Michigan sophomore QB target Trae Taylor pens a heartfelt message for new Wolverines OC Chip Lindsey

Modified Dec 12, 2024 12:34 GMT

Michigan has hired former North Carolina offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey to carry the same role for the Wolverines. This comes a week after Sherrone Moore fired Kirk Campbell. Like other Wolverines prospects, four-star quarterback Trae Taylor is also excited about the hiring, as Michigan is one of his top schools.

Taylor shared his enthusiasm for Lindsey’s hiring in a heartfelt post on X, tagging Moore along with Michigan offensive analyst Josh Sinagoga and general manager Sean Magee.

"When they say be respectful to everyone because you never know when each other paths will cross again. Well @ChipLindsey11 offered me at his last job. And now here we are with @UMichFootball one of my top schools I get to keep building an already good relationship.

"Congratulations to everyone @Coach_SMoore @Coach_Sinagoga @SeanMagee04."

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Only a few of the 2027 class prospects have committed to college programs, and Taylor has also been making stops at schools to determine his potential suitors. He revealed his top 12, which features Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Tennessee, Oklahoma, South Carolina, NC State, Iowa, West Virginia, Illinois, Ole Miss and LSU.

Taylor has been to Michigan 12 times and has already built a good bond with the Wolverines coaching staff. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine also gives the school an edge in Taylor's recruitment, with a 38.8% chance of securing his commitment. This potential commitment could make Taylor the first pledge in the Wolverines’ 2027 class.

Chip Lindsey is set to develop elite quarterbacks in Michigan

Michigan has secured the nation's No. 1 prospect, Bryce Underwood, in the 2025 class. However, the challenge now shifts to development, and the task will fall into the capable hands of Chip Lindsey.

With nearly three decades of coaching experience, Lindsey’s track record in grooming quarterbacks is impressive. He has overseen the growth of numerous NFL-caliber players, including Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Under his guidance, Omarion Hampton achieved 1,500-yard rushing in consecutive seasons, and Kerryon Johnson earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2017 at Auburn.

Chip Lindsey has consistently produced top-tier quarterbacks, even at smaller programs like Troy, where four of his players since 2017 have led their conferences in passing yards or passing yards per game. This history suggests that Underwood could thrive under Lindsey.

Underwood threw for 2,321 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just five interceptions while adding 582 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this season, earning him Gatorade Player of the Year honors.

If Chip Lindsey can replicate his previous successes, Underwood could become the quarterback Michigan needs to overcome its recent struggles at the position.