Position changes
Already we've seen some changes in position for some players, but do you think that before this season and even during the season the coaches will make anymore changes? If so, who do you think they'll switch?
IF Tate grabs a strangle-hold on the QB spot and proves to be a "Force", would you move D-Rob somewhere else to use his speed?
red shirt?
I think that's what they sold Denard on during his recruitment. But I think if he gets beat out they'll keep him at QB for at least 2 years for depth.
We need depth at QB, we won't move Denard until someone else comes in.
There's NO WAY Denard plays any position but quarterback this year (except, possibly, an occasional trick play or something).
I don't think anyone else will switch positions. Position switches are usually done in the offseason/spring ball. We might see Barnum play tackle instead of guard or something minor like that, but nothing else.
We are going to need Tate to return punts and kicks as well.
With Schilling's move inside and Moosman not losing his spot, I'd like to see Ferrera, who's in his Jr. year, move back for needed depth at DT. With the redshirt freshman and McAvoy we have decent depth at guard (namely Barhnam). You'd think he'd challenge for the third spot and see time at DT in the next 2 years, but maybe not see the field on the OL.
Also, even though he went from CB/FS to WR last year, I'd like to see Rogers move back for needed depth at safety. If Roundtree is for real, Rogers may not see time on offense. Either way, it appears he will not see the field in his last two years.
Rodgers get more playing time at the wr position. Last season when given a chance...I saw some potential. Seem to run good route and showed good hands. Dosen't have the overall speed to burn anyone...but showed some. However his appearance were tempered and the passes weren't always on the mark. I hope he get more of a chance next season to shine...could be a diamond in the rough.
that Denard stays at QB for 2 years minimum.
Gardner seems destined for a redshirt if either DRob or Forcier pans out, so he'll be needed there until at least then. If Forcier secures the starting job then he'll be moved once they have enough depth to do so which I imagine would be in 2011.
There are no other viable options than Denard and Tate. Denard has to be prepared the next two years minimum to play quarterback. If and when Tate gets injured Denard must be ready, there is no waiver wire or trades to pick up a QB in a pinch.
Please no more threads about Denard switching positions it is to ante-bellum McFarlinesque.
Denard Robinson's primary focus needs to be learning the base offense in the event that he is needed on the field full time. I'm sure they'll spend time working on a few trick plays with him, but I'd expect it to be extremely limited, especially in the first few games.
and susceptible to injury in this offense, I'm sure Robinson will be trained up to be Tate's backup at QB this fall. Eventually I believe Robinson has the skill set and the mental toughness to beat out Sheridan and Feagin/Cone for the 2nd string QB spot during the 2009 season. He may even challenge Forcier in terms of physical skill. Probably will not grasp the offense as well as Forcier and Sheridan by kickoff of first game.
I thought we killed the idea that spread QB's don't get injured anymore than any other QB's. Not giving up on that, are ya?
What I am always taken with people on this site is the automatic assumption that Denard is destined for another position. Who says that he doesn't beat out Tate?
I agree with you and think the prevailing opinion is based largely on Tate's impressive spring game.
...and all the extra time Tate has had to learn the offense.
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:25 PM ^
...and the fact that he's a more polished quarterback...
...and the fact that he completed 70% of his passes in high school while Denard completed 49%...
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:26 PM ^
...and the fact that if he was such a great QB prospect, he probably would have been ranked as a QB, not an ATH...
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:41 PM ^
... just like how if Michael Crabtree was such a great WR prospect, he probably would have been ranked as a WR, not an ATH...
... and just like how if Pat White was such a great QB prospect, he probably owuld have been ranked as a QB, not an ATH...
Obviously I'm just yanking your chain.
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:29 PM ^
... which still isn't a good enough reason to move Denard away from quarterback. We don't have anybody who is actually any good at the position besides Forcier, and who knows if Denard doesn't actually have more long-term upside than Tate does? You develop him alongside Forcier and whoever is better will get the snaps.
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:34 PM ^
I think only unreasonable people think Robinson is automatically headed for a different position.
However, I think it's perfectly reasonable to think that Forcier is very likely to beat out Robinson this fall.
April 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 PM ^
I think that an unpredictable offense, especially one with a moving pocket, results in the QB's getting injured less, because the opposing grunts can't tee off on an immobile target.
As for DRob, I expect him to be worked in as a wildcat right away and be given more plays as the season progresses. I am guessing that the "much improved Nick Sheridan" gets to be second string for at least half of the season.
I still hope Sheridan never has to take another snap from center at UM unless it is as a "human victory cigar."