Max Bredeson discusses Michigan’s new ‘explosive’ and ‘gritty’ offense

On this week’s In The Trenches podcast, Michigan FB/TE Max Bredeson shares vision for program heading into the 2025 season, discusses new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, NIL deals and more:

Spring practice is underway in Ann Arbor, and this week, TE Max Bredeson shared about what it’s been like so far. Bredeson is technically more of a fullback, but he works out in the tight end room. The Wolverines are looking forward to having him back for another season, and he’s excited to play for Michigan one more year. He spoke with Jon Jansen this week on the “In the Trenches” podcast.

Bredeson on his leadership style

“Vocal when I have to be. I’ve had the great opportunity to be around some other great leaders from my time being here. I try to take what those guys have done best and be able to have a real conversation with every person in the locker room.”

Bredeson was a team captain last season and seems poised to take up the title again this season. He talked about how much he enjoys getting to talk with guys one-on-one in some settings, but he’s ready to talk to the entire team when circumstances demand that kind of leadership.

Investment from the team this season

“Everybody is working harder than ever,” said Bredeson when asked about the effort in the film room and weight room. Not something unexpected, but Bredeson also pointed out that it’s nice to get the pads back on and play some football.

Bredeson on playing fullback

“When you first start, it’s turn right or left and run as hard as you can at somebody. Once you really start to hone in the details, [it’s] what makes certain blocks better, the timing, how guys are going to play blocks, how your first guard pulls, stuff like that,” Bredeson told Jansen.

He says playing a fullback does take a lot of different skills, but when he’s working out, he splits off with the tight end room. He’s focused on improving each of these skills every single day. Bredeson only had three catches last season for 24 yards, but Jansen said early in the podcast he wouldn’t mind seeing that number go up this season and incorporate Bredeson into the passing game a little more.

Bredeson on setting the tone for freshmen

Bredeson’s answer for setting the tone is simple — practice habits. It may be simple, but Bredeson talks about the popular saying, “what you do on State Street is going to show up on Main Street.” It’s a nod to the practice facility on State Street and the Big House on Main St. If anyone shows that he gives 100% all the time, it’s Bredeson. He’s known for being tough and coming up with some major blocks in big-time situations. You think of last season’s game-winning touchdown against USC and Bredeson’s ability to lead the way for RB Kalel Mullings to get into the endzone.

Bredeson on NIL

Jansen asked Bredeson about the changing landscape, specifically freshmen coming in with large NIL contracts even before they’ve played a down of college football. While he didn’t name names, we all know incoming Bryce Underwood has a huge NIL contract. Bredeson has been around for a long time, and he’s seen the game change. He’s a former walk-on who will now step on the field with some highly rated offensive recruits, including Underwood.

When asked if the NIL deals have changed the locker room dynamic, Bredeson said, “It’s a little different. The game is always changing, but it’s still guys playing football. Everyone is going to put a helmet on, nobody’s different. There’s differences in the game, but when you put eleven guys out there, we’re all still playing football.”

Bredeson on new OC Chip Lindsey

Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey is still getting to know the team and Ann Arbor, but Max Bredeson already has some idea of what he’ll get from his new coach. Bredeson says Lindsey brings humor to situations but is “all business when it comes to football.”

One area that Bredeson really honed in on was Lindsey’s personality and just how much fun he has talking about and coaching football. Bredeson says he’s a coach who’s fun to be around. When it comes to what Lindsey is looking for on the field, Bredeson says, “explosive plays, but he wants us to get gritty too.” Sounds like the team’s having a fun time because Bredeson says the players and head coach Sherrone Moore are also breaking out some Lindsey impersonations.

Bredeson on team culture

“We want to win more than anything, but the best teams I’ve been on, we’ve had the most fun.”

It seems like the program culture is still a top priority for this team heading into another spring session. The Wolverines have a desire to win and excel on the field, but they’re willing to have a laugh with the team and enjoy the fact that they’re playing football.