but what about the bike?
Practice Twitter Dump
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With Rodriguez ramping up the media restrictions in the wake of the Jihad and the Daily publishing details of that edge pitch play they debuted against Iowa, glimpses from within Michigan's early practices have been rare. This has ticked off the Blade guy, but come on Blade guy, what do you expect? Rodriguez tried.
Anyway, the Big Ten Network has stopped by and the twitters are lighting up with 140-character bursts of potentially useful information. They are collected below, organized by position and theme. I won't link to each individual tweet but they can be found at @BTNDaveRevsine and @BTNBrentsBlog (by Brent Yarina).
Quarterbacks
Based on today - tough call on QB situation. All 3 have had some good moments. DR clearly improved as a passer. [Revsine]
Devin Gardner can't put a pass in the wrong place here early on. Rapid fire drill, he's on the money with everything. [Yarina]
Gardner definitely looks like he could get snaps. He's very impressive, but Denard has improved as a passer quite a bit. [Yarina]
It's one day, but #Michigan looks good. If I was making choice, I'd split snaps between Robinson and Gardner. DG is good. [Yarina]
Denard Robinson looks like a completely different passer. Add the threat of pass to his running ability, and #Michigan could give d's fits. [Yarina]
He [Tate] was banged up today. But emergence of Gardner and Denard's improved passing don't help. [Yarina]
UPDATE: one more from Revsine, responding to MVictors about a QB question:
I would definitely say Gardner is in convo - impressive kid. G&H seem to think Robinson is the best of the 3. Tough call.
The Mystery Of The Wingless Helmets
Yarina posted this picture:
You'll note that Forcier's helmet is plain blue, sans wings. A twitter guy named GoBlueNColumbus (ouch) caught this and started pinging Yarina with questions:
The #Michigan people told us not to read anything into the lack of wings on some helmets. [Yarina]
Didn't pay too much attention [to who didn't have them], to be honest. As far as big names go, though, he was the only one I noticed. [Yarina]
Meanwhile, Rodriguez after the first practice on the "handful" of guys not prepared to play football:
"If they don't [improve their conditioning] they will not have the opportunity to wear the winged helmet on Sept. 4 [in season opener against Connecticut]," Rodriguez said.
Dollars to donuts the plain helmets are a motivational device and that Forcier's absence at offseason workouts has put him in the bad group. They didn't accidentally hand last year's starting quarterback a plain helmet. [UPDATE: Maybe they did? A Countdown to Kickoff video shows Tate in the regular helmet.]
Michigan's facebook page has a set of 20 photos that does not reveal anyone else in the bad group but do show Koger, who had been rumored to be in the handful, in possession of wings.
Various Individuals Mentioned
At Michigan's practice. Love the "M" drill - runner trying to get thru 3 levels of blocking. Saw good moments from Michael Cox & W Campbell [Revsine]
Great energy in 1 on 1 tackle drill. Vlad Emilien just had a big time hit. Sweet move earlier out of Terrance Robinson. [Revsine]
Vladimir Emilien just made a bone-crushing hit on a 1-on-1 drill. The entire defense celebrated the hit. [Yarina]
Good team drill going on right now. Jeremy Jackson looks like he could help at WR. D Robinson clicking nicely with the short stuff. [Revsine]
Marvin Robinson, Brandin Hawthorne and Courtney Avery among the others who had good moments [Revsine]
Gerry and Howard both impressed with Jibreel Black. DiNardo also likes the way Patrick Omameh has looked today. [Revsine]
Loss of Mesko is obviously a concern, but the frehman Hagerup has really boomed a few [Revsine]
Miscellaneous
One thing's for sure: #Michigan coaches are very intense and vocal. [Yarina]
Mike Martin on difference between this year's defense: "I think we're a lot closer." [Yarina]
Take it for what you will. I'll update this with any subsequent information.
August 13th, 2010 at 12:34 PM | 
Our Helmets Got [sic] Wings...
Our Helmets Got [sic] Wings...
August 13th, 2010 at 12:54 PM |
Issues
Issues
I would say we've heard a decent amount about Tate last year. The word maturity was brought up a lot.
Here's to hoping we have the curse of choosing between three great quarterbacks Sept 4th.
August 13th, 2010 at 1:20 PM |
I wouldn't say curse. That
I wouldn't say curse. That
I wouldn't say curse. That makes it sound like they suck or something. I would say tough choice.
“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve and those who stay will be champions.” - Bo
][V][
August 13th, 2010 at 12:58 PM |
No issues? Have you been
No issues? Have you been
No issues? Have you been living under a rock this off-season? Tate's on-field leadership is impressive, but his responsibilities as a starting QB simply do not end there. Particularly when his team is struggling...
