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The Michigan Wolverines’ offensive line will look different this fall, with Evan Link locking down the starting spot at left tackle. For Link, earning the job has been about growth, competition, and turning last year’s surprise playing time into confidence.
Growth Through Competition
Asked how he solidified the role, Link pointed to the daily battles in practice.
“I think I’ve taken a lot of strides in my mental game and physical,” Link said. “A lot of things that a lot were lacking last year, I think I’ve gotten a lot better at.”
“I really think that competition in camp helped me get there. Babs was… really good at some things that I needed to improve on. So, having to compete with him and Blake in that regard… really helped me improve my game and take it to another level.”
-Evan Link via The Wolverine
Last season, Link made 11 appearances, including his first start at left tackle in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama. That trial by fire, he said, gave him confidence heading into this year.
Confidence After a Surprise Season
Link admitted he wasn’t expecting to be thrown into such a big role in 2024. But the experience of playing nearly a full season has made the game feel slower, and his preparation more deliberate.
“Be honest, I wasn’t really expecting last year, and that was a complete shock. It was was a surprise to me but it was great opportunity,” Link said. “I know what I’m doing out there. I have that confidence… I compete with the best people out there. I mean Derrick and TJ challenge me every day. So if I can compete with those two guys I can compete with anybody in this country.”
Chemistry Next to Giovanni El-Hadi
One advantage for Link is familiarity. He’ll again line up next to veteran Giovanni El-Hadi, the Wolverines’ left guard.
“Playing next to Gio again is fantastic, he’s taken his game to another level since last year as well,” Link said. “It’s almost like an extra little safety blanket where I know he’s going to be where I need him to be when he needs to be there… obviously I had that chemistry with him last year too.”
That chemistry will be crucial for protecting freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who takes over as Michigan’s starter this season.
Raising the Standard
“I think the thing we were focusing a lot on this summer was just kind of that closeness, that chemistry within the whole unit that we were kind of lacking last year.”
-Evan Link via The Wolverine
After an uneven 2024, Michigan’s offensive line has made chemistry and accountability its focus. Link says the group has worked hard off the field to get closer, including hosting their own O-line golf tournament.
“It was pretty entertaining, probably 80% of the room had never played golf before… Guys get out there just hacking at the grass…it was pretty brutal.” Link laughed. “I myself have never played and… it was not good. I’ll say that. But it was definitely a lot of fun.”
Beyond the bonding, Link says the standard in Ann Arbor is clear.
“We have really high standards for this room and especially playing off this line at University of Michigan. It’s a big deal, right? So I think everybody kind of accepted that burden and not see as a burden more as a challenge, kind of an expectation to live up to.”
-Evan Link via The Wolverine
Looking Ahead
Link’s emergence at left tackle reflects both his own development and the Wolverines’ renewed focus on building trust up front. With Underwood under center and plenty of competition for jobs across the line, Michigan will be counting on Link to protect the blindside and help set the tone in the trenches.
Watch the full video from The Wolverine below
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