Wojo on the Denard to Devin Transition

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December 31st, 2012 at 9:40 AM
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Everyone Murders
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Wojo on the Denard to Devin Transition

Link: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121231/OPINION03/212310342/Torch-passes-between-Michigan-quarterbacks?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Sports

Click above for a great article from Wojo in today's Detroit News.  The article has several insights into what most of us already recognized as a good relationship (they're roommates, fergodsakes) between competitive friends.  It's a really nice read on the eve of Denard Robinson's Michigan swan song.

I was especially impressed by Gardner's thoughts on his transition to being U-M's main man under center for the latter part of the season:

"It sucks the way it happened, something I'd never wish for," Gardner said of Robinson's injury. "It might have been pretty hard on him, but he didn't show it. He didn't sweat anything, and he helped me a lot. That's the thing I really commend him for. Now I'm definitely prepared for it. There's enough pressure at Michigan, so to put added pressure on myself would be insane."

Go Blue, and beat the Gamecocks!  And all the best to the senior class!

  • "Of course I care about that stuff.  To the point of irrationality.  It will always be Michigan first, cancer second."  Jim Mandich (RIP)
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December 31st, 2012 at 9:47 AM | I feel a lot better about our QB situation for next year (Score:1)
jcouz
Joined: 07/08/2011
MGoPoints: 84

Devin showed me a lot over the last few games when he got a shot.  When he moved to receiver during summer camp, I thought he would never be our QB again.  He has made the most of his opportunity (albeit unfortunate for Denard) and has given me some confidence about our QB situation entering 2013.  Hopefully he will get his medical redshirt from the NCAA and we have 2 more years of Gardner and maybe 5 years of Shane Morris to look forward to.  Good luck to Devin in the Outback Bowl.  Go Blue!!!

What ya gonna do when HOKEamania runs wild on you???

December 31st, 2012 at 9:54 AM | Sorry for offtopic (Score:3 Normal)
GoWings2008
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but I hope you're right about Morris and 5 yrs.  His type of leadership would be great to have around for that long. 

Devin has showed so much class throughout his transition from QB to WR to QB again, and not stepping on Denard in the process.  Both of those guys should be commended the way they've handled the entire situation.

The Team, The Team, The Team

December 31st, 2012 at 9:59 AM | I would feel bad for Denard but... (Score:5 Normal)
jcouz
Joined: 07/08/2011
MGoPoints: 84

I would feel bad for Denard but Denard doesn't go around feeling bad for Denard.  He has handled everything so well.  An unfortunate situation for him personally has turned in to a real positive for the program moving forward.  Having 2 more than capable QB's in the fold for the next 2 years before passing the torch to Shane has got to have fans excited about our prospects going forward.

What ya gonna do when HOKEamania runs wild on you???

December 31st, 2012 at 10:34 AM | Two? If you're referring to (Score:1 Trolling)
robmorren2
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Joined: 06/04/2011
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Two? If you're referring to Bellomy, I don't think he belongs in the "more than capable" category just yet. He's looked very, very bad in a small sample size.

December 31st, 2012 at 12:08 PM | Devin and Shane (Score:1)
jcouz
Joined: 07/08/2011
MGoPoints: 84

Devin and Shane were the 2 more than capable QB's I was referring to for the next 2 years.

What ya gonna do when HOKEamania runs wild on you???

December 31st, 2012 at 1:21 PM | source of confusion (Score:2)
ST3
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Joined: 09/11/2010
MGoPoints: 2186

You wrote we would have two more than capable QBs before passing the torch to Morris, so unless Morris is expected to pass the torch to himself, your original post implied Bellomy was more than capable.

December 31st, 2012 at 12:08 PM | Small sample size, yes, but (Score:4 Normal)
michWolves2580
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Joined: 12/16/2009
MGoPoints: 765

Small sample size, yes, but the story is far from written for Bellomy. By all  accounts he was playing very well in practice (well enough that they felt ok with moving Devin to help the receivers group). I think throwing a freshman into the fire in a freezing road night game when we were losing with absolutely no run game to help him out is far from fair to be saying he's not capable. Obviously, we don't know yet but I can assure you he's not out of the mix to start over a freshman Morris (if Devin for some reason does not get the RS).

Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field?

December 31st, 2012 at 2:14 PM | And let's remember (Score:1)
Cold War
Joined: 01/15/2012
MGoPoints: 433

Devin looked pretty bad at QB when thrown into a tough situation at State. Bellomy deserves more of  a chance before  being totally written off.

December 31st, 2012 at 8:10 PM | I wasn't writing him off, but (Score:1)
robmorren2
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I wasn't writing him off, but I'm not ready to say he is a more-than-capable starter.

December 31st, 2012 at 12:47 PM | You might want to read the article; Wojo (Score:1 Normal)
MGlobules
Joined: 11/17/2008
MGoPoints: 5144

notes how much fans have tended to misunderestimate Denard and his actual ACCOMPLISHMENTS. When a guy is 78 yards from Pat White's all-time record, saying that he isn't up to scratch as a QB is just. . . . off. His 59% completion percentage, for example, would put him in the second tier of all-time NFL QBs--and think what it might have been had he continued throwing short routes in a a more purely spread-based offense, at an increasing comfort level. 

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_perc_career.htm

Fans have ridiculously ridiculous expectations for players (as they lie back on their mother's couches) and this has a certain corrosive quality that is lamentable. 

December 31st, 2012 at 1:38 PM | This debate is never going to (Score:5 Normal)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28961

This debate is never going to go away.  There are reasonable positions on both sides.  There's no reason to get emotional about it.

It's cool that he could break White's record, but keep in mind, most schools don't use their QB as their primary rusher.  For better or worse, many people in the football world regard Denard as a de facto full-time wildcat QB.  Whether that's preferable to a more traditional, passing-oriented QB is the debate.

 

December 31st, 2012 at 3:05 PM | good call, and I accept the criticism. But (Score:1)
MGlobules
Joined: 11/17/2008
MGoPoints: 5144

there is something seriously wrong with us mere mortals sitting around and criticizing Denard's accomplishments, I firmly believe. The lack of respect is often very clear, and "lamentable."  

December 31st, 2012 at 4:19 PM | What are you even doing here then? (Score:1)
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 38747

He's a 22 year old kid. That means one should temper how harsh they are because that's no way to treat anyone, but he's not some god. If that's your view you can't critique Lloyd, Rich, Brady, or heck, even Borges. Because Al has accomplished a hell of a lot more in his profession than most of us, and in his given field is in one of the top positions at one of the very top programs in the world. But I don't suddenly think you'll lament a Fire Borges thread.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

December 31st, 2012 at 2:36 PM | Misunderestimate? (Score:2 Insightful)
M-Wolverine
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You can't compare NFL stats to college stats. 59% would have you from 142-169 of college passers at major schools since 2000 with a minimum of 700 pass attempts. (Low on a list with a lots of qualifiers)

http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/leaders/pass-cmp-pct-player-career.html

Persa holds the record at .727, but only tossed it 633 times.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/9746047-419/nus-dan-persa-sets-n...

Quite different than what makes one "great" in the NFL.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

December 31st, 2012 at 3:10 PM | Of course you can compare them; you can compare anything (Score:0 Flamebait)
December 31st, 2012 at 4:22 PM | You can compare anything. (Score:1)
M-Wolverine
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That's called "comparing apples and oranges." He's not a bad passer; your illustration makes it sound like he was great, which he wasn't. And I do think his numbers would have been better; I'm not sure he would have been a better player. Most likely a less successful one.

And yeah, I just thought you knew better than to get all political around here.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

December 31st, 2012 at 10:04 AM | Man, I'm going to miss this (Score:2 Normal)
MgoJohnStamos
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Joined: 08/04/2010
MGoPoints: 681

Man, I'm going to miss this kid next year. We have been so lucky to witness one of the greatest pure athletes, and personalities for the past 4 years. I am going to tear up tomorrow... Because of allergies, cutting onions, dirt in my eye... I definitely won't be crying...

