Michael Barrett shares early returns on new Michigan LB Ernest Hausmann
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — As the idiom goes, the more the merrier. And while that may appear counterintuitive when your college football program is suddenly bringing in established, high-level talent to the position group you play in, that actually is the attitude that Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett has regarding Ernest Hausmann.
Hausmann is listed as the No. 2 transfer in the country by 247Sports this cycle, having come aboard from Nebraska. Though he’s entering a room with several established starters — Barrett, Junior Colson, Nikhai Hill-Green (who missed 2022 with injury) — as well as up-and-comers such as Jimmy Rolder, Barrett says there’s no one in the linebackers room who’s down on the idea of having more competition. It’s more the case of they’re welcoming Hausmann into the fold while also taking it as a challenge to improve their own game to stay on the field.
“I feel like it’s different here with guys because I don’t think we look at it negatively. I think we take everything that gets thrown at us with a positive attitude,” Barrett said. “That’s one thing that coach Herb instilled in us. You never know what was gonna happen. You never know the adversities you’re gonna face. But you’re defined by how you react to it.
“So I feel like just in a room, I’d say for the past couple of years, we just kind of look at it as competition, look at it as a way to better ourselves, better to team better to group. And so anytime, we’re happy for the guy’s success. We’re always teaching each other, coaching each other up. We’re never looking at it like, ‘Oh, he’s gonna take my spot. So let me get away from him.’ It’s never that; it’s always love. Everyone in that room always shows love to each other, support. And we’re always there for each other.”
With that in mind, how has Hausmann looked in the early going? Barrett says he’s seen a lot from him thus far in spring ball and is excited to see what he brings to the table once games arrive.
“Just his natural athletic ability. He’s smart, fast, can move,” Barrett said. “Just how fast he’s learning the defense, coming along with our guys, blending in, meshing together well with everyone. He’s gonna be a great player. I like his enthusiasm, the way he flies around at practice. He always has a smile on his face. He’s gonna bring something to this team.”
Fans will get their first chance to see Hausmann in action on April 1 in the annual spring game at The Big House.
