Jordan Marshall says Michigan players energized under Kyle Whittingham

ORLANDO, Fla. -- With a new head coach taking over Michigan football, there are questions about player retention and what things will look like with Kyle Whittingham leading the charge. But one thing can be counted on: some of the team leaders will certainly return to lead the charge in the new era.

On Sunday, redshirt freshman running back Jordan Marshall shared his reaction to meeting Whittingham on Saturday, and he's excited about the potential of the team under his leadership.

"We got to talk to him yesterday, and good energy," Marshall said. "Did what the coach was supposed to say, said the right things, and brings intensity for sure. Really like that about him, and definitely is somebody that the team, when I talk to guys, they're like, this guy seems like he's going to be good, but it's supposed to be like that after the first impression. 

"And for me, I'm just going to keep getting to know him, keep getting to know his staff, and communicate with him. And I want to be at Michigan, and if everything works out, I want to be here. I love this place, truly."

One of the big discussions, led by interim coach Biff Poggi, was that the team is having fun again. Given that the attitude of the team was lost at some point during the Sherrone Moore era, and with all of the turmoil surrounding the program, has it been hard to concentrate on football? Or has the outside noise been too distracting for the players?

Marshall says that the team has long been galvanized, regardless of Moore's salacious actions and the undue attention given to the program.

"I would say no, just because how close we are as a family, as just players," Marshall said. "We talk about always being a player-led team. Obviously, it sucks to have our leader go out, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and we're going to get stronger from that moment .And it's just bringing our players together to accomplish something greater than honestly that I can see. 

"And you truly get to see what type of guys you have in your program when things like that happen. And to be around Bryce and Marsh and Zach and all these amazing guys to help each other, that's what football's about. And I love every single day getting back to just being myself and playing football, and that's what everybody does. When you step out there, like I said, you just go play. It's the only game that you can't let everything else affect it. And you only have a certain amount of time to play this game. So I'll show you a blessing and just have fun."

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Jordan Marshall praises Kyle Whittingham after first Michigan meeting