Rich Rod Presser Notes Comment Count

Tim

This is not absolutely confirmed, as I didn't even think to ask about it, but the new jerseys are practice jerseys only. The home uniform will not be changing, and I don't think the away ones will either.

A couple quick things from Rodriguez's post-practice presser:

  • Brandon Minor, though he was limited today, is just about healthy. He should practice full-go tomorrow, and if not, definitely at the next practice (Monday).
  • Toussaint's injury is a shoulder or bicep problem, but nothing serious. Still, from the way Rodriguez talked about him, Fitz might be heading for a redshirt this year (lots of RBs, only need to play the ones who are ready).
  • Still no word on Jason Forcier's status in joining the team. They believe they'll hear any time now.
  • Hemingway is going to be an important player for the offense - it sounds like he might even be the #2 split end.
  • Stokes is going to start out at outside receiver - there was no mention of slot for him.
  • Roy Roundtree, on the other hand, will play both inside and outside receiver positions.
  • About 10 true freshmen will probably be contributors this year. Though he didn't mention anyone by name at that time, expect Will Campbell, Vlad Emilien, Vincent Smith, and Je'Ron Stokes to be among them.

Player notes:

  • Stevie Brown said the defense is improving a lot under new coordinator Greg "GERG" Robinson (duh).
  • They work a ton on fundamentals and especially tackling.
  • Teric Jones is pretty impressive at corner (he had a pick yesterday) despite being new to the position
  • Dave Molk says that the offensive line really came together over the course of last year, and his becoming comfortable with making calls from the center position was a big part of that.
  • The QB situation is much better this year than last because now there are 3 viable options.
  • Mike Martin (who Dave has to battle in practice) is "one strong bastard."
  • Carlos Brown feels as healthy as he has in a very long time.
  • Denard is a fast kid, but he and Carlos haven't settled who is faster. Carlos is just glad that Denard is on his team.

...and speaking of Denard, Carlos also mentioned that the segment of practice that was closed to the media involved some scrimmaging. Denard apparently broke off a pretty big run during that segment. You should be able to catch it on tonight's Big Ten Network special. Tune into BTN at 10PM to check it out. You may even be pleasantly surprised at the crew's impression of the 2009 Wolverines.

Comments

Thorin

August 14th, 2009 at 2:38 PM ^

About 10 true freshmen will probably be contributors this year. Though he didn't mention anyone by name at that time, expect Will Campbell, Vlad Emilien, Vincent Smith, and Je'Ron Stokes to be among them.

Um, Turner, Denard?

The King of Belch

August 14th, 2009 at 2:52 PM ^

I'd really like to know why people are so concerned about Jason Forcier? It's like a friggin' soap opera over a guy who's shoulder hasn't seen the light of day in four years.

I mean, is Tate such a weak sack that he might need his older brother to hold his hand for him? I don't think so. Sorry, I'll take Sheridan and Denard over Jason Forcier.

The King of Belch

August 14th, 2009 at 3:12 PM ^

But I thought, "Somehow this seems more positive"--still, I really hope we never have to find out--but I can't believe Jason is really any good, even with four years of practice and clipboard holding/play signalling under his belt. Unless, of course, not only is he proficient at play signalling, but DECOY play signalling as well. Now that does make a difference.

tomhagan

August 14th, 2009 at 4:11 PM ^

If Jason had not transferred out, with his skill set he probably would have been the starter at QB last year.

Now, his 'competition' would have been Threet and Sheridan... so thats not saying a ton...but Jason's skill set of good speed and decent accurate arm would have been much better suited for this offense.

Bringing him back this one year as a backup is a win-win for everyone involved...

and no, this isnt another paulus situation and it certainly is not necessary to bring Tate along...

langkyl

August 14th, 2009 at 8:29 PM ^

King....I think you are underestimating how young, and impressionable a freshman can be. And the fact that he's over-energetic, makes me think he's less then comfortable. Thus, having and older brother around can brings some stability.

That's why people are interested in having him back on the tema. He won't play a lick.

Tim

August 14th, 2009 at 2:54 PM ^

Forcier and Denard were the obvious ones that went without mentioning (though I guess you could say the same for Emilien, but oh well).

Turner probably will play the year, but he's definitely starting from behind by missing the first few practices. He'll start out at corner and maybe learn some safety once he's comfortable, by the way.

jamiemac

August 14th, 2009 at 2:58 PM ^

I think we all underrate just how big of a loss his illness was last season. He was ready to make a big impact a year ago, IMO.

Very glad he was able to get that medical redshirt, so he didnt lose any eligibiity, but it would not surprise me to see him lead the team in a few receiving categories.

Wait for it.....wait for it.....wait for it, Book It!

Don

August 14th, 2009 at 3:29 PM ^

I hear it's really good stuff, although you have to watch the dosage carefully, cuz it's easy to get into a Hulk smash frame of mind.

Don

August 14th, 2009 at 4:12 PM ^

but I would pay good money for one with Cthulhu on it.

Just imagine Brent Musberger trying to pronounce it. He'd have to invent some stupid nickname so he wouldn't sprain his mouth.

Just curious, though— what's Cthulhu's first name? Jim? Jim-Bob? DeWayne?

Drake

August 14th, 2009 at 11:05 PM ^

Whats up with Cass Tech and Short fast CBs?
Boubacar Cissoko, Teric Jones, Dior Mathis, and in '11 Delonte Hollowell. All of them are 5'9 and under with great speed.