I don't know who's hair is better, John Stamos circa Full House or Denard

GO BLUE

December 31st, 2012 at 11:15 AM | screw it (Score:2 Normal)
risner75
Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 132

i am going to cry. Not a man cry either, I will cry like a baby. Going to miss seeing that infectious smile. Go Blue and Go Team 133! Lets go out on top, the way we all know the fairy tale should end.

Go Blue...

December 31st, 2012 at 10:05 AM | This situation is a good (Score:4 Normal)
dennisblundon
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Joined: 02/23/2010
MGoPoints: 6630

This situation is a good learning experience for fans as well. Football is an environment where 2 days ago might as well be 2 years ago. Gardener back to QB,Norfleet to CB and of course Big Will back to DT, all because of an unforseen event. Just because a guy hasn't seen the field his redshirt sophomore year does not make him a bust. I hope we can get back to playing mostly upper classmen in a few years.

While I am at it, lets give Borges a minute to find his groove with Devin. I really think he will have a good plan put together for South Carolina. Are biggest concern moving forward is how fast can our redshirt freshmen Olineman mature in a year. I expect we will see at least 2 of them starting next year,3 if Bryant can't step in just yet.

December 31st, 2012 at 10:11 AM | Good speculation by Wojo (Score:1)
Tater
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MGoPoints: 10356

Wojo mentioned Denard lining up to return punts.  Since all of the special teams hype seems to be on Ace Sanders, it might be a great move by Hoke to let Denard try one or two. This game is shaping up as a field position battle, and it only takes one long return to "flip" field position.

The obvious hope here would be for Denard to be healthy enough to start at QB, but he has given a lot to the University of Michigan, and it would be nice to see his other skills showcased for pro scouts. 

 

 

 

December 31st, 2012 at 10:33 AM | Punts (Score:3 Normal)
mlax27
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MGoPoints: 168

I thought Hoke said returning kicks, as is in kickoffs not punts.

I'm not sure I'd want Denard returning punts if his grip isn't strong enough to throw the ball.  Could make catching the ball and holding onto it tough.  If he muffs a kickoff he will have time to just pick it up before defenders get there.  But not on a punt, they will already be there, and punts are trickier to begin with.  You want experience and sure hands to return punts.

December 31st, 2012 at 11:26 AM | I want him to muff it (Score:5 Normal)
willywill9
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MGoPoints: 11256

I want him to muff it slightly, pick it up, and make a few guys miss and take one to the house. Go out the way you came in! (sort of)

Touchdown Michigan!

December 31st, 2012 at 10:14 AM | Although I also feel sorrow (Score:5 Normal)
bluebyyou
Joined: 09/07/2009
MGoPoints: 2682

Although I also feel sorrow for Denard being hurt and being supplanted by Devin as the QB, Denard will not be a QB in the NFL.  Having had a chance to be an RB and receiver can only help his NFL stock. Let's hope tomorrow is a huge day for Denard and Michigan.

Have to say, I have never liked another Michigan athlete so much (in a manly way, of course). I will miss that huge smile and quiet humility.

As for Devin, next year certainly looks much brighter than it did four games ago.

December 31st, 2012 at 10:16 AM | Good Read (Score:3 Normal)
LSAClassOf2000
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MGoPoints: 8708

"Robinson will leave behind records and highlight reels, and a successor who received one of the best educations imaginable"

This was a great  read, and thanks for posting it, OP.

Wojo sort of runs with this as a theme, and the great thing about that is that it is likely true. This team really has been fortunate to have someone with the unassuming personality, seemingly implicit leadership ability (I liked the "taught without teaching" line, as that seems true to form for Robinson) and competitiveness of Denard Robinson. Even after the injury, you could see him coaching and mentoring on the sidelines sometimes, talking much with Gardner in particular, you just knew that the team was going to remain in good hands in 2013 as well, especially when added to Gardner's performance in the last month of the season. 

