Rich Rodriguez Presser 8-9-10
Rich Rodriguez met with the media tonight following the first day of fall camp. If you want the full audio, you can check out MVictors, but I've pulled out the important points below. The above photo comes courtesy of Bruce Madej. Your humbe blogger is just out of the frame to the left.
Personnel
- Vincent Smith, David Molk, and Mike Martin were all in practice today. The only guy who was out for the spring that's still out is Will Heininger. Smith did not seem to be favoring his knee.
- A couple guys missed some team meetings today with summer school obligations. Those were mostly freshmen, but a couple upperclassmen as well. Michael Shaw was among those guys. There are a couple days next week before summer school is completely over.
- No word on who took the first snap at QB today, but "all three guys are competing." Denard and Tate have a bit of experience, but Devin is in great shape and wants to compete. In camp, they'll limit QB contact in order to avoid injury. If a quarterback separates himself from the pack, he'll be the starter. Tate is competitive, and will work for the job. Tate, Denard, and Devin all had good moments today.
- There's enough experience and talent at running back to win some games. Vincent Smith, Michael Cox, and Fitzgerald Toussaint were singled out. Stephen Hopkins should be able to fit the "big back" role that they're losing with the graduation of Brandon Minor. Kelvin Grady is playing both slot and running back. He's a full-time football player now.
- The offensive line is bigger and stronger up front. The idea that RR offenses only want little guys is inaccurate - as long as a player can move, bigger is better. Experience will help the OL be better - and it will allow them to install more of the offense much more quickly. There was only one bad snap from the centers today.
- The offensive and defensive lines look good (RR said Will Campbell looked "OK" before saying he didn't want to answer any more questions on individuals). There were no pads today, so it's too early to say how they'll be, but they look physical up front. The young offensive line is growing up, and this should be a deeper team up front.
- Young guys (even true freshmen) will have a chance to contribute at safety and corner. It will probably be tougher for D-linemen to contribute this season - but we'll know more once they're in pads.
- Within two weeks of practice, they should have a good idea of which freshmen will be able to contribute in the fall. The first full scrimmage in two weeks is a key to that: "The pads answer a few questions." This is a fast freshman class - including the guys up front. On top of that, they didn't make any big mistakes today - they're a bright group.
- "Will Hagerup will be what we thought." He's got a powerful leg and is a good athlete. He should be the starting punter.
Team and Schemes
- The team on the whole looks to be in pretty good shape. Some players are in very good shape, some are only in OK shape, and some are not physically ready for Division-1 football. "Goal and expectation" is to get everybody in very good shape. The expectations for freshmen aren't as high from a conditioning standpoint, but they were helped by making it in for summer school. Nobody that could be considered an "impact player" would ever show up to camp out of shape. The coaches ran a conditioning test at the end of practice, and there's just a handful of guys that are not ready.
- The team will practice in pads on Friday, and Sunday will be the first 2-a-day.
- This team has the ability to be faster than last year's team. The speed will be aided by players not having to think too much. The coaches might have tried to work on schemes a little too much today, causing the players to not play quite as fast.
- It's too early to compare the overall talent level of this team to the 2008 or 2009 teams. What this team does have is more guys who can contribute, particularly on defense.
- Practice is probably the best time to be a coach. It's good to be on the field teaching guys. The team is full of guys eager to learn.
- The continuity at defensive coordinator means everyone is already used to the scheme and personality. Guys being in the program for a few years also helps: They don't have to explain the process of practice to guys, and can worry about teaching football.
- They've been fortunate to be able to grant scholarships to some walkons each year Rodriguez has been here. They have a couple extra scholarships this year, but they don't like to announce which walkons receive scholarships because it makes the other guys feel unimportant. Earning the scholarship "is not the end of your goals, it's just the start."
- You know a program is improving when you are able to play poorly and win. Michigan obviously isn't there yet.
Leadership
- When asked specifically about Woolfolk's comments on Tate: "I'm glad our seniors are taking some ownership and leadership in this team. They want everyone to work as hard as they have." When asked again, RR said it's good to see the seniors take ownership of this team (which sounds to me like a sign he doesn't think Woolfolk really did anything wrong). Everyone in the program ants to succeed, and they deserve a chance to enjoy their final season.
- Rodriguez can sense the senior leadership on this team. They've had player meetings, and come over to his house as a group, etc. They will be vocal leaders (moreso than last year), and they know they have something to prove.
- There will be two permanent captains for this team, and they've been announced: OL Stephen Schilling and LB Mark Moundros. On top of that, there will be two game captains for each contest "if they're worthy, which I think we'll have."
Other Stuff
- When asked specifically about the West Virginia notice of allegations: "I'm talking about Michigan football."
- It's the head coach's job to handle outside distractions. As for the players, "they handle what's going on in Schembechler Hall." Players worry about getting their Michigan degree and winning football games. Michigan, the football program, and RR's family form a great support system that's helping Rodriguez handle the pressure of outside distractions.
- In regards to a certain report about a 2012 game against Alabama - "I believe those conversations are ongoing." When asked about what it might mean, Rodriguez remarked, "Ya'll tell me, do you think that would be fun?"
