Wojo on the Denard to Devin Transition
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!
December 31st, 2012 at 8:47 AM ^
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!!!
December 31st, 2012 at 8:54 AM ^
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.
December 31st, 2012 at 8:53 AM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 8:59 AM ^
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.
December 31st, 2012 at 9:34 AM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 11:08 AM ^
Devin and Shane were the 2 more than capable QB's I was referring to for the next 2 years.
December 31st, 2012 at 12:21 PM ^
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 11:08 AM ^
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).
December 31st, 2012 at 1:14 PM ^
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 7:10 PM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 11:47 AM ^
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 12:38 PM ^
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 2:05 PM ^
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 3:19 PM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 1:36 PM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 2:10 PM ^
They are not wholly commensurate, but they make my point--Denard has not been bad even as a passer, and would have been much better had he remained in a system suited to him. I don't think you or most throughtful people would deny that.
"Misunderestimate" is facetious, and comes from one of our more verbally challenged recent Presidents. It was one of his "most memorable additions to the language, and an incidentally expressive one."
December 31st, 2012 at 3:22 PM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 9:04 AM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 10:15 AM ^
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.
December 31st, 2012 at 9:05 AM ^
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 9:11 AM ^
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 9:33 AM ^
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 10:26 AM ^
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)
December 31st, 2012 at 9:14 AM ^
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 9:16 AM ^
"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!
December 31st, 2012 at 9:46 AM ^
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 10:27 AM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 10:43 AM ^
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.
December 31st, 2012 at 10:43 AM ^
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.
December 31st, 2012 at 9:46 AM ^
They're excellent representatives of the program and the university
December 31st, 2012 at 9:53 AM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 9:54 AM ^
Forever.
December 31st, 2012 at 10:29 AM ^
What people fail to realize is, he lost four yards after this smile. (/misinformed fan)
December 31st, 2012 at 10:33 AM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 10:17 AM ^
a fantastically bright guy to go along with his clear talent.
December 31st, 2012 at 10:41 AM ^
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:
- 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.
- He owns 9 of the top 10 highest total yardage games in Michigan football history.
- He owns the top 2 total yardage seasons in Michigan football history.
- Broke the single season rushing record for a QB as a sophomore. (Somebody else has since broke it again)
- Will likely break the career rushing record for a QB in the Outback Bowl.
- Has won a BCS bowl.
- He owns the B1G career QB rushing record.
- #1 in career yards in Michigan football history.
- #1 in yards per game in Michigan football history.
- #1 in yards per play in Michigan football history.
- 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 11:03 AM ^
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?
December 31st, 2012 at 12:20 PM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 12:54 PM ^
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 3:23 PM ^
December 31st, 2012 at 1:08 PM ^
"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.
December 31st, 2012 at 11:03 AM ^
Significant quote: "big shoelaces to fill."
December 31st, 2012 at 1:18 PM ^
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.