Why Zeke Berry came back: Michigan DB ‘loves’ direction under new staff

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Wolverines got one of their key pieces back with the retention of defensive back Zeke Berry for a fifth season. Berry originally entered the transfer portal to weigh his options, but elected to give Kyle Whittingham and company a chance.

Berry was one of Michigan’s leaders on the record during the coaching transition, criticizing the culture and the cracks that Sherrone Moore’s dismissal revealed.

“I guess you could say [it felt like betrayal],” Berry said in December. “It’s probably different for different people, but I feel like that’s a good way to describe it for most people.”

He later said, “Just felt let down by the decisions that were made.”

Like many on the record since Whittingham’s arrival, things have changed in a big way for Michigan.

“I would say I really love what we have going on here with the new staff,” Berry said on Wednesday. “All the new things that we do, the schedules that we’ve had, the practices and just really the path that we’re on right now and how we’re being coached. I love the staff and what they’re doing.”

Berry entered the portal, but withdrew within days of his initial decision. Taking a deep breath and taking a step back revealed the truth of what he really wanted to do.

“There were a lot of things really going on,” Berry said. “I really just wanted to make sure I was making the best decision for myself and my future. I just wanted to come back and play with the guys one more time in Michigan. I ultimately felt like that’s something that I really cared about doing. I wanted to do it for the last time. So I came back and it was the best decision I think I made.

“…I really wanted to play with the people that I started with. I’ve been here for four years going on my fifth, so I took that decision as this is what I want to do before my next step.”

There were some departures from the Michigan roster that stung, but overall, the number of players who decided to stick it out made it all worth it.

“I wouldn’t say surprised, but it felt good knowing that the guys decided to come back and stay,” Berry said. “There’s a couple guys I wish didn’t leave, but they have to do what they have to do for their future. Now we don’t even think about it. We’re on a different path. Everybody’s happy to get back out there and play football.