- Rodriguez would prefer that the players don't use Twitter and other social media, but if they like it, they can. It's the job of the football coaches and athletic staff to educate them, and remind them that they're not only representing themselves, but also the university.
- The phrase "winning cures all" is accurate, because it puts the attention onto the game, instead of other stuff. "Let's just limit the drama. Let's just keep the main thing the main thing."
- Rodriguez is strictly coaching this week. He'll worry about the NCAA hearing on the flight out there, and then it's back to coaching on Sunday.
- Rodriguez saw Brock Mealer walking today. When the team has their "beanie scrimmage" in the Big House, Brock will practice running through the tunnel.
- There's no real added sense of urgency to this season. Rodriguez has had a sense of urgency ever since he's been coaching - even as an assistant.
- When asked specifically about Ron English's comments from earlier this week, Rodriguez responded that they don't pigeonhole recruitable prospects on the basis of their economic status or family upbringing. Anyone you recruit must be committed on and off the field.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:28 AM ^
I initially thought the kid wouldn't be let in for an entirely different reason.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:58 AM ^
The cat deserved it
August 10th, 2010 at 10:10 AM ^
in this case,
kid: "but i won't do it again. its my right, as a kid, that regardless of my past actions and their perceived negative consequences, the second ammendment secures me admission into a public institution so that i may or may not do what i wish again and again and again."
August 10th, 2010 at 12:22 AM ^
Media people upset by this should send their complaints in writing to:
Michael Rosenberg Mark Snyder c/o Detroit Free Press 615 W. Lafayette Detroit, Michigan 48226August 10th, 2010 at 9:36 AM ^
for leaking the new play.
August 9th, 2010 at 10:15 PM ^
Don't be surprised to see him contribute this year and become the starter BEFORE Tate and Denard graduate.
August 10th, 2010 at 9:30 AM ^
this season. I don't want him to play at all. Because if he plays, we either have injuries to the first two, or poor play from Tate/Denard. Neither is something we would want.
August 10th, 2010 at 3:35 PM ^
He's just better than the other two. Probably not likely, and maybe not the best situation, but possible. And if he's the best player, he should play, no matter his age/experience. But more likely, he sits.
August 10th, 2010 at 9:31 AM ^
While that would be great, I still think a redshirt would be beneficial. But if Gardner is ready to lead the team, I would not be opposed to him showing what he can do.
August 9th, 2010 at 10:15 PM ^
I like that they have voted for their two permanent captains at the beginning of the season. While I also like the game captain philosophy as a rotating honor, I think continuity of senior leadership across the season is important, and welcome the return of that tradition.
August 9th, 2010 at 10:36 PM ^
Feels good to be reading about actual football activities. It's been another long off-season and glad we are getting on with it.
We just need to get past the Seattle hearing and then hopefully we'll be on our way to Sept. 4th without another jihad.
Bummed that Shaw isn't looking like he'll make it - and if he does, he's missing practice time. Hope he pulls through. I'm looking forward to the Denard versus Tate competition and still hope for a redshirt from Devin.
Thanks for the update fellas. Go Blue
August 10th, 2010 at 8:59 AM ^
If I'm reading Tim right, it doesn't sound like he will miss any practice, just assorted team meetings due to summer session. As a junior, he's seen it all before, so it's not a big deal.
It does sound like he needs the summer class to stay eligible, so Rodriguez is just being cautious by not mentioning him among the running backs (and also the fact that any mention would spur questions about his eligibility that Rich probably can't answer even if he wanted to).
August 9th, 2010 at 11:11 PM ^
thanks tim for the quick presser! Will Hagerup has a powerful leg, penciling one true freshmen to start. Good to hear about Vincent Smith and no problems with the knee.
August 10th, 2010 at 8:58 AM ^
I'm excited to see how Smith has developed given his flashes if brilliance last season, but anyone else worried about him being way too little to hold up through the season? I saw he's listed at 5'7, 260...which seems puny.
August 10th, 2010 at 9:19 AM ^
5' 7" 260lbs? Seems to me a tree trunk should be able to survive the Big Ten season.
August 10th, 2010 at 11:07 AM ^
my bad.
I just feel better about Fitz and Michael Cox.
August 10th, 2010 at 11:38 AM ^
and 180 no longer anywhere in the 160s. He is plenty big for his height and probably will get bigger. Remember some of Mike Hart's best play was at 185ish.
August 9th, 2010 at 11:23 PM ^
You can tell that Coach Rodriguez is excited about the offensive line, that is a good sign for this football team!
August 10th, 2010 at 9:35 AM ^
I agree, it is also nice that he pointed out that they are both big and quick. It will be good to have some stability and depth on the most underrated position on the field.
August 9th, 2010 at 11:24 PM ^
Made glorious autumn by this son of Yost;
And all the clouds that low'r'd upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
August 9th, 2010 at 11:44 PM ^
Can't wait 'till they put the pads on and really find out about these freshman... Everything is different in full contact. I want some of the Freshman DB's to show that they can step in and help right away. We need the depth yesterday.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:20 AM ^
Have you seen the weights of these incoming DB's? I'm not sure how many of these future impact kids can honestly contribute this year in the Big Ten
August 10th, 2010 at 12:39 AM ^
...sucks the enthusiasm out of me. How can our men be expected to achieve in such bleak surroundings? T-bar ceilings, lay-in fluorescents with prismatic diffusers, home depot address letters spelling out "Win for Michigan"?
