offer coming in a month, most likely
Big Ten Media Days: Rich Rodriguez
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Notes from Rich Rodriguez at Big Ten Media Days, including a few items after he left the podium (and weren't on TV):
- He 's excited to be coaching football again (implied: instead of worrying about off-field stuff). The off-field adversity has helped the group band together. There's no way it can add any more pressure than what the coaches always feel internally.
- Nobody's happy how the past two years have gone. Fans are supportive, but asking when Michigan is going to win more. Players have taken their lumps in the past couple years, but now they're experienced, and they've taken their lumps.
- RR doesn't know much about what's been going on in the summer, but he had all 16 seniors over at his house recently, and they were saying good things about a few players here and there. They were more focused on their own goals for the season, and ready to get on the field. Nobody likes what's been happening on or off the field the past two seasons. The goal is always to win the Big Ten, and the Wolverines will be able to do that once they've earned it.
- Rodirguez leaves for Michigan's hearing in front of the NCAA August 13th. Michigan has adjusted their fall practice schedule so that RR won't miss any practices.
- The league can concern itself with divisions and alignment, Rodriguez doesn't know anything about it and is more concerned with planning how to get first downs against UConn. The more important thing is to play Ohio State every year, and he prefers that it would be on the last game of the regular season. The chance for a rematch the following week isn't as big a deal, because Michigan-Ohio State is always going to sell out, even if they played "three times a week."
- Tate and Denard have an open competition, as it was in the spring, and they're also being challenged by Devin Gardner. The staff is looking for two guys they can win with, and hopefully a third. It might take a couple games before a starter emerges from the pack - if someone becomes a sure #1 at all. Tate, like all the players, needs to be mature on and off the field, and all the quarterbacks need to do a better job taking care of the football. They were just freshmen last year, so they should be improved as sophomores. Tate is strictly a quarterback, but Denard could potentially move to other positions. He's only been at QB so far.
- At running back, Vincent Smith should be 100% by the start of fall camp. Michael Cox and Fitzgerald Toussaint are also going to play important roles at the running back position. Michael Shaw still has two more weeks of summer school left, so Rodriguez won't speculate on his eligibility for fall. [Ed: if that's his answer to a question about Shaw's eligibility, he's on a knife edge.]
- There's a common misconception out there that wide receivers don't play a big role in this offense. Darryl Stonum and Junior Hemingway are tasked with changing that, along with a few younger guys. Stonum will not face any additional discipline for violating his probation.
- The offensive line should be improved this year.
- At linebacker, Greg Robinson is the new coach. That's been his position for the majority of his career, so Rodriguez is excited to have him there. Mark Moundros moved to that position in the spring, and should be able to contribute - even if it's just with his leadership. Jonas Mouton, Craig Roh, Obi Ezeh, and Kevin Leach were also mentioned, along with Kenny Demens. Rodriguez expects 5-6 guys to compete at linebacker this fall.
- There are a couple productive guys from last year's secondary returning, but they did lose some pieces. Jordan Kovacs, Troy Woolfolk, and Mike Williams all have some experience, and JT Floyd had a great spring. Cameron Gordon hasn't played in a game yet, so they're hesitant to anoint him before he plays. He was one of the best players on the whole team this spring, however. True freshmen might have an opportunity to contribute at safety.
Other newsbits and general observations can be found on my Twitter account (@varsityblue), as well as a few notes from other coaches. I'll update this post with embedded video of Rodriguez's main presser once it's available from Big Ten Network.
UPDATE. Transcript of Rodriguez's time on the podium is available here, and the video is here
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:48 PM | 
Tim, thanks...
Tim, thanks...
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:49 PM |
RR doesn't know much about
RR doesn't know much about
RR doesn't know much about what's been going on in the summer
That obviously-for-Freep's-benefit line made me chuckle.
This place smells like despair.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:06 PM |
I like the positive outlook.
I like the positive outlook.
It seems like to me RR is singing a more positive tune than usual. He seems calm and confident which makes me feel more confident as well. The DB's are the thing im mostly worried about, hopefully we make strides in that area in August.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:10 PM |
"Tate, like all the players, ..."
"Tate, like all the players, ..."
