Alex Orji's Journey to Become Michigan Wolverines' Starting Quarterback

Alex Orji's Rise to Starting QB

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Nick Saban, Lincoln Riley, and Deion Sanders all wanted Alex Orji. But Orji wanted something else. Orji, a quarterback whose athletic traits have captivated coaches at every step of his career, is about to make his first start this Saturday when No. 18 Michigan faces No. 11 opponent. Orji's father, Willy, recalls a crucial conversation with Saban during a recruiting visit to Alabama. The legendary coach offered Orji a scholarship, on one condition: he had to switch positions. Orji wasn't willing to abandon his quarterback dream.

“There were a lot of people that talked to him,” said Red Behrens, Orji’s high school coach at Sachse High School in Texas. “He wanted to hear that he could play quarterback.” Before he became Coach Prime, Deion Sanders tried to recruit Orji to his youth football program. However, with Shedeur Sanders in place as quarterback, Orji chose to showcase his skills at Sachse, where he became a notable player.

Orji's Unique Skill Set and Mentorship

Behrens recalls a defining play where Orji leaped over a defender, showcasing his remarkable athleticism. “Athletically, he’s one in a million,” Behrens said. Orji's debut comes after Michigan’s coaching staff decided he was the best option following a series of poor performances from the previous starter. Coach Sherrone Moore commented on Orji's great arm strength and improved accuracy, stressing the need for mental and physical preparation.

Preparation for Game Day

In his senior year, Orji rushed for over 1,000 yards and threw for over 2,000, with many programs recruiting him as an athlete rather than a quarterback. However, Michigan provided him an opportunity to play his desired position. After a successful preseason camp, Orji is finally set to lead the Wolverines onto the field.

“The job is now his, and he has the team’s full backing,” Moore stated. While previous uncertainties linger about Orji's performance as a full-time quarterback, Michigan’s decision marks a pivotal moment for both him and the team.