I apologize in advance if my sarcasm detector is off, but your comment appears genuine.
August 13th, 2010 at 1:58 PM |
I was not trying to be sarcastic
I was not trying to be sarcastic
But to pull the wings seems really harsh. What I am trying to say is that is should be something reserved for a person kicked off the team or suspended and is trying to get back on or the freshmen during summer practice working towards earning their 'wings.'
I have a Fandom Endurance III merit badge
August 13th, 2010 at 12:35 PM |
I like those tweets
I like those tweets
All sound positive towards our QBs. Interesting to see the wingless helmets. Sounds like Tate has responded well and is working hard.
HAIL.
August 13th, 2010 at 12:53 PM |
Marv would have to be a
Marv would have to be a
Marv would have to be a complete moron to tell Tate not to take part in offseason workouts with his team.
August 13th, 2010 at 12:37 PM |
Great stuff! I had not idea
Great stuff! I had not idea
Great stuff! I had not idea about the helmets, I like it. I would be shocked if Tate is the starter in the opener. This is starting to get fun with beginning of camp and game 1 only a few weeks away!
toomer18
August 13th, 2010 at 12:41 PM |
Shocked?
Shocked?
I think it's interesting you'll be shocked if Denard starts at QB, considering everything since spring has pointed to him having an edge over Tate. We'll see.
August 13th, 2010 at 1:00 PM |
Comment comprehension fail.
Comment comprehension fail.
Comment comprehension fail.
August 13th, 2010 at 4:41 PM |
Deserved that
Deserved that
Could have sworn I saw "I'd be surprised if Tate is not the starter."
Carry on.
August 13th, 2010 at 1:29 PM |
Shocked?
Shocked?
...iff last year's starting quarterback who singlehandedly willed two wins versus teams from Indiana before getting injured and having to play through that, shocked if a highly hyped recruit with the best throwing accuracy on the team and also some pretty good legs, shocked if a guy who got a few early Heisman mentions as a true freshmen, is the Day One starter?
There's a possibility here that Rodriguez is pushing Tate, making him work extra hard because that's what leaders need to do, putting extra pressure on him because that's how you get everything out of a guy like Tate Forcier.
I am as excited as you are about Denard's emergence as a passer, but I think there has been a widespread misinterpretation of motivational tactics as signs that a decision has been made, egged on by media (including, unfortunately, Tim and Brian) loving a good QB position battle.
(Blogger alias: "Misopogon") This team is under construction. We thank you for your patience.
August 13th, 2010 at 2:30 PM |
+1
+1
+1
August 13th, 2010 at 2:56 PM |
Agreed. Quarterback controversies always attract attention,
Agreed. Quarterback controversies always attract attention,
and with respect an offensive system like the spread where so much is on the QB, it's especially understandable why people would be anxious, and eager to talk about, the possibility of someone other than Tate starting at QB.
On the other hand, if Denard and Devin are playing well enough to push for the starting job, shouldn't that be enough motivation for Tate? I suppose RR may need to remind him that the starting job is earned and that the coaches are always reevaluating the players.
August 13th, 2010 at 3:21 PM |
Seriously? You know he got
Seriously? You know he got
Seriously? You know he got injured, right?
August 13th, 2010 at 4:24 PM |
I think it's more accurate to
I think it's more accurate to
I think it's more accurate to say that Tate went through a midseason slump starting with Iowa and continuing through Illinois. The last three weeks of the season he stepped up his completion percentage considerably.
August 13th, 2010 at 4:43 PM |
Then the slump came back with
Then the slump came back with
Then the slump came back with a vengeance against OSU, eh?
August 13th, 2010 at 11:20 PM |
nice...
nice...
that is a damn strong analysis. I think it is certainly short sighted to think that Tate didn't have a huge part in the early success of last year's team. Denard is about potential but I watched Tate against ND last year and he looked phenomenal. Tate's injuries and David Molk's injuries were the problem last year....not Tate.
"delusions of granger"
August 14th, 2010 at 8:36 AM |
Intangibles
Intangibles
I agree completely...At the beginning of the last season, Tate definitely showed that he possesses the intangibles that a big-time quarterback needs. No matter how strong DRob's arm is, that early season leadership, before the injuries, needs to speak to Tate's ability to play the game. Some guys are great practice players and some guys don't show up until the lights come on.
August 14th, 2010 at 8:41 AM |
Leadership
Leadership
Having said that, the most important intangible is definitely leadership. The way it sounds, that may be the one that Tate needs the most work on. I've always heard that we lead from the front, or by example. Unless he was hurt or sick, he was not doing either by not working out with his teammates over the summer. I hope he gets this figured out, because the way he started last season seemed like he was destined for great things.
