Oh Noes! Karsh hints it's between Tate and NICK
http://www.mgoblue.com/Multimedia/MultimediaCenter.aspx?id=183746
so it's subtle but Doug is talking to rod smith and asks him about why nick and tate might win the starting job, but only mentions DR as getting "a bunch of snaps"
August 27th, 2009 at 9:14 PM ^
I think Nick,by this point,knows more of the offense than Tate or Denard.Tate is probably second,because he enrolled early. the question is does Nick possess the physical tools to run alot of RR offense.
Tate with greater ability but a little less knowledge of the play book may be a better choice.
Denard with great physical skills and getting started late limits his knowledge of the play book.
The coaches probably do have plays scripted for each guy.
Boy! I hope this works out.They're going to have to pick their poison.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:16 PM ^
This makes sense. I never expected Denard to be the feature guy. He's a change of pace from what the other two will bring, not the focus of the offense.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:21 PM ^
Love the kid to death because he's a Michigan man....but he has a spaghetti noodle for an arm.
He cannot play significant minutes this year. I will die if this happens
It's either Tate or Denard....Nick does not have the physical tools
August 27th, 2009 at 9:27 PM ^
Well, if that article is to be believed, Sheridan showed a better arm than Tate did in practice today.....
August 27th, 2009 at 9:32 PM ^
Ok, if it's remotely possible that Nick Sheridan improved his arm strength that much in 9 months, I want whatever workout plan he's on, because I'll do it for 2 years, learn how to throw a curveball, and sign with the Yankees for $50M.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:35 PM ^
Traitor
August 27th, 2009 at 9:44 PM ^
I was actually joking they'd overpay for something shiny. I wouldn't expect to be very good.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:50 PM ^
Aye, I was only joking as well, the Yanks are actually my 17th favorite babeball team
August 27th, 2009 at 11:10 PM ^
Well if youre looking to pitch the Yankees are notorious for overspending for not so good pitchers
August 27th, 2009 at 9:48 PM ^
No, you won't. You will sign with the Tigers and like it.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:53 PM ^
You want another tall lefty that throws 88mph and gives up 8 runs a game? If so, you'll love this guy the Tigers just declared the 5th starter. I believe his name is Nate Robertson.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:20 PM ^
to be cremated or buried?
August 27th, 2009 at 9:38 PM ^
There is no way in hell Sheridan has a better arm then Tate. Sheridan must have improved A LOT. If that is the case then I'm really worried about this year.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:41 PM ^
If anything, the interview made it seem slanted towards to the freshmen, IME.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:45 PM ^
From everything that we now know,Nick Sheridan may be the greatest practice player in the history of Michigan football.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:48 PM ^
Have you heard of Stevie Brown?
August 27th, 2009 at 9:55 PM ^
Mejunglechop it slipped my mind, I had forgotten our greatest cover guy. My mistake.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:12 PM ^
a good point here, and that is the decision will be made based on how well each player practices. This is, most likely, the reason why RR has stated that all three will play vs. Western. He wants game tape on each QB. He wants to see how each guy will react to live game situations, which are entirely different from practices/scrimmages. As much as the WMU game is the home opener and a very important game, it is each QB's audition for the next week's game.
In all likelihood, if Tate does not start, it will be Sheridan for perhaps one series just to see his progress from year one to year two in the system. Also, remember that he was injured for a good portion of this year and missed valuable time. Tate, again if he doesn't start, would come in because he is more comfortable with the playbook than Denard.
Finally, Denard will probably see time on primarily run plays to see just how explosive he can be in this offense. The QB with the best performance starts against ND.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:38 PM ^
DR will not start against ND.
RR is also obviously playing with The Schematic Genius down in South Bend. Pretty sure that even after the Western game, there won't be a starter named ahead of ND for exactly that reason. It may be obvious by then, but I'm sure all three names will still be in the mix.
How'd you happen to choose your MGoName? Been awhile since I heard the name Greg McMurtry.
August 28th, 2009 at 8:56 AM ^
this screen name because I started watching UM games in 1988 (I'm 30) and he's one of the players that I remember from that team. Also, he's rarely mentioned when people speak about receivers who've worn #1 at Michigan even though he had a solid receiving career.
August 28th, 2009 at 9:44 AM ^
And although the name doesn't have the ring of Tyrone Butterfield, McMurtry was actually a good player.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:26 PM ^
I agree... now I'm wondering what length is the leash these guys are going to be on. How long will RR wait to make a change if things start going bad.
August 28th, 2009 at 1:06 AM ^
Regardless how Sheridan looks against our porous defense (yes our defense is not very good even with GERG, accept it) in practice, he has proven to choke in game situations. His knowledge of the playbook may be great, but he made terrible decisions in games last year (e.g. Notre Dame, Toledo, and N'Western games). He didn't show improvement after his "breakout" performance against Minnesota. Not that we know how the freshmen will react in game situations, I can't imagine that they could be any less composed than Nick Sheridan.
