Deerfield Beach & DRob: The Backstory

Submitted by MGoShoe on

Pete Bigelow's latest offering at A2.com is a backstory on Denard Robinson and his hometown of Deerfield Beach, Florida.   

From family members and long-time coaches to people who have only known him a short time, [Denard] Robinson evokes feelings that run deeper than whatever promise he holds on a football field. If there’s someone who personifies what Deerfield Beach hopes for its community, it’s Robinson.

Like Deerfied Beach, on this Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks that Denard has found a second home in Ann Arbor allowing his gifts to be developed and put to best use. It didn't have to turn out this way, but it has. And that's because a a strong family, supported by dedicated educators and youth and school coaches helped to produce a high character, humble, and physically gifted student-athlete.

Giff4484

November 25th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^

And when I wear my Michigan hat out people always stop me and tell me how great Denard is and how proud they are of him. Michigan got a good kid and great QB is what I hear.

willywill9

November 25th, 2010 at 9:35 AM ^

“He was always, ‘Yes, ma’am, no, ma’am,’” she said. “I love it when kids do that.”
I love this kid. Great story, i have cousins from Cooper City and they say Denard is the toast of the town there too.

Mgobowl

November 25th, 2010 at 9:43 AM ^

I think Pete's a day late and a dollar short here. The Daily ran a very well written piece a few weeks back about "the backstory". I believe it was before the Iowa game, but I might be mistaken.

Blue boy johnson

November 25th, 2010 at 10:08 AM ^

Patrick Peterson is LSU's best player and athlete, a virtual lock to leave early and head to the NFL after this season. The race where Robinson caught Peterson from behind to win the State Championship, was nothing short of spectacular. Peterson is a year older than Denard and was rated Rivals #1 player in Florida and the #1 cornerback in the country.

The video is available somewhere on this sight, I am going to try and locate.

C-BusWolve

November 25th, 2010 at 11:22 AM ^

It is great that stories like this are getting into the media. It is just another step in debunking the myth that RR recruits thugs and punks with a win-at-all-cost attitude. Does RR recruit a different type of athlete? Yeah, probably. Are they sometimes not found in-state, thus requiring him to recruit Florida just as hard as Michigan? Yes. I just wonder how many more Denard Robinsons and Vincents Smiths RR has to recruit before people realize that every kid from Florida with dreadlocks is not a punk who only cares about football and is constantly in trouble with the law before people realize that RR does hold our university in high regard and recruits athletes that deserve to wear the Maize and Blue.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

swamyblue

November 25th, 2010 at 11:34 AM ^

I am very thankful to have one of the most prolific players in college football on our team.  For Delithium, his teammates, and the coaches have set things in motion for a great future. 

As to the rest of the Big Ten, I hope you enjoyed your run.  The coutdown has begun.  We're coming back to compete for the Big Ten Championship and a National Title as early as next year.

 

Go Blue

 

P.S. Denard is one hell of a role model.  And yes, no kid is perfect!  But you gotta love how positive that guy is and how he just goes to work.  I'm looking forward to seeing him graduate.  And I hope he shreds the bucks for a big one this Saturday.  =)

cooler 517

November 25th, 2010 at 11:58 AM ^

Great story, thank you shoe, I can't get enough of this kid!  3 straight years of negativity, and Denard seems like the rose that grew from concrete.  He makes me proud to be a Michigan fan, and excited about the future, and for that, I'm thankful today!  Go Blue!!!!