Good luck both Denard and Devin as well as all the Wolverines tomorrow. Go Blue!

"Funny isn't it, how naughty dentists always make that one fatal mistake."

Follow the random tweets of a Michigan alum - http://twitter.com/#!/LorneEC3

December 31st, 2012 at 10:46 AM | Honestly, Denard moving to RB/WR/PR is (Score:5 Normal)
brooktrail
Joined: 05/31/2011
MGoPoints: 441

a God's gift to Denard - he is now able to show the NFL scouts what else he can do in addition to being a running QB. I really hope he can bring one 90+ yard PR for a touchdown, leaving a bunch of cocks in the dust.

December 31st, 2012 at 11:27 AM | I hope that is how they use Denard but I will believe it when I (Score:1)
93Grad
Joined: 07/26/2011
MGoPoints: 820

See it. I would love to see the Iowa game Denard and not the 2nd half against Ohio Denard but I don't really trust Borges enough to properly use both Devin and Denard at the same time.

December 31st, 2012 at 11:43 AM | I have a feeling that Borges (Score:3 Normal)
GoWings2008
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I have a feeling that Borges will open it up for this game.  The biggest thing I have issue with is the in-game adjustments, or lack thereof.  I trust he'll have a game plan to use both of them, but needs to adapt as South Carolina makes their adjustments.  A full 60 min of football is what it will take to win this game.

The Team, The Team, The Team

December 31st, 2012 at 11:43 AM | I'm sorry to say it, but I (Score:3 Normal)
k1400
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MGoPoints: 393

I'm sorry to say it, but I totally agree with this.  We need Iowa game Denard/Devin to beat South Carolina.  If we get the Ohio version, we're gonna get the Ohio result.

I will fight 'til I am dead, a winged helmet on my head.

December 31st, 2012 at 10:46 AM | Proud of these two men (Score:1)
Blue in Dallas
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They're excellent representatives of the program and the university

"He has no idea that Charles Woodson can jump fifteen feet in the air, come down acrobatically, and get his foot inside this football field.  Folks, you can watch football a long, long time before you see another play like that."

December 31st, 2012 at 10:53 AM | I can't wait for the Denard (Score:1)
redwhiteandmaize
Joined: 02/04/2012
MGoPoints: 1022

I can't wait for the Denard appreciation thread tomorrow after we win.The kid stuck with us through the transition of coaches and seems to be a good person.

"Are you an official here?Because you've officially given me a boner."

December 31st, 2012 at 10:55 AM | Seems to be a good person (Score:5 Normal)
Blazefire
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"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
December 31st, 2012 at 10:54 AM | Forever (Score:5 Normal)
Blazefire
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MGoPoints: 15741

Forever.

"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
December 31st, 2012 at 11:29 AM | What people fail to realize (Score:2)
willywill9
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MGoPoints: 11256

What people fail to realize is, he lost four yards after this smile.  (/misinformed fan)

Touchdown Michigan!

December 31st, 2012 at 11:33 AM | But that smile (Score:5 Normal)
FreeTheFabFivePlz
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Joined: 03/08/2011
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Brought a baby lamb back to life

So hot.  Milk was a bad choice.

December 31st, 2012 at 11:17 AM | Wow, Gardner is (Score:1)
MGlobules
Joined: 11/17/2008
MGoPoints: 5144

a fantastically bright guy to go along with his clear talent. 

December 31st, 2012 at 11:41 AM | Underappreciated (Score:5 Normal)
johnvand
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Joined: 02/04/2010
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Wojo is right that Denard will go heavily underappreciated.  I lost count of how many times I became infuriated trying to defend Denard to friends and family over the holidays.  All they remember is a few interceptions, they don't remember:

  1. He's 24-10 as a starter (if I counted that correctly) for a 70% winning percentage.  When 6 of those losses, in his first year as a starter, featured the worst defense in Michigan history.  
  2. He owns 9 of the top 10 highest total yardage games in Michigan football history.
  3. He owns the top 2 total yardage seasons in Michigan football history.
  4. Broke the single season rushing record for a QB as a sophomore. (Somebody else has since broke it again)
  5. Will likely break the career rushing record for a QB in the Outback Bowl.
  6. Has won a BCS bowl.
  7. He owns the B1G career QB rushing record.
  8. #1 in career yards in Michigan football history.
  9. #1 in yards per game in Michigan football history.
  10. #1 in yards per play in Michigan football history.
  11. Countless "Holy crap" moments.