For whatever reason, I'm starting to worry about us getting through this WMU game if Sheridan sees significant time. Maybe I'm just wary because of the last 2 years season openers.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:48 PM ^
I honestly think RichRod is just sugarcoating in his interviews. I don't believe RichRod honestly thinks Death is a respectable option at anything other then clipboard holder. I mean think about it. How the hell could 3 QBs really play and be successful? It is nearly impossible. The QB is the leader. You can't sub QBs like you do RBs or WRs. A successful offense has to be comfortable with one starter. That's not to say Nick won't add depth. But people, RichRod isn't stupid. He's just talking out his ass.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:50 PM ^
Right, and to REALLY convince people, he's playing Sheridan with the first team O and giving him an equal number of snaps. That RichRod is a tricky mother fucker.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:53 PM ^
You gotta prepare him too. What if Tate or shoelaces gets hurt? But honestly, you are prolly right. My bad.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:02 PM ^
I don't really care who starts at QB. I am All In For Michigan! Go Blue!
August 27th, 2009 at 10:18 PM ^
I'm actually curious to see Sheridan play. I hear all this stuff about year 1 vs. year 2 progression in RR's system and I'd like to see how much better Nick is in year 2. As some have said here, he had a noodle arm last year, but he's had another year working out with Coach Barwis, which could make a huge difference.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:34 PM ^
for Nick than a true freshman coming in to play. New system. New plays. New coaches. Different expectations.
Chad Henne's playbook was very limited his freshman year. Nick's probably was last year.
At the very least, having a year under his belt gives him more knowledge and more playbook available. More importantly, it gives him some comfort.
I thought Nick was pretty damn poor last year except in the Minnesota game. But if he can perform without mistakes, even though conservatively, that is enough to make a substantial improvement. The improvement in the OL will help -- a lot.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:42 PM ^
When you look back to last year, the entire offense were like true freshmen. They all had to learn an entirely different offense than what they were used to / recruited for. In his second year, Nick at least has an understanding of the offense, and what's expected of him - not to mention he has a ton of talent surrounding him. Just get the ball to the playmakers and let them do the work.
August 28th, 2009 at 1:13 AM ^
You're comparing a walk-on to highly recruited talent in Henne. There is no comparison. It's very possible that Sheridan has absolutely maxed out his abilities regardless of how hard he works. We have to remember this kid had no D1 offers. He's simply not very talented. He does not have a high ceiling. Playbook knowledge only works if you can make the throws and runs needed, which Sheridan clearly can't. Maybe he's better than death, but that's not good enough.
August 28th, 2009 at 10:01 AM ^
that Nick does not have the ceiling. No doubt. But, he's competing against two freshman who are bascially at the same point mentally Nick was last year.
Do you remember how bad Henne was his first few games? The playcalling was VERY protective and he was bailed by Braylon many times over. Especially in the firt few games. And you're right Henne has massive talent and came in as a touted qb -- moreso than Tate or DR. In fact, he never would have started the season but for Gutz' shoulder injury. I think this is analogous.
And I think Nick can make the throws. They may be more conservative throws, like vs. Minnesota. But that's fine. Bottom line we need to remove the plethora of mistakes and be able to move the chains -- make sure the defense isn't out there after every 4th play like so many times last year. And while he's not breaking 60 yarders on a regular basis(even Threet did that once) if he can manage the game with the fewest mistakes then great. I think the O-Line will have a very big impact on his ability to do that after getting familiar with what they're supposed to be doing out there.
My guess is Tate starts and plays most of the season. BUT, if Nick starts it's because he knows much more and is much more comfortable than the Tate. When Tate is ready, he'll break in as a starter. Maybe half way through the season.
The last thing I want to see is the same poor decisions passing the ball that Nick made last year, which is what I'm afraid of if Tate is not ready. I'm going to assume that Nick has learned from those and they won't be repeated as often until he proves otherwise.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:19 PM ^
Sheridan sounds like a hell of a guy, I just would prefer Tate or Denard outplay him so much that it isn't an issue.
I have an acquaintance who spoke with a walk-on who is currently on the team. Said that nobody really liked Threet too much, but they loved Sheridan but wished he were better.
(Yay 2ndhand non-committal namedrops!)
August 27th, 2009 at 10:32 PM ^
I don't think anyone believes Sheridan is the future of Michigan football, but if RR thinks he's more mature and has a better grasp of the offense come Sept. 5, I'll support that. No matter what happens, Tate and Denard will both see the field vs. WMU. By mid-season, at the latest, I would expect either Tate or Denard to be the starter. The best QB will prevail and lead Michigan into a better 2009 season.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:44 PM ^
On one hand, we have people saying if RR thinks Sheridan is the best QB they are ok with him starting.
On the other hand (or the same hand in the 4th dimension) we have people bitching non-stop for RR thinking Sheridan was better than Threet last year.
So, which is it?
August 27th, 2009 at 10:52 PM ^
It's the second, at least in my case. If Sheridan starts against Western Michigan, I will be holding my breath until either:
a) He leads us to a touchdown or two at which time I will start to relax
-or-
b) He is meh and is replaced by either Tate or Denard
Either way, hopefully I will not be holding my breath for long.