"Tate, like all the players, needs to be mature on and off the field, and all the quarterbacks need to do a better job taking care of the football."
Is that a direct quote from Rodriquez? Just thought it to be weird that Rodriquez would call out Tate, unless the question was directed to how Tate would react if he lost the QB competition.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:15 PM |
I was wondering the same thing
I was wondering the same thing
Was the question specific to Tate or was RR referring to an incident off the field (i.e. website wall of shame discussed on the blog). RR appears to be keeping the pressure on him. I hope that the pressure has positive results.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 PM |
"Tate... needs to be mature on and off the field..."
"Tate... needs to be mature on and off the field..."
Reminds me of the times Lloyd would make a pointed comment about a player, such as when he said that Braylon needed to get onto the same page.
This can only mean that there have been some issues with TF's conduct away from the field, and RR is basically telling him to get his shit together. Considering the competition from DR and even DG, you would like to think that Tate would heed the message. It doesn't necessarily mean serious problems, but there would be no reason for RR to mention it if everything was smooth. I recall a certain former QB who got into trouble at Skeeps and had to pay Lloyd's price, but eventually led us to a national championship.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 PM |
It was in reference to a
It was in reference to a
It was in reference to a specific question asked about Tate.
August 2nd, 2010 at 6:47 PM |
Good
Good
I didn't think Rodriquez would publicly call out a player.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:54 PM |
It does seem like RR has been
It does seem like RR has been
It does seem like RR has been hammering on this maturity issue for some time with Tate. I remember it came up toward the end of last year, then it flared up during spring practices, and now it is back in the news. Part of me thinks this is just some motivational ploy, but at some point you have to start wondering if Tate is just not "getting" what it means to be a football player and a student at UM. I hope I'm wrong because the kid seems like a good guy, but RR has been beating on this drum long enough that it is hard to ignore anymore.
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:53 PM |
Did these quotes only start
Did these quotes only start
Did these quotes only start popping up after JForce left? They did didn't they? Maybe I'm making this up.
Galileo was also chastised.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:30 AM |
You're not mistaken.
You're not mistaken.
In fact, it seems to me that RR seldom mentions Tate without using the word maturity in the comment. I think it's clear there is an issue, but if he's like most people it should kick into place soon, hopefully.
"Everyone gets dumped Gabe. Let me give you some advice: a little coverup on your Adams Apple will make it appear smaller. Which will make you appear less like a transvestite."
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:16 PM |
That JT is having a fine spring is great news
That JT is having a fine spring is great news
Troy is an upper classman with experience as a DB and we've heard raves about Cam; if JT can lock up the other side of the field, that will go a long way in alleviating one of the big issues we had last year with our defense.
You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. ~Dan Birdwell
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:10 PM |
My expectations for Floyd
My expectations for Floyd
I read a lot of the spring hype about Floyd, but my impression isn't that he will be a shut down corner but that he is getting the defensive scheme a lot better and has stepped up his physicality. If he can just not get beat deep and make sure tackles, I will be happy.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:19 PM |
Friday the 13th for the NCAA
Friday the 13th for the NCAA
Friday the 13th for the NCAA hearing? That sounds fitting.
Candace: No... That why they make smart word box for tell monkey hard brain-hurty things.
Phineas: Removing prepositions makes it more condescending.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:51 PM |
True,
True,
I know I'll be wearing my goalie mask all day that day.
Taking it one week at a time
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:20 PM |
TJ Floyd
TJ Floyd
A great spring is disappointing. I was hoping for tremendous.
—Never Forget guy
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:17 PM |
I think Fred Jackson has
I think Fred Jackson has
I think Fred Jackson has exclusive rights to the use of the word "tremendous" to describe a player's spring practice.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 PM |
Michael Shaw Eligibility?
Michael Shaw Eligibility?
This caught me off guard. Is he in danger of not being eligible?
"Relax you panic monger" -Megatron
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:26 PM |
There had been rumors, and he
There had been rumors, and he
There had been rumors, and he was asked a specific question about Shaw. The way he answered it... leaves it open to interpretation.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:29 PM |
leaves it open to interpretation
leaves it open to interpretation
Your descriptive phrase "on a knife's edge" hits it squarely on the head. If Shaw's eligiblity is coming down to the final two weeks of SS, he's in dangerous waters. Hope he gets it done.
