Michigan TE Hogan Hansen feeling like himself again after long injury

Michigan football has relied heavily on its tight ends in the passing game. However, the Wolverines haven't seen much production from the group in the first three games of the season. In Week 4 against Iowa, that changed, with tight end Hogan Hansen returning to the lineup. Hansen had been viewed as a potential successor to former star Colston Loveland, having made a strong freshman season debut.

Yet, he missed most of his sophomore year due to injury, and then he missed the first two weeks of the current season as well. Yet, after scoring on his first two catches of the season last week and nearly fumbling a third, Hansen appears to be back to his old self.

"I feel great," Hansen said. "I feel like I'm ramping up every week and just getting better every day I'm out here and every week, so I feel like it's been a good adjustment." Hansen returned to the lineup in Week 3 against UTEP and quickly made a strong impact, making a pivotal block. He's playing fast and loose now, feeling much closer to his former self.

Hansen's time away proved to be beneficial, helping him improve multiple facets of his game. Even if he hasn't had as much time to devote to practice, he feels capable of much more in terms of physicality, just like the rest of the team after an offseason spent working out with strength and conditioning coach Doug Elisaia. However, Hansen also feels more determined, realizing the extent to which he's missed playing football.

"I feel like I'm a lot more physical and I feel like I got a lot of stamina," Hansen said. "You can put me out there as long as I want, and I'm gonna go hard every play. I still got those abilities to be a vertical threat down the field and add in that way, so I feel like I can be a Swiss Army Knife in that way."

Fans will be able to see Hansen in action again on Saturday when Michigan faces Minnesota at Huntington Bank Stadium. The game starts at noon EDT and will be broadcast on Fox.