August 27th, 2009 at 11:07 PM ^
Yeah, if you hold your breath for too long that won't end well. All I know, is that if Sheridan becomes a serviceable QB, despite missing the spring with an injured leg, that RichRod and his coaching staff are the best in the world. And, I'll be ok with this.
August 27th, 2009 at 11:19 PM ^
I'll take best in the world coaches for sure. If Sheridan is really a better quarterback than Tate, then yes, it is a coaching miracle.
August 27th, 2009 at 10:56 PM ^
I'm saying that this year and last year are non-comparable. Last year, RR had to choose between 2 QB's not designed to run the spread offense, but willing to try. This year, RR has 2 outstanding true freshman QB's that fit the spread, and one QB that doesn't, but has an additional year of experience learning the system. Tate and Denard are the future, but if Nick is the best option in the present, I'll trust RR on that.
August 27th, 2009 at 11:17 PM ^
and he should be. He has the potential to be an NFL quarterback. But, that doesn't mean that Nick isn't better RIGHT NOW than either Tate or DR. If Threet were here, he'd probably start against Western.
August 27th, 2009 at 11:09 PM ^
if the Blade comment about Sheridan having a stronger arm than Forcier makes me more (a) curious about just how much Sheridan's arm strength has improved and how he did it, or (b) terrified that Forcier doesn't have a D-1 arm either and there once again won't be any kind of downfield passing.
I'm leaning (a), but (b) is definitely right there.
August 27th, 2009 at 11:24 PM ^
the sentiment I was trying to convey with my what. I'm not so good with these word things, though.
August 27th, 2009 at 11:46 PM ^
I'm with you on (a) for sure. More than anything, I'm curious to see how much year 1 to year 2 has improved Sheridan. Looking at the photos from media day, Sheridan has much larger arms than I remember from last year. Maybe this arm strength thing is legit. Sheridan isn't the running threat we're all hoping for, but if he can get this team off to a good start while mentoring the 2 freshman, I'm all in.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:22 AM ^
Arm size isn't correlated with arm strength at all.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:41 AM ^
Maybe it's just me, but I could have sworn that Sheridan was learning a completely new and unfamiliar offensive scheme last fall. As someone who hadn't played a down of college football at the time to begin with, that might have had a teeny bit to do with it too.
There's no doubt that Nick is less talented physically than either Tate or Denard, and he may well be less talented in getting things done at crunch time, too. Regardless, it's silly to completely downplay the task of learning RR's system from a standing start, which is what Nick had to do.
Having just watched the Karsch/Smith interview, I think people are drawing wayyy too many conclusions from Karsch's questions and Smith's response. I think that Smith is going out of his way to praise Sheridan's work ethic and team-oriented approach to his situation without saying so in so many words. They're not going to come right out and say he's got no chance of being the full-time starter, even if that's what their conclusion is.
If nothing else, RR and his staff are sending a loud and clear message that simply being anointed "more talented" doesn't automatically get you squat with them. Tate and/or Denard are going to have to earn the starting spot in whatever way RR and Smith require, and their high school reputations don't mean anything in the final analysis.
My money's on Tate getting the majority of the snaps against WMU and ND, but I'm not going to crap my pants if Sheridan or Denard get them instead. All I care about is beating who we're playing. Considering the amount of crap Sheridan gets from people here and elsewhere, I'd get a huge amount of pleasure if he was the one who gets it done.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:33 AM ^
Based on his sqat, bench press, jerk, and 40 time, David Molk as part of our four man pitching rotation?
August 28th, 2009 at 12:51 AM ^
You all are worried over nothing. My thoughts when I first watched the video were that Karsh was just trying not to be too redundant by finding another way to ask the same basic question for the third time. If anything, I would believe Karsh was intentionally trying to cover up who was going to be the starter as opposed to giving it away. Despite Nick's improvements, there are limitations to what he can do in this offense and the coaches are keenly aware of it. Notice how RR always starts out talking about the freshmen and then throws in Nick as a side note. RR is going to get the QBs in the game who can make plays and Nick is not a playmaker. He may get an opportunity to see game action, but ultimately the writing is on the wall for Mr. Sheridan, future coach. Though I hope he does well and can contribute in his soon to be short lived playing career.
August 28th, 2009 at 8:50 AM ^
question, not a coaches comment, so I agree with you. Also, I don't know how current these things are. They show practice footage, but much of it is recycled and these interviews could have taken place weeks ago.
On today's version, Tate says something like with 4 weeks left... which leads me to believe this was taped 3 weeks ago.
GO BLUE!
August 28th, 2009 at 10:09 AM ^
Karsh is very tuned in with the program. Very. Probably not purely an "accident".
That question, together with Rod's comments about still working on Denard's mechanics and footwork are telling.
August 28th, 2009 at 1:19 AM ^
Man, I cannot wait for Devin Gardner to get in here next year and start a QB debate that doesn't involve a weak, immobile walk-on. Sheridan may be a hell of a guy, but he's just not D1 caliber.