Denard Robinson's Progression
Without the benefit of a spring camp, Denard Robinson was clearly not ready to play QB, but for his ridiculous speed and running threat.
As there is only so much time in the coaches' day during fall camp and during the season, and the coaches' need to focus on the current season, I'm guessing that Denard didn't get the level of tutelage that he'll be receiving this off season.
Other than the 15 days of spring camp, what is allowed as to watching film with the coaches, etc. to increase Denard's on field awareness. (Tate also needs this badly, but just an order-of-magnitude less than DRob. It seems to me that there might be some low hanging fruit with DRob if the coaches are allowed to devote the time to him.)
Perhaps Nick Sheridan has a role to play here. (Coaching, not playing, in a do-as-I-say-type role.)
Thoughts?
January 3rd, 2010 at 1:52 PM ^
guess he will continue to back up Tate this year while Gardner redshirts. And after that I'm not sure what will happen. They may have to put him at another position if Denard develops and Tate continues to start.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:05 PM ^
but this seems to be the best case scenario; have denard develop enough to at least be a viable second string thereby keeping devin on the redshirt path. in denards third year, however, if it seems like he would be third string to tate/devin, then the coaches would have to move him, id assume.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:09 PM ^
Do you think DRob would be willing to move to another position? I thought one of the reasons that we were able to recruit him (over the likes of Fla.), was because he wanted to be a QB? He definitely needs a lot of work, and it may not be in the cards? Still, I'd love to see his talent utilized on the field these next few years. Putting him on the field with a mature Tate or Gardner, would be sooo sick!!!
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:14 PM ^
Most of these kids just want the opportunity to play a position, but ultimately care most about making an impact and seeing the field. While I don't know anything of Shoelace personally, he seems to me to fit that mold; if given a fair shot at QB and can't crack the lineup then start practicing at other positions--in addition.
Somebody should show him footage of Antonio Bass pre-injury and get him excited about a similar role.
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:00 PM ^
people were speculating him transferring. I don't think this is going to happen for two reasons:
1. The only reason why Denard would be a 2nd/3rd string is if he does not develop a lot as a qb. In this case, why would he waste a year and sit-out from transferring to another school to play qb when he's not destined to be great at it in the long run?
2. I remember an interview with Denard right after he committed to Michigan where he said that he's going to start out at QB at Mich and if it doesn't work out, he will not have a problem moving around...
I'm pretty sure he himself knows that he can be pretty successful at a lot of positions based on his speed and balls skills so I doubt he's gonna transfer
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:26 PM ^
Or perhaps there could be some off-season Washington Redskins reenactments, with Tate Forcier playing Todd Collins and Denard Robinson playing Antwaan Randle-El.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:23 PM ^
Don't take this as Tate-bashing (would you neg RichRod, too?)
Now I think Tate is the overwhelming favorite, but I like RichRod's approach. Let them all progress, and take the best of the three in the fall. No predetermined outcomes.
Maybe RichRod is thinking that he might be able to coach-up DRob to a decision-making competency level where he can trust him to throw the ball down the field (in something other than a "change up" fashion). If DRob could become that competent, his feet would make him awfully dangerous.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:35 PM ^
job is wide open, but it loks like Gardener will red shirt, DRob will be the backup and Tate will start. It would be in Devins best interest to sit one year and learn the system. DRob needs to make marked improvemnet in his passing game. Another year of a freshmen qb(Gardner) starting would result in the same record we had this year or close to itand set us back.
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:02 PM ^
is to not give anything to the media which can be used as criticism.
In this present media environment why would a coach ever reveal his decision early?
also there is just a lot of time until next season, and the focus is on developing everyone to be football players,
I'm not saying we shouldn't waste our time speculating, that is 90% of the point of this blog, but I just wouldn't use anything Rich Rod says at this point as evidence to base on which to base your argument.
Spring Game, then Fall Camp are the two times what the Coaches do will be good indicators of who they are favoring.