August 13th, 2010 at 12:40 PM |
Sounds
Sounds
Sounds like the guys at BTN are pleased with the way we look.
“When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft; on the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing.” Bo
August 13th, 2010 at 12:42 PM |
Wings!
Wings!
So if I hear a bell ring, is that Tate earning his wings?
August 13th, 2010 at 1:27 PM |
Tate's Wings
Tate's Wings
Maybe he should just drink some Red Bull if he wants wings
August 13th, 2010 at 12:43 PM |
Watch out Brian, Geaux_Blue
Watch out Brian, Geaux_Blue
Watch out Brian, Geaux_Blue is likely to remove your post speculating on the wingless helmet.
My guess is that Tate and others got new helmets at some point this week and they have not been updated yet. He has them on his helmet in monday's practice video.
Let's eat Grandpa.
August 13th, 2010 at 1:04 PM |
you're right
you're right
we should leave posts up that herald Rivals' crack reporting when they weren't there and ignore the university's statement. because what bad could come out of a post speculating something the school very candidly passed the buck on and is refuted by Forcier having worn a helmet with wings every day before today? i'm sure no dumpster fires will ensue...
August 13th, 2010 at 1:19 PM |
Wait, so you are going to remove Brian's post?
Wait, so you are going to remove Brian's post?
I'm confused...
(And just curious, don't really mind...but is the CAPS key broken?).
"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 13th, 2010 at 2:42 PM |
the helmets start out yellow though,
the helmets start out yellow though,
the wings & stripes are masked off, and they're sprayed blue. These would have to be totally different helmets that they'll (hopefully) exchanged for the winged helmets.
August 13th, 2010 at 12:43 PM |
Good Lord!
Good Lord!
Look at Denard's arms! They're like tree trunks!
"If life is the road, then Ohio is simply a place to stop for gas." -- Scott Burgess, Detroit News, 9/16/2010
August 13th, 2010 at 3:35 PM |
Giant sequoia trunks if you
Giant sequoia trunks if you
Giant sequoia trunks if you ask me.
It's Great To Be A Michigan Wolverine
August 13th, 2010 at 12:44 PM |
I hope the wingless helmets
I hope the wingless helmets
I hope the wingless helmets do not fuel transfer rumors, I cannot handle that.
August 13th, 2010 at 12:45 PM |
Interesting...
Interesting...
It's quite interesting to see an outsider with no agenda put DG ahead of Forcier right now. I am still in the camp that wants to see a DG redshirt, but we all know that RR will play whoever gives him the best chance to win now. Sadly, external and internal politics have probably put RR in the position where winning right now has to take precedence over building a program.
Consequently, I'm not so sure a DG redshirt is going to be a "given" anymore. Now, I want Sept 4 to arrive even sooner.
August 13th, 2010 at 12:54 PM |
I wouldn't say "no agenda"
I wouldn't say "no agenda"
The press loves a quarterback controversy. Gives them something to talk about. Running back or wide receiver uncertianty ... meh. No set starting QB - OMG!
August 13th, 2010 at 1:04 PM |
I don't understand what
I don't understand what
I don't understand what you're saying...do you think that even if Devin is legitimately our second best QB he should redshirt this year for a potential 5th year that Rodriguez is not assured of being around for? I mean, if you're Rodriguez, aren't you going to put your best players on the field no matter what? He had a major recruiting win in landing Devin, especially considering the last two years...I imagine he's gonna wanna show that off and strengthen his case for keeping his job.
Follow me on Twitter
August 13th, 2010 at 1:52 PM |
agreed
agreed
The idea of lessening the chance of winning this year for a potential in 2014 is nuts given the current state of the program, or really ever. If in any situation DG gives UM a better chance to win than they would otherwise have, he should play.
August 13th, 2010 at 1:59 PM |
This is true
This is true
Normally I've been in the Redshirt DG category, but if he's really that good (and why shouldn't he be? He was nearly the #1 QB recruit), then play him. I think the thing we all fear is freshman ineptness. We started TWO freshman QB's last year who were not nearly as highly rated and that worked out okay (not great, but it could've been SO much worse). I don't want to burn DG's redshirt for two plays, but if he gets plenty of use, then yes. Play him.
Chad Henne would agree.
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
August 13th, 2010 at 2:40 PM |
the thing is...if we're dealing with freshman ineptness again
the thing is...if we're dealing with freshman ineptness again
That means the other two guys were worse than the freshman. (Barring Michigan Hating God injuries). I mean, we're agreeing. Because you should always play the best players. Because it's fair for the player. It's fair for the team (tell your seniors that yeah, we could have won a couple more games, but I was thinking 4 years down the road). And probably best for you, as as coach, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. (What if your next recruit IS Chad Henne? It looked liked he was going to sit a number of years...but...). And the players know. They know football; they know who is doing the best out there. And if someone does their best, and doesn't play....how's that look for motivational purposes?