August 2nd, 2010 at 4:32 PM |
Hard to know
Hard to know
One possibility is that he failed something last Spring and is retaking it this Summer. I wouldn't worry too much about that. Football is waiting to see if he passes the class, which is likely -- this isn't his first year in school.
More worrisome would be a minimum-GPA requirement. It's hard to speculate without knowing the University's or Football's rules on that, but it could mean he needs a decent grade, like an A or a B, to stay eligible.
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:11 PM |
Yeah
Yeah
Definetely not what I wanted to hear.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:25 PM |
Video of...
Video of...
...RichRod discussing the QB situation at the Michigan Daily's website.
LSA '89 - MBB Natl Champions, Big 10/Rose Bowl Champions | Maize Pages Wolverines on Twitter | @MGoShoe
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:27 PM |
Maybe the most important thing GERG will do this year,
Maybe the most important thing GERG will do this year,
perhaps even more important than being DC, is coaching the LBs. If we get improved play out of that position, his defense is going to be much better overall.
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:56 PM |
Yeah they two of the four
Yeah they two of the four
Yeah they two of the four players who definitely outdid their hype last year. The other two were Brandon Graham and Troy Woolfolk.
Galileo was also chastised.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:40 PM |
Shaw eligibility
Shaw eligibility
Man I hope Shaw gets eligible. I think he could be something special and it would be great to have all options available at RB, especially when V. Smith may be tentative on the repaired knee.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:49 PM |
Did not know about Shaw situation
Did not know about Shaw situation
That news about Shaw took me by surprise. I hope he gets everything done. He is my starter in NCAA 11.
They mostly come at night... mostly.
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:52 PM |
Does NCAA 11
Does NCAA 11
list his grades?
Taking it one week at a time
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:17 PM |
Not yet, but
Not yet, but
I'm told it could be included in the upcoming patch for the game.
They mostly come at night... mostly.
August 2nd, 2010 at 3:58 PM |
Cool,
Cool,
let's try to hack him a few Bs (in the game, not the registrars office).
Taking it one week at a time
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:49 PM |
BTN has the...
BTN has the...
...RichRod presser video up on their site.
Also at SBNation.com.
LSA '89 - MBB Natl Champions, Big 10/Rose Bowl Champions | Maize Pages Wolverines on Twitter | @MGoShoe
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:57 PM |
Sorry to bring this up again
Sorry to bring this up again
but I don't recall a clear answer last time--what's the reasoning on not providing verbatim responses, or even a full transcript so we understand the context of RR's replies? Should we raise funds for an MGoDigitalRecorder?
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:06 PM |
You can also go to
You can also go to
You can also go to asapsports.com for full transcripts from all of the schools.
August 2nd, 2010 at 3:08 PM |
If you want responses in any
If you want responses in any
If you want responses in any kind of reasonable timeframe, you get them like this. Transcripts are available elsewhere.
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:01 PM |
Full transcript from Big Ten
Full transcript from Big Ten
Posted by Brian in Diaries.
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:07 PM |
Great stuff, thanks Tim
Great stuff, thanks Tim
Surprised that he still mentions the possibility of moving Denard around. Spring should have removed all doubt. Tate obviously still in it
JT Floyd was just a RS freshman last year. He'll improve as a sophmore
Shaw... goddamnit...
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:09 PM |
Thanks Tim!
Thanks Tim!
Great notes from the presser. I'm really hoping Cam can pull it together in game as well as he has on the practice field. I've got a good feeling about that guy.
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:14 PM |
Even if Shaw is eligible, won't
Even if Shaw is eligible, won't
he miss practice time? I thought Practice started on the 9th or 10th (per one of the threads). That is ~1 week, but RR said he'll know Shaw's status in 2 weeks. So even if he's good to go, he misses a week correct? More importantly, is a player able to participate in Summer workouts if he is in a situation similar to Shaw's?
... when I see some plays that Mike (Martin) makes in practice, I be like dang. - Jibreel Black
August 2nd, 2010 at 3:34 PM |
As far as I know
As far as I know
As far as I know, which isn't that much, players who are academically ineligible are still allowed to practice, they just cannot participate in games. They are also usually suspended for multiple games and upto a semester.
