When Brian Jean-Mary accepted a job as Michigan football's linebackers coach this offseason, one of the first calls he received was from a younger cousin.
As it turns out, Jean-Mary had a connection to one of his new players.
“Little back story there, I have a younger cousin that played with Michael (Barrett) in high school from Valdosta, Georgia,” Jean-Mary said Wednesday. “They played together as seniors.”
The cousin's message to Jean-Mary: "Take care of Mike Barrett, coach. He’s a special player and a good friend."
So far, the coach and player have made for a good pairing.