Michigan players praise Alex Orji's leadership and expect him to take the lead

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football fans are a little nervous after new starting quarterback Alex Orji threw for 32 yards in his first start and 86 yards in his second. But players and coaches insist there is progress and that Orji can be a real quarterback for the reigning national champions.

Orji hadn't played five straight snaps before the Week 4 game against USC, so he's still getting his feet wet after just two games. And anyone who has seen what Orji can do in practice knows that he is capable of much more than he has shown in the last two weeks.

Among those who think there is much more to Orji's game is the country's top tight end, Colston Loveland.

“I’m kind of just waiting for him to take over,” Loveland said. “I think he definitely has it in him. May be. Obviously he's crazy, but I'm just waiting for him – and I know he'll take over the game with his legs and his arm strength. And I know it's coming, so I'm excited. I’m excited to see when that comes.”

Orji's abilities as a dual-threat quarterback open up many possibilities that have not yet been fully explored. But another aspect of his game that we may not get to see from Orji is his leadership skills.

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Kendrick Bell says Orji's leadership is a trait fans don't get to see and one that resonates with his teammates. In doing so, Bell provided a practical example of how Orji transformed the offense's confidence through his willingness to step up and lead the team.

“He’s a vocal leader,” Bell said. “He throws the ball well. If things don't go right, he'll bring the whole offense together. Say, “We've got to get this right.” “Let's get this right next period,” and actually we'll have a good period after that. But he’s just a really good leader.”

Fans will have the opportunity to see Orji attempt to pick up his third win, and first on the road, when Michigan travels to Washington to take on the Huskies on Saturday.