Rich Rod Presser Notes
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.
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?
August 14th, 2009 at 2:44 PM ^
I could say, "um, Forcier?" That would be dick though.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:53 PM ^
Forcier is a 5th year senior, if he's cleared, duh.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:54 PM ^
Ha, nice.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:05 PM ^
I was about to lay down a massive insult over how dumb you are until I realized about 10 seconds later there was SARCASM!
August 15th, 2009 at 2:34 AM ^
For your avatar - noice one!
August 15th, 2009 at 3:14 AM ^
Have you ever done it? Because I think I may have invented it 10 years ago. Overall I'd say I've done it 60 or so times. Mostly parties I went to in the high school and college days. Or at some guys house who I didn't like.
August 15th, 2009 at 11:16 AM ^
I don't get it.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:39 PM ^
to have the segment moved up earlier, Brian. 10 o'clock is way late for me.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:45 PM ^
The jerseys are just practice jerseys, they're identical to NDs
August 14th, 2009 at 2:59 PM ^
Good ole' Adidas with their one size fit all approach (Nike does the same thing as Adidas, FWIW).
I do enjoy that the Adidas 3 stripe meshes well with the Michigan 3 stripe from the helmet, almost making things look customized for UM.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:05 PM ^
Yeah the stripes match your helmets really well, not so much for us but there just practice jerseys. There were plenty of people complaining about them on our boards about them, saying a lot of the same things that the UM fans were.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:20 PM ^
They're there
August 14th, 2009 at 2:49 PM ^
This has probably been discussed already, but I like Stokes' switch to #6.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:12 PM ^
always had number 6, him being listed as number 4 was a typo
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.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:02 PM ^
It reminds me of the whole Paulus stuff earlier in the year, though it all seems positive with Jason.
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.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:25 PM ^
He has a locker so there has to be a reason for it, the staff must feel he will be a player on the field in some way.
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...
August 14th, 2009 at 4:22 PM ^
Yeah at the very least he can bring some guidance to the younger players and also add depth, assuming he clears whatever hurdles have prevented him from joining the team to this point.
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.
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.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:58 PM ^
Turner will play in every game this year unless he's injured.
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!
August 14th, 2009 at 3:03 PM ^
He wouldn't have made much impact last year since our qb's couldn't get him the ball.
August 14th, 2009 at 3:19 PM ^
is it like 5 hour energy for defensive lineman? is it even legal? and where can i get some?
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.
August 14th, 2009 at 4:03 PM ^
Steps of Barwisazation:
1. Strapping Lad
2. Strong Bastard
3. Badass Motherfucker
4. Cthulhu
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?
August 14th, 2009 at 8:31 PM ^
It's Barkevious.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:51 PM ^
They definitely need to race sometime soon, I would definitely go with Denard in that race.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:52 PM ^
Teric Jones caught a pick which leads me to believe that Sheridan is still getting reps. Oh wait, did I say that, Oh my gosh.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:58 PM ^
I'm so excited I could scream. WOOOOOOOOOO! This sight is so cool!
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.
August 14th, 2009 at 11:23 PM ^
Talbot brothers just committed to Michigan.
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