Robinson has much more experience than Gardner with this complex option read offense, unless he's just not intellectual enough to make the decisions, he's going to continue as the backup to Tate,
Gardner only loses his redshirt if there is injury, and there is still plenty of time for that to happen.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:28 PM ^
they aren't going to sit Gardner more than one year, and at this point, Tate is clearly better than DRob. I don't think DRob is willing to be 3rd string. So it's my guess, they will use him as a wildcat, or as a flanker or in the slot. He doesn't have NFL abaility at QB so it would probably be in his interest to move.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:30 PM ^
I think the advantage UM had over the other schools is that RichRod said he would give Denard the chance to compete at the qb position. He is being given that. I suspect both of them know Denard has to much talent to waste it on being a 3rd string qb.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:17 PM ^
I would almost rather redshirt him as Tate is the clear starter. D. Rob has great potential but appears to lack the wherewithal at this time to be a game changer. He needs more development.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:21 PM ^
I think we'll need to wait until at least after this year before we can start making any comments about position changes or his future position on the depth chart. I don't think anyone can stress the importance of a full extra year of development, especially in the case of a true freshman.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:27 PM ^
I guess it depends on what he wants to do in the future. I have only seen him play for one season as a true freshman and that does not predict his ability to play by any means. That being said, would he have a chance to play qb in the NFL or would he have a better chance at a different position? With our future depth at qb hopefully he doesn't pull an Eric Crouch and decide that if he can't play qb he will just take his ball and go home.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:28 PM ^
I'm hoping he'll be our version of Dexter McCluster with throwing ability; assuming Gardner and Tate both work out, Denard's talents would be best utilized at a wildcat or just pure speed position. With Gardner/Force living up to their potential, Denard's best shot at a pro future would probably be wildcat-oriented.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:45 PM ^
This is such a ridiculous topic. Devin Gardner hasn't even practiced one time with the team and people already want to decide what his future for the year is. Hell, the kid hasn't even officially signed a letter of intent! While it seems pretty obvious that Tate is the "leader in the clubhouse" to be next year's starter, the position is still widely up for grabs. I just want the best player to win the job and quite frankly I don't care who it is. I hope the best for all of them. Put a little trust in the Rich's ability to coach and build a program.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:49 PM ^
Denard Robinson =/= Devin Gardner
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:18 PM ^
even Tate.
Of course these come up in discussion, but the main point to address, if there are any experts/insiders out there, is what can be done to capture the low-hanging fruit, an improvement in DRob's glaring lack of downfield awareness.
If there were no NCAA constraints, it seems to me that, say, a hiring of a DRob QB coach would be money well spent, to work daily on that obvious weakness.
Can the coaches watch film with the players in the off-season? If so, can the coaches have any involvement (perhaps indirect) as the players take their film lessons to "voluntary" throwing drills? "Voluntary" in the sense that DRob has no chance whatsoever of starting if he doesn't improve on this glaring deficiency.
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:08 PM ^
A DRob Coach? I can only assume you mean the quarterbacks coach. Yes he already exists. His name is Rod Smith.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:03 PM ^
D rob should be moved to WR. He has to much talent to be on the sidelines (this has been said soo much), and is not proven to be QB. During the tOSU game when he was playing reviever and everyone knew he was going to be thrown to, if he gets preped during spring practice to play reciever I think he could be the next great MICHIGAN wide reciever!