Ideally Tate or Denard play, not because Devin isn't ready...but because they've improved that much. (And vice versa, if Devin plays, it's because he's lighting it up, and not because the others are struggling).
"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 13th, 2010 at 12:47 PM |
I like the motivational
I like the motivational
I like the motivational ploy. It sounds like the BTN crew likes Devin Gardner too. Who would have thought we could have had a stable of QB's? If we had three different QB's that can play at the college level, that would be awesome because you never know when the injury bug can strike. Like the Tigers.
August 13th, 2010 at 12:50 PM |
But in the Countdown to
But in the Countdown to
But in the Countdown to Kickoff video, Tate's helmet has wings. Did they switch it today?
August 13th, 2010 at 1:30 PM |
thats from an earlier practice
thats from an earlier practice
today's photo is from today's practice
August 13th, 2010 at 12:51 PM |
Gardner getting meaningful snaps this year likely
Gardner getting meaningful snaps this year likely
means doom. Sure its possible it could mean that he is just too good to keep off the field but it more likely would mean that Tate and/or Denard suffered from injuries or really poor play, either of which is potentially a nightmare scenario.
August 13th, 2010 at 1:15 PM |
I tentatively disagree
I tentatively disagree
One thing that I think a lot of us are missing when trying to decide whether or not we should worry about freshmen contributors at any given position is the depth at that position. A terrifying situation is having a freshman that needs to play somewhere because we have no depth whatsoever. However, if we have reasonable depth at a position and a freshman ends up gaining significant minutes, that may be a function of an over-performing freshman.
I would say that our QB depth is average (is this optimistic???). Even if Tate has been slacking off, I do think last year can serve as something of a baseline expectation for him. Even if he doesn't improve at all, I think performances like we saw from him last year can still be expected. Accepting this premise, if Robinson and Gardner are ahead of him, then they should be producing better results than Tate last year (someone please agree with this).
Gardner has the arm to be a deep threat, the size to take a beating, the speed to be a running threat, and has been in the program since January. It is possible that he has advanced enough to be able to put his physical gifts to use on the field. Not something we should bank on, but if he sees the field, it is likely due to his development rather than Bo crying. FWIW, I think RichRod has one of the better track records when it comes to getting usage out of a physically gifted freshmen QB (Pat White). There are a lot of things that look DOOM-licious to me about this team. QB is not one of them. I just touched wood to ward off any jinxes.
August 13th, 2010 at 3:36 PM |
DG taking snaps is a good thing
DG taking snaps is a good thing
You should also remember that TP2 started as a true frosh over a senior who had been in the system his entire collegiate career. And The reviews have unanimously said that DG is a more polished quarterback and passer than TP2 was coming out of high school. (and some even say after his sophomore season based on mechanics) So we shouldn't be worried, would you prefer he sits on the sidelines and does nothting?
August 13th, 2010 at 12:56 PM |
Im the BlackHand
Im the BlackHand
And WINGLESS helmets was my idea!
August 13th, 2010 at 1:00 PM |
Tate these broken wings?
Tate these broken wings?
Tate these broken wings...
But nonetheless, I must spend precious points and +1 this sir...
August 13th, 2010 at 1:20 PM |
...All your life, you were
...All your life, you were
...All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arrive.
August 13th, 2010 at 1:54 PM |
Um...
Um...
Mashing up Mr. Mister and The Beatles is a criminal offense. Please get the sound out of my head...please...
August 13th, 2010 at 3:13 PM |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_Wings_(song)#Background_and_music
Maybe you should take it up with them.
August 13th, 2010 at 10:44 PM |
really?
really?
an unsourced "may be a reference to BLACKBIRD" on Wikipedia? Hrm.
August 13th, 2010 at 12:58 PM |
I'm all for motivating Tate
I'm all for motivating Tate
My joy will come though, when I see him understanding, realizing he fucked up, and working his ass off to get back in with the team. Kids make bad choices, if he owns up to them, he can make it right for himself and his teammates.
If he's that far behind physically though, he can't make up in 4 weeks what the other guys have been doing for 8 months. Nonetheless, start now and make it work
August 13th, 2010 at 1:01 PM |
Blade guy's ticked off: "...banning the local media is baloney."
Blade guy's ticked off: "...banning the local media is baloney."
Sound and fury signifying nothing. Fuck 'em.
Long Live Fort Schembechler!
When you earn them?
Seems really strange for someone that was the starting QB last year and has not had any 'issues' that we know about...
I have a Fandom Endurance III merit badge