These kids are playing their tails off, and the architects are screwing it up.
August 11th, 2010 at 9:54 AM ^
in a modest-sized room that contained both Brain Cook and Mark Snyder, together. It's actually hard to say. Either about 5 degrees Kelvin, or perhaps 211 degrees Fahrenheit.
August 10th, 2010 at 1:44 AM ^
The best thing about this to me is just how comfortable everything seems. It's all in the little things: not calling out Woolfolk, listening to the team and allowing them to elect captains, saying "we will worry about the outside stuff, the team needs to worry about football" and knowing that that is absolutely true. There is no sense of tension with the team or the press, it's all just business as usual. Which, really, is what we all want in the end.
August 10th, 2010 at 7:30 AM ^
say?
August 10th, 2010 at 7:49 AM ^
Google "Ron English football" and the AnnArbor.com article will come up.
August 10th, 2010 at 7:59 AM ^
Oops, I meant to link it. I'll update.
August 10th, 2010 at 8:35 AM ^
See here for English's apology and his response to the Free Press column that started it.
August 10th, 2010 at 9:08 AM ^
Who asked RR the question about it? Seems like the kind of question that is unnecessary given the context, it only tangentially is related to the program.
August 10th, 2010 at 11:07 AM ^
One of the AnnArbor.com guys (not Rothstein), who is going all column-style on it, I assume.
August 10th, 2010 at 10:13 AM ^
I like this new past tense verb. Once you say it, there's no need for further explanation.
August 10th, 2010 at 8:27 AM ^
Sunday will be the first 2-a-day.
....on the 7th day, the Lord rested..............but His football team went to work.
Side note: Will Campbell? What the ..............
August 10th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^
Yea, what is going on with this kid? He was supposed to be a stud. Hopefully he is just down-playing it and Big Will will be a contributor on the DL
August 10th, 2010 at 12:05 PM ^
I really think he just said "OK" due to the fact he was annoyed that he was being asked about individuals...
August 10th, 2010 at 10:00 AM ^
Saturday is the seventh day! Sunday is the first day of the week.
August 10th, 2010 at 2:17 PM ^
August 10th, 2010 at 8:28 AM ^
I like the fact that we have two permanent captains named for this season, along with two honorary captains. I like that there seems to be more accountability and ownership amongst the seniors on this team. Do we know why Rodriguez changed his policy on captains for this season and is this going to be the way things are done for the future? Did the team select Schilling and Moundros or was that decision made by the coaches?
August 10th, 2010 at 8:52 AM ^
...the seniors suggested it in a recent meeting. Let your imagination run wild as to why RichRod took their suggestion, but he did. The team voted on the permanent captains. The coaches will select additional weekly captains.
August 10th, 2010 at 2:04 PM ^
Look, RR is now in a position after 3 years to trust his small senior group of leaders. No different than in a job, as people under you mature and gain experience, the more you may take suggestions seriously. In years 1 and 2, hell he's still trying to get to know the players let alone take meaningful suggestions to heart. I think its a great thing and something that could change year in and year based on his feel for the leadership and their decision making abilities. I would only look at this as positive.
August 10th, 2010 at 9:24 AM ^
Its good to read some purely positive UM football news....practice starting, UM vs Bama, etc.
Lets hope the squad can finish camp well and have all the kinks worked out. UCONN is going to answer a lot of questions.
August 10th, 2010 at 10:14 AM ^
the sub-text of the bama game is their efforts to hire RR, his declination of the job, thier getting saban and a championship while....whatever.
August 10th, 2010 at 9:39 AM ^
Senior leadership is the best news to me. And RR listened to them and made two permanent captains.
The Team, The Team, The Team.
August 10th, 2010 at 10:57 AM ^
At least from my review of the actual press conference, a few points really stood out as legitimate good news:
1. O-Line - To me, this is the most important positive thing that RR said. Our line was an outright disaster in 2008, and last year, it was still something of a liability (I am looking at you, right side). With our young QBs, having a strong line is critical. If they are constantly running for their lives or being flushed from the pocket, as we saw last year, there is a greater threat for turnovers and bad decision making. Getting these talented QBs some time to do what they do best will make a huge difference.
2. Hagerup - looks like he will keep our punting game strong.
3. V. Smith / Hopkins - great news on Smith, as we need a shifty back like that; also great news on Hopkins, as he is the only legit thumper back.
In my mind, the only "bad" news was RR's lack of enthusiasm for Will Campbell. Maybe we are just reading too much into this, but RR didn't seem to enthused when talking about him. I hope that he puts in the work to maximize his potential.
August 10th, 2010 at 11:08 AM ^
In my mind, the only "bad" news was RR's lack of enthusiasm for Will Campbell. Maybe we are just reading too much into this
Correct.
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