LOS ANGELES — Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham fielded questions from reporters during Thursday morning’s Rose Bowl Game press conference, giving his thoughts on Alabama’s offense while beads of sweat formed on his face and neck under the warm standalone light.
The sophomore was in the spotlight while having somewhat of a homecoming — he’s a product of Servite High School, a Trinity League school in Anaheim.
“I just kind of wanted to experience something new, go outside of what I’m used to. Be uncomfortable,” Graham said. “Coming to Michigan was that, and it was a good opportunity for me.”
Graham added that head coach Jim Harbaugh and the rest of the staff had actually made his transition rather comfortable. He was an All-Big Ten first-team selection this season and ranks eighth in the Big 10 in terms of pass-rush win rate at 17.1%.
He’s part of a defense that ranks fifth nationally in rushing defense as well as red zone defense and second in passing yards per game. The Wolverines are 13-0 overall.
The Rose Bowl was nearly in Graham’s backyard growing up and although he never attended it, the game was usually on in the background as he focused on other sports — he wrestled in high school in addition to playing football.
His immediate family will be attending the CFP semifinal game Monday and Servite teammates have reached out. Troy Thomas, who coached Graham at Servite before parting ways with the program in 2022, has been especially communicative.
“It’s kind of just like that brotherhood,” Graham said. “It was an all-boys school, so it was a little different, you’re just there with all your guys trying to complete a goal. We did that in high school. We tried, but we fell a little short.”
Graham was referring to the 2021 CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship game, a contest against Mater Dei that the Friars lost 27-7.
Despite not meeting that championship goal, sitting underneath the bright lights of a Rose Bowl Game press conference seems like a worthy accomplishment for Graham, and a point that Servite helped him reach.
WEST COAST ROAD TRIP
Michigan’s trip to Southern California for the Rose Bowl Game is its longest road trip of the season, but journeying to the West Coast will become more common in future seasons as multiple Pac-12 teams merge with the Big 10 Conference.
The Wolverines will travel to Seattle to play Washington late in the 2024 season after hosting USC for the conference opener in the 2024 season and Oregon near the midway mark. UCLA is slated to make its first trip to Michigan in the 2026 season.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Wednesday that his team appeared fresh at that morning’s practice.
Wolverines edge rusher Jaylen Harrell said that sleep, hydration and a good breakfast helped with that. Defensive back Rod Moore said that mindset has been the most important in being productive in the midst of travel.
“We know what type of game it is and we didn’t let the jet lag bother us,” Moore said. “For me, I was tired yesterday, but when we get to practice, it goes away.”
RESPECT FOR THE ROSE BOWL
Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees had high praise for the Rose Bowl as a venue on Thursday morning. The coach has a personal connection to UCLA. His mom attended as a student, and his brother played for UCLA football from 2006-2010.
“Every year, it was like, we’re stopping what we’re doing and we’re watching the Rose Bowl no matter what. This place is majestic to my family.”
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh also attached nostalgia and importance to the Rose Bowl as a venue and a game. He recalled getting up every year as a kid and watching the game on New Year’s Day.
“Your jaw is just hanging down, there’s a couple feet of snow outside,” Harbaugh said. “You’re a midwestern kid, you see the sunshine, palm trees and the mountains. The parade, the game, the Disneyland and it’s like, I want to go there someday. I want to play in that game.”