Coming off the brink of winning three straight National Championships with the Michigan Wolverines, Junior Colson, the starting linebacker for the side, had some strong words for his team. Despite Jim Harbaugh’s departure from the helm and many staff shakeups, Colson’s belief in the team’s culture remains intact.
His words can also be interpreted as a farewell message to his former safety, Keon Sabb, who decided to move to Alabama over the Wolverines. Colson proudly states that Michigan is a place that forges ‘champions,’ and anyone deciding to stay with the team will eventually be glorious. His words cast a deep shadow on the current scenario of the transfer portal as the 2024 NFL Draft is just around the corner.
Junior Colson’s testimony towards Keon Sabb as he went back to Michigan
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Junior Colson has proved himself a standout linebacker for the University of Michigan. At the recent NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, he had a strong message to send that might leave Keon Sabb to reconsider his choice to join Alabama. Colson was amongst the 18 Michigan football players attending the combine, where he emphasized the significance of staying at Michigan. “It’s phenomenal to be able to have those guys,” he said concerning his teammates and their qualities.
Junior Colson on his time at Michigan:
“If you stay you’ll be a champion. And that’s what happened.”
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) February 28, 2024
He further reaffirmed his confidence in his side by saying, “If you stay, you’ll be a champion, and that’s what happened.” Colson’s words carry weight, especially after considering his journey at Michigan, where he has somewhat of a ‘legend‘ status already. Despite facing injuries, he has maintained his commitment and dedication to the side, performing through adversity and pain. His resilience was awarded when Michigan won the College Football Playoff National Championship. This begs the question of high-profile departures, especially Sabb, and if they made the right choice. Only time will tell.
Michigan players who decided to stay and succeeded, as loyalty rewards
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Michigan has been a place where football has always flourished despite challenging situations. The recent shakeups, the departure of Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore’s appointment, and players joining the transfer portal have increased uncertainty for everyone on the team. However, there have been players who committed their loyalties to the University and were duly rewarded over the years.
Jake Butt, a standout tight-end for the Wolverines, faced a similar situation during his college career. Despite being eligible for the NFL Draft after his junior year, he returned to the team for his senior season. Even though he suffered injuries that affected his draft stock, his developments at the University eventually rewarded him by being drafted by the Denver Broncos. Taylor Lewan is another name that reverberates through the Michigan fans’ memories. He is one of the top prospects as an offensive linesman and decided to stay for his senior year. Eventually, he was picked up by the Tennessee Titans, cementing his name as one of the premier offensive linemen in the NFL.
Charles Woodson is another player who enjoyed a remarkable college career and decided to stay for his senior year. Even after winning the Heisman Trophy in 1997, he demonstrated loyalty towards the college and was rewarded with being the fourth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He went on to have a stellar NFL career and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.
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Hence, these players are a testament to everyone doubting Michigan during these challenging times. Will Keon Sabb’s decision to leave the side cost him in the future? Or will he go on to defy the odds? Let us know in the comments below.