August 3rd, 2010 at 11:21 AM |
You are correct
You are correct
Here is an appropriate link. [Maybe not so appropriate. It is for 2009-2010...and we want 2010-2011...this one should work.]
In summary, you can practice when:
- You are currently enrolled full time. OR You are a senior who is in his final semester and you are only carrying the credits you need to graduate.
- You are in a vacation period prior to your enrollment (so you can practice before class starts)
HOWEVER, there may be some institutional rules that prohibit practice based on other criteria. The key phrase you are looking for is "good academic standing".
The beatings will continue until morale improves.
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:22 PM |
Observations
Observations
This is the second or third time that RR has mentioned "maturity" in relation to Tate. Yes, it was in response to a general question, but I do wonders if there is some issue (even a minor issue) of maturity with Tate. I hope not, and if there is an issue, hope that he hets it taken care of before the season.
Also, I was surprised by the Shaw thing, but if there is 1 position where we have a deap pool of talent, it is RB. If V. Smith really is 100% by next week, along with Toussaint and Cox, we are fine at that position.
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:05 PM |
Maturity
Maturity
I don't think he means the basic immaturity of being a 19 or 20 year-old male, because that isn't really notable. Rich deals with that in all of his players -- it's part of his job, just like any other University professor.
My instinct when I hear that from Rodriguez is that it must be something about Tate's leadership of the team. I think if it were something more personal, Rich wouldn't be mentioning it to the press. This something they've talked about, and Rich is underlining its importance with his public comments. Tate knows what he means.
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:27 PM |
I'm glad you included the
I'm glad you included the
I'm glad you included the fact that RR prefers the OSU game as the last of the season. Rittenberg glossed over this fact saying he wasn't "overly concerned." But I think the timing of the game is important and moving it around could hurt some of its significance, so I'm happy to hear RichRod feels similarly.
"Talk accomplishes nothing — work beats Ohio State." - Fielding Yost
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:40 PM |
Kickoff already
Kickoff already
I don't like to wish away the rest of the summer but, damn, bring on Uconn!
August 2nd, 2010 at 3:44 PM |
Great recap...
Great recap...
...by MaizenBrew Dave. After giving his version of the blow by blow, he provides this gem:
...on a personal level, despite what you may wish to gleanfrom comments taken out of context, he is a really nice guy. I really wish more people could see him in this type of environment, just so they could see just how hard it is to be a nice guy with people shouting questions at you out of the blue and three dozen microphones positioned inches away from his face, forcing him to back into a wall if for nothing else than for it to serve as a virtual backstop for the questions being hurled at him.
He's a good football coach and a good human being. The fact that he can smile after the last two years, as pained as the look in his eyesmay be when he talks about the pratfalls he's incurred, speaks to his character. He knows as well as anyone that he's blessed to do what he does for a living. And he still comes out there witha bottle of water in one hand, seemingly as his only means of defense from the gauntlet of microphones, and answers questions witha forthrightness that we really have no business to expect from anyone. Rodirguez is good people. Please, lets keep this in mind as the season goes on, regardless of how it turns out.
LSA '89 - MBB Natl Champions, Big 10/Rose Bowl Champions | Maize Pages Wolverines on Twitter | @MGoShoe
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:55 PM |
rittenberg interview
rittenberg interview
Ace Williams follows me on Twitter.
August 2nd, 2010 at 11:35 PM |
I am optimistic!!
I am optimistic!!
Michigan is going to improve, and will struggle with the better teams. The Wolverines could win as few as seven games and as many as 10 games. They will probably win somewhere inbetween that.
Michigan will kick MSU's stinky green buttock. They will beat ND, but it will be close. Iowa and PSU will be tough games. OSU could be Michigan's to win if they play a flawless game.
I think this is a year for happy surprises at Michigan. UM has more depth and experience that will translate into more wins.
"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield" --Alfred Lord Tennyson/ John Sheridan B5
&n
...for putting this up so quickly. I've enjoyed following your Twitter feed this morning.
LSA '89 - MBB Natl Champions, Big 10/Rose Bowl Champions | Maize Pages Wolverines on Twitter | @MGoShoe