As Michigan inches closer to its season-opener against Minnesota, the hype around Joe Milton continues to grow. By all accounts, Milton can do it all.
He runs a 4.3 40, backwards. He throws it 70 yards, from his knees. Since assuming the position of starting QB for the Wolverines, Milton has taken on the legend of The Most Interesting Man in the World: He doesn't always score touchdowns, but when he does, he prefers to wear a blindfold.
Is the hype fair? Is it justified? Given Milton's lack of experience, are the expectations realistic?
"Well, he doesn’t run a 4.3," Jim Harbaugh said with a laugh this week on the Stoney and Jansen Show. "But Joe’s fast, he’s athletic. He does have a very strong arm.
"The thing I’ve been really impressed with Joe, in all aspects of quarterback play, he’s improved and gotten to the point where (his) touch on the ball, throwing the touch passes has been really good. His understanding of the offense has been really good. He needs to play a game."
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It's normal to believe in Milton. Right now, he's unbeaten. It's just as normal to be skeptical, to wonder if the hype is real. He's also winless.
For those who fall in the latter camp, Harbaugh has a message.
"What I would say to all those people who are saying things, Joe is a talented guy," Harbaugh said. "Let’s put a talented guy out there and see what happens, and maybe let yourself be surprised.
"He’s ready, ready to play, ready to have at it, and I’m super excited. I've known Joe for a long time, been coaching him a long time, and I’m just excited to watch him go compete.