very first time ever at the Rose Bowl. It doesn’t seem genuine,” he remarked.
“To get that feeling that maybe two years from now, when I’m playing another CFP semifinal game, I’m going to catch the ball, I went out on the field before the game and caught a bunch of balls.” I would like to feel that way naturally, having already experienced it.
And Marshall anticipates you going completely crazy if it does.
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