When Avery Gach steps onto the football field at the University of Michigan this fall, he won’t just be carrying the hopes of a new team; he’ll be carrying the pride of his hometown.
The 6-foot-5, 280-plus-pound offensive lineman from Birmingham has always stood out — literally and figuratively. But while his imposing size made him a natural for football, his journey to becoming one of the most heavily recruited linemen in the country was shaped by much more than physical attributes. It’s a story of family, mentorship and a local kid who turned hard work into a full-ride to one of college football’s most storied programs.
From backyard to Birmingham Patriots
Gach’s football story began in kindergarten with flag football, coached by his father, David. Back then, Avery played quarterback despite being the biggest kid on the field. His mother, Amy, made a deal early on: She’d only allow tackle football if he was still the biggest kid when he reached seventh grade.
He was.
That year, he joined the Birmingham Patriots youth team. But it wasn’t as easy as he expected.
“He was good, but not as dominant as he thought he’d be,” his dad says. “That’s when things changed. He started lifting, studying the game and getting serious.”
With COVID canceling his eighth-grade season, Gach took it upon himself to train. That self-driven commitment paid off big time.
Making his mark at Groves
By the time he reached Groves High School, Gach was ready. He started at right tackle as a freshman and never looked back. Over four years, he helped the Falcons to three playoff appearances, two trips to the state semifinals and a 12-1 senior season.
He became the first two-time captain under long-time Groves coach Brendan Flaherty in 25 years of coaching.
Though football eventually took center stage, Gach was a multi-sport athlete. He played baseball through his sophomore year — “my first love,” he says — and threw for the track and field team as a junior.
But football had its own unique draw.
“It’s the one place you can legally hit people and not get in trouble,” Gach says with a laugh. “There’s no feeling like taking someone from point A to point B.”
A national name, a local foundation
Gach’s breakout sophomore year earned him 40 Division I offers. Toledo was first, but when Ohio State came calling a week later, the floodgates opened. Despite growing up a Michigan State fan in a Spartan household, Gach made his own choice.
“Michigan just felt like home,” he says. “The family culture, the facilities, the way they develop linemen. It was everything I was looking for.”
And staying close to home means his family, his biggest fans, will be there in the stands.
“My mom has never missed a game,” Gach says. “And my dad’s been my role model in everything. My brother, Eli, is more into music and theater, but he’s been incredibly supportive.”
Looking ahead
Now enrolled at U-M and studying sports management, Gach is focused on adjusting to the faster pace and stronger competition of college ball. But the goal is clear: “Play in front of 110,000 fans. Go to the NFL. Then maybe real estate or something in business.”
His advice to younger athletes? “Iron sharpens iron. Surround yourself with people who push you.”
For now, Birmingham’s hometown hero is ready for the next chapter. And Michigan fans should be, too.
AVERY GACH BY THE NUMBERS
High School: Wylie E. Groves (Class of 2025)
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 287 lbs
Position: Offensive Tackle
College: University of Michigan
Major: Sports Management, School of Kinesiology
High School Highlights:
- 4-year starter
- 2-time team captain (first in school history under Coach Flaherty)
- Led team to 12-1 record and state semifinals as a senior
- Played baseball (2 years) and track and field (1 year)
Recruiting:
- 40-plus D1 scholarship offers
- First offer: Toledo