I'm sure there are more records, but fergodsake people, we got to see a legend before our very eyes.

December 31st, 2012 at 12:03 PM | If Denard lines up at RB or (Score:1)
quasioptimistic
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MGoPoints: 124

If Denard lines up at RB or receiver for this game, how will his stats be tallied? Will he get credit for rushing yards as a QB, because that is his official position?

Polonium 210 is the new dilithium.

December 31st, 2012 at 1:20 PM | As long as Hoke still has him (Score:2)
LongLiveBo
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Joined: 08/05/2009
MGoPoints: 1081

As long as Hoke still has him listed as a QB on the official roster the NCAA will credit everything he does as a QB.

The Team, The Team, The Team.

December 31st, 2012 at 1:54 PM | Let me guess: those friends (Score:1 Overrated)
snarling wolverine
Joined: 12/14/2011
MGoPoints: 4684

Let me guess: those friends and family of yours thought he should have been playing WR all along, and that Gardner should have been playing QB.  I don't know why people here get so defensive about that idea.  No one denies that Denard is an exceptional athlete, but playing him at QB limits our passing game in ways that playing Gardner doesn't.  Note that none of Denard's records have to do with passing the ball.  It's great that he's rushed for a lot of yards, but using your QB as your primary rushing threat exposes him to injury, as we've seen.  

I personally think our offense would have been more successful this season if the position switch had happened a year ago and Denard had had all offseason to learn a Percy Harvin role.  You can say I'm "underappreciating" him, but I see it as adequately appreciating what both Denard and Gardner bring to the table.  We went 5-3 this year with Denard as our starting QB at Gardner at WR.  I think it's conceivable we could have done better with it being the other way around.

It's hard not to look at the last two seasons as a big of a missed opportunity.  We were close to the Big Ten title both years but fell short.  If we'd won the Big Ten either year, this discussion wouldn't come up, but we didn't.  

 

 

 

December 31st, 2012 at 4:23 PM | I agree completely. We would (Score:1)
Amutnal
Joined: 02/05/2011
MGoPoints: 271

I agree completely. We would be in the Rose Bowl with 1 loss in your scenario.

December 31st, 2012 at 2:08 PM |                     "we got (Score:2)
Louie C
Joined: 11/16/2009
MGoPoints: 2006

                    "we got to see a legend before our very eyes."

This. Why people still want to throw dirt on the kid is beyond me, and it sickens me to be quite honest. I could see the rivals hating on them because he posterized them every single time he played them regardless of the outcome, but for Michigan fans to to trash him when he is obviously a once in a generation player is just plain stupid.  The "Oh shit, did you see that!?" moments outweigh the "Damnit!" moments by far. Thanks for the memories Denard and the senior class.

"It's the only place to get the inside story on Wolverine football, so blee bluhh tahh!" - Bo

December 31st, 2012 at 12:03 PM | Significant quote: "big (Score:3 Normal)
quasioptimistic
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MGoPoints: 124

Significant quote: "big shoelaces to fill."

Polonium 210 is the new dilithium.

December 31st, 2012 at 2:18 PM | Team players (Score:1)
Dutch Ferbert
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Joined: 01/08/2011
MGoPoints: 635

Both of these guys are team players. I will be sad to see Denard leave, but I am happy to know that Devin will be leading our offense next year. I hope Denard gets one more win tomorrow and the rushing record, but I'm sure he would rather have that W than Pat White's record.

"[The University of Michigan] was, in short, the testing ground for all my prejudices, my beliefs and my ignorance, and it helped to lay out the boundaries of my life."--Arthur Miller

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