Video: Denard on Why He Stayed

Submitted by ikestoys on

http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/sports/denard-robinson-shares-thoughts-on-stayi…

 

Summary for anybody at work tomorrow:

 

In an interview with MGoBlue Television, Robinson said, "People were getting in touch with me the whole time, and making sure I made the right decision, not trying to rush things and not trying to force anything.

"My teammates, we talked, and I told them, 'You know I just can't leave you out there.'  I've been around these guys two years and we've bonded and it's like a family here. There's nothing like this."

Robinson, who shared his thoughts after the team's 95-minute meeting with Hoke Sunday night, also took to heart advice from his father.

"My dad said if you can play under two different coaches and two different offenses and you can learn and be successful in it, you can do good anywhere."

BleedingBlue

January 17th, 2011 at 10:22 AM ^

Testament to RR and his staff that put all these kids together and enforced the family atmosphere.  What a great job they did recruiting Denard and all of the players.  I hope Hoke can continue the momentum!

And Denard's parents are amazing people.

GoBlue21

January 17th, 2011 at 8:09 AM ^

This kid is the epitome of what college football should be all about.  It's nice to read stories about kids doing the 'right things'!  After watching the Cam Newton saga and the Tat-5 at tSIO, that interview with Denard makes me feel good about being a Michigan Wolverine!

Kudos to his parents, they raised a great young man!

Go Blue!

pasadenablue

January 17th, 2011 at 3:01 AM ^

... is going to go down in the pantheon of truly legendary Michigan players.  His name will be mentioned with the Charles Woodsons, Desmond Howards, Anthony Carters, Mike Harts, etc.

 

I couldn't ask for a better young man to lead this team.  His parents did one helluva of a job with him.

 

Brady Hoke is a lucky man.

cjm

January 17th, 2011 at 2:06 AM ^

What an amazing example to his peers at the many young men that will look up to him in future years as a face of the Michigan Wolverines.

Bluestreak

January 17th, 2011 at 2:10 AM ^

Sounds like we need someone like him to recruit. Million dollar smile.

 

Also - sounds like his dad is a very rational and motivating man. Maybe he should coach too!

BRCE

January 17th, 2011 at 2:25 AM ^

I never thought he would leave. Why? It is unprecedented for an established star to transfer schools. I can't think of a time it has ever happened once in college football or college basketball. Yes, some have become stars AFTER a transfer. Never once can I think of a time a star was made before a transfer. And some of the reasons Denard outlined (teammates truly believing in him, loving a campus that loves you) are evidence why. It takes a lot more than a change in offensive scheme to make a young man leave what he has here and sit out a whole year.

Brian's recent "we've basically ensured the transfer of the Big Ten player of the year" may have been an even more foolish statement than the now infamous "zero point zero."

bsand2053

January 17th, 2011 at 2:27 AM ^

Lets all just take a minute and recognize how blessed we are to have a uniquely talented player who has the character to match.  If there is anyone who can restore the phrase "Michigan Man", it is Mr. Robinson.  

 

buddhafrog

January 17th, 2011 at 10:22 AM ^

He is my new Lloyd Brady.  I will look for him every time the sidelines or endzone are shown.  There is a great comfort knowing that he will be there.  Always prepared.  Delighting in anticipation of shooting Denard's next great play.  

Asian camera man prepared for the apocalypse, I salute you.

ZooWolverine

January 17th, 2011 at 11:03 AM ^

That'd be Tony Ding, former Michigan Daily photographer and all-around awesome guy.  He took the iconic photo of Tate directing downfield receivers before throwing a TD pass in the Notre Dame game in 2009.  You can check out his website for more of his stuff, he does some amazing work: http://tonyding.photoshelter.com/ (Edited to include current website)

Edit edit: here's the Tate photo that was everywhere after the win, although I'm sure you've seen many others from Tony since he often covers Michigan games:

jmblue

January 17th, 2011 at 2:23 AM ^

All three of our Heisman Trophy winners were not recruited by the coach they played for in their Heisman season: 

Tom Harmon was recruited by Harry Kipke, but won the Heisman under Fritz Crisler.

Desmond Howard was recruited by Bo Schembechler, but won the Heisman under Gary Moeller.

Charles Woodson was recruited by Moeller, but won the Heisman under Lloyd Carr.

Can it happen again?  Rich Rodriguez's greatest legacy to this school may prove to be the recruitment of Denard.

Nutsnbolts

January 17th, 2011 at 2:27 AM ^

If this kid can show the kind of fortitude, trust, and commitment to his teammates and this new staff, then I think we as fans should be able to do the same....

awolfinwater

January 17th, 2011 at 2:47 AM ^

Denard is officially my favorite Wolverine of all time. His talent, humbleness, and leadership amazes me for someone that can't legally drink alcohol. How can you not love to cheer for this guy?

HoldTheRope

January 17th, 2011 at 3:24 AM ^

One of the things that's keeping me positive right now is the fact that he was a first year starter (!) this past season...it seems like that has been lost in all the chaos. There are even bigger things in store for #16 and the Michigan offense. Players do get better, and, well, he's already kind of good.

promzek

January 17th, 2011 at 8:43 AM ^

It seems any smart high school player should see what we see and want to play wiht Denard.  I wish we could find a way to better publicize him nationally to get recruits.  Who wouldn't want to play on the team of a future superstar / Heisman winner (I hope).