LSU/Sheppard - UM/Robinson
November 7th, 2009 at 6:42 PM ^
Defenses wouldn't know if he'll be a RB, WR, or involved in a halfback-option.
November 7th, 2009 at 6:43 PM ^
I most certainly agree. Sheppard has been fun to watch in this game so far, and it would be great to see Denard have a similar role; especially if tate continues to keep his stranglehold on the starting job.
November 7th, 2009 at 6:45 PM ^
shepard is their third string qb (at least with jefferson not being hurt) and we need denard as our backup qb. next yr when gardner becomes the backup (and possible starter) denard should be phased in to this role.
November 7th, 2009 at 6:46 PM ^
I think it's probably his next step. It's kind of like how Texas used Chiles. He started out as a change of pace QB, but as he's become more acquainted with the offense, Texas has utilized him as a WR/RB/QB mix this season. He gets plenty of touches, looks really good.
November 7th, 2009 at 6:47 PM ^
Did he move permanently to wide receiver or just in transition to it?
November 7th, 2009 at 6:50 PM ^
After falling behind McCoy, he asked to move to WR to get more playing time. Since that move at the end of last season, he took over wildcat duties this year as well as plenty of end around runs. He throws a bit more than your run of the mill wildcat QB, which shouldn't be a surprise since he was a QB in the first place.
November 7th, 2009 at 6:47 PM ^
Robinson should probably be used as a WR, but then again the offense is doing okay. Maybe they should give DR a chance at safety - at least nobody would run past him down the middle.
But yeah, I agree that DR should be utilized a bit more, if for no other reason than that it will help in his maturation.
November 8th, 2009 at 5:12 PM ^
as a DB? I agree, given that we need so much help over there, to move him to that side of the ball, for nothing less than he could run everyone down. I'm guessing his tackling might be suspect, but worth a shot.
We have two games to go and need one of them. I think at this point, even if Forcier gets hurt, we would be in trouble playing DR as our QB full time in either of those games, so I don't see a lot of risk in trying to get him more involved outside of the QB position.
Regarding the question from OP, I thought that exact same thing when I saw Shepherd in the LSU game that we could use DR that way.
November 7th, 2009 at 6:58 PM ^
Earlier in the season, with a lot of football left and the potential for a good finish, risking injury to the guy just ahead of Sheridan wouldn't have been a good idea. See Slappy and Drew Stanton on the punt team against Nebraska.
It's why backup NFL QBs draw pretty good paychecks. You don't want to risk one play/one injury ruining your whole season.
But with so little time left, the season ruined, and DG coming in next year, it's time to make use of DRob's skills.
November 7th, 2009 at 7:14 PM ^
He truly does..I'm a supporter but am sick of seeing his poor gameplanning and decision making
November 7th, 2009 at 9:04 PM ^
so how would u utilize the players on Michigans roster differently chief? RR put Denard at RB and ran the stretch with him today and guess what. It was stopped for a 3 yard loss.
November 7th, 2009 at 11:47 PM ^
When you put an explosive player like him in for a single play (the stretch), i think the defense/coaches can figure out that its probably going to him. Les figured it out with Russell- he may not have the qb skills now, so utilize his speed in other ways until he does gain those throwing skills/confidence. Hes a huge threat, and there aren't many people in this conference that can keep up with him.
November 8th, 2009 at 6:21 PM ^
I'm not agreeing with the total mismanagement of players comment above, but putting him in at RB for one play is about as predictable as last year when we would put feagin or brown in at QB. He's obviously getting the ball.
November 8th, 2009 at 6:38 PM ^
And honestly, should we really be putting our second string QB consistently in harms way? You do remember Sheridan don't you?
November 8th, 2009 at 6:40 PM ^
Is he related to Sheridammit by any chance?