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:17 PM ^
He had one fall camp of coaching, where quantity of QB/Playbook coaching was stressed over quality of QB/Playbook coaching to get him as ready as possible to step in. He had next to zero effective QB coaching going in to the fall camp. Just because he couldn't jump in from HS level play to D1 college level play as a true freshman does not mean he can't grow into a serviceable QB. People seem to forget what it was like when QB's would sit and watch for 2-3 years, while getting player-specific technique coaching, slowly learning the playbook. You saw how Tate struggled while essentially being bred to play QB. Patience is key with Robinson.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:28 PM ^
It was probably evident early, that while this Denard guy was extremely exciting, he wasn't going to be the mainstay. And so you prepare to win the 2009 games with what you have in 2009. DRob was an enticing change-up, and perhaps the coaches hoped that his once-in-a-while adventures down field would turn out better, but I doubt the staff had the time to focus on the glaring deficiency and go into Remedial Coverage Reading 100.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:06 PM ^
For me, the exciting part is watching the competition. I think the best of all three of these guys at the QB position and even though DRob and Tate were competing for the job this past year, there didn't seem to be animostiy between the two. On the contrary, I noticed very positive exchanges between the two of them all year long. I really think (and hope) Rich has got the right motivation in place for these guys to develop and continue to develop. Here's to some exciting years to come!
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:35 PM ^
I see Denard being the backup for one more year. I think many of us, though, are putting a ceiling on his passing skills without the benefit of an adequate sample. That being said, I think he may end up like a healthier version of ex-FSU QB/WR Anquan Boldin, volunteering to change positions as a junior to get more involved in the offense. There is also a chance that Denard switches to the other side of the ball.
At any rate, the competition is great for the position, and too many good QB's would be a great "problem" to have, especially after the Sherithreet season. IIRC, Denard was promised was the opportunity to compete at QB, and that is exactly what he has gotten. I just hope that whatever happens is the best for all involved.
I wonder what Cornelius Jones thinks about this discussion?
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:50 PM ^
I like that RR has open competition at the QB spot. But my guess is Tate will retain the starting position with Denard backing him up. The best option would be to redshirt Gardner but somehow I think he plays this year.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:51 PM ^
I think Devin plays next year and Denard plays a WR/HB hybrid position. He didn't even know the offense enough for the coaches to trust him with the simple zone read play. It was 90% single wing. They also need to get his play making ability on the field, and I think the best way to do that is to utilize him like Florida did with Percy Harvin.
I personally would like to see Rod adapt the offense to fit Tate's skill set and have Denard do a lot of jet sweeps and quick hit passes. Denard's throwing ability also leaves a lot of trick play potential. I know if they move him away from QB that it burns a redshirt for DG, but I think it's worth it to get the most out of DRob. And Devin will definitely see the field in certain packages.
If everything goes well they can still redshirt Devin down the road, although ideally that happens this year.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:53 PM ^
Because I love seeing this.
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:37 PM ^
I forgot about Odoms sweet block to spring him too. Hopefully the best is yet to come.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:58 PM ^
Could you please stop with the moving Denard to WR. He's a QB. He can throw the ball. He has a stronger arm than Tate and better mechanics than Devin. He doesn't know the offense. He made bad decisions becaues of lack of understanding. Not to mention he didn't have all private coaching Tate did in high school. A kid that dangerous is most dangerous with the ball in his hands. Best way to get in his hands? At QB. He gets in the secondary and opposing coaches will cry. Tate is not a threat to take it to the house everytime. We better pray that he improves because with Tate's "Gambler" mentality and questionable shoulder, he may not last long.
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:07 PM ^
1. Robinson does not have "better" mechanics than Gardener. They are equally as funky.
2. What sort of mentality do you call it when Robinson tries to force the ball into double and triple coverage? Seems like he gambles just as much as you believe that Tate does.
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:23 PM ^
Devin throws a sideways knuckle ball. A little like T.P but not that bad. Denard only problem is his ball comes out a little low. Watch tapes of him throwing the ball then watch Devin.
Robinson throwing into double coverage shows his inability to recognize the defenses. Once he knows what to look for he won't do that (I hope he won't). He just needs to learn to roll out and throw it away or take the hell off.
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:04 PM ^
his first drive against Iowa. Yes, prevent defense, but he threw the short passes well. He's not ready to hit all the routes in the middle of the field, but he could be something special even by next year if he's able to get his mid-range passes down and read the DE on the run options.
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:06 PM ^
have that first drive at Iowa on video?
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:05 PM ^
I needed that vid.