ANN ARBOR -- Few college coaches in the country know what it takes to play quarterback in the NFL better than Jim Harbaugh.
Actually, there probably isn't another coach in the country who knows what it takes to play quarterback in the NFL better than Jim Harbaugh.
And, perhaps as a result, it appears Harbaugh's using some of his time this week to mentor a few quarterbacks who didn't go to Michigan about what to expect at this week's NFL combine.
Michigan football's official Twitter account sent out of a photo of Harbaugh speaking with former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and former Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty on Tuesday inside Schembechler Hall. Both quarterbacks will be in Indianapolis this week for the combine, and both are spending some time with Harbaugh to prepare for what they'll see.
A Michigan spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment or further explanation. Though noted quarterback guru George Whitfield -- who trained both players in San Diego -- told ESPN he sent Winston and Petty to Michigan to speak with Harbaugh and passing game coordinator Jedd Fisch (who served as the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator last season) about the combine.
The quarterbacks also worked out Tuesday inside Michigan's Al Glick Fieldhouse.
Former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner did not receive an invite to the combine this year, and is training for the NFL as a wide receiver.
The former Heisman winner Winston, meanwhile, is in the conversation for the No. 1 pick overall. Petty rates as the No. 4 quarterback prospect in the upcoming draft, per Mel Kiper Jr.'s big board.
Harbaugh, of course, played as an NFL quarterback for 14 seasons, and spent the past four years evaluating players at the combine while he was head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.