Greg Robinson Presser Notes 8-11-10
This actually comes from UM football spokesman Dave Ablauf, but it's certainly news nonetheless. Redshirt freshman corner JT Turner has asked for (and been granted) his transfer release from the University of Michigan. The request was made yesterday.
Now, onto the GERG:
Defense
The biggest questions for the defense on the whole are "How much can we develop by September 4th? How far can we take this defense by September 4th?" The goal is to be an excellent defense at that time. Robinson: "I like our movement on defense." Team success will come down to how the coaches are able to utilize people on that side of the ball.
The main changes in the defense this spring came in the usage of terminology. They went to some of the terminology that the defensive coaches (all of whom have been with Rodriguez since the West Virginia days) were familiar with. This was a suggestion that Rodriguez made that Robinson immediately thought was a good idea. Robinson had to take on a lot more terminology, but he's been around the block a few times, and had to do it before, including moving from defensive line coach to offensive coordinator at UCLA over the course of one offseason.
The change worked well in the spring, and by now "it's pretty much second nature for everybody." Prior to the terminology switch, there was potential for some messages to get lost somewhere in the chain, but now everyone's on the same page.
Robinson has used 3-3-5 and nickel concepts throughout his career, including in the NFL. With the prevalence of spread offenses in today's game, there's a need for a more athletic group of midrange players.
Robinson really likes coaching the linebackers, and this year's crop in particular. Linebackers are "the glue of the defense" between the defensive line (the heart of the defense - pumping everything) and secondary. Being right in the middle allows Robinson to work with all position groups more easily.
Personnel
There has been some change since spring, as the players have been through summer workouts. The coaches are able to get their full attention during the beginning of summer camp, because most of them aren't in school.
It's "too early" to single out any freshmen that have emerged as potential contributors. The team isn't even in pads yet. There are still some young guys that the staff feels good about.
Lots of guys came back from the summer in great shape. When asked how Will Campbell looks: "He's very handsome." Marvin Robinson "walks around the building looking pretty good." (Second GERG evaluation of a player's appearance. [Ed: I bet Will Campbell tells his teammates how awesome GERG's hair looks.]) Robinson is one of the freshmen who has intentions on getting onto the field right away.
The defensive line has plenty of experience. Craig Roh, Mike Martin, and Ryan Van Bergen, and Greg Banks (who has "played a good amount") were all singled out. Craig Roh is a good athlete. He can run, is a good pass rusher, and is also a smart player. His intelligence allows the coaches to give him a variety of responsibilities (of which a hybrid player has more) with confidence he'll be able to carry them out.
Obi Ezeh is working very hard. He has "good intentions" but is aware that he has a battle for a starting spot with Kenny Demens and Mark Moundros the other contenders. Robinson is a "real fan" of Jonas Mouton. He has the physical abilities, and can process information well. He really wants to up his game. Kenny Demens and Mike Jones are challenging for playing time. Jones was injured last year, which held his progress back.
Moundros was a good selection by his teammates as defensive captain, though the whole senior class is filled with leaders. It's easy to see why Moundros was selected, because he has great work ethic, he's smart, he's tough, he loves football, and has a giving mentality. When GERG first arrived at Michigan, he saw Mark Moundros and thought he might be a linebacker before being informed he was the team's fullback. The position switch will work well because "he has linebacker skills."
Kevin Leach, Floyd Simmons, Thomas Gordon, and Josh Furman are some of the players at safety/linebacker hybrid spots. That's a competitive situation, and far from a done deal yet. They're willing to give up a bit of size at the position as long as there's still physical play. Stevie Brown was a good example of this.
Jordan Kovacs is the guy who's taking first reps at his position right now. There's nothing set in stone this early, of course, and there hasn't been enough time for anyone to make a push for his job. He's the type of player who makes everyone around him better with his communication.
In the secondary, Woolfolk is the experienced guy, and they feel very good about JT Floyd "showing a lot of progress." His spring was good, and it seems like he had a good summer. Cameron Gordon is mature, and a hard worker. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean he's ever seen a live snap at this level. Vladimir Emilien and Jared Van Slyke have both gotten plenty of reps in practice, but even they don't have much game experience.
The backups at corner include two true freshmen, Cullen Christian and Courtney Avery, and walkon Tony Anderson. [Not sure if James Rogers was just an oversight, or if he's unlikely to contribute this year].
JT Turner - :glances at Dave Ablauf, Football Media Relations Guy: "I don't know what's going on there." [See top]
August 11th, 2010 at 2:02 PM ^
thought he'd be in the mix at LB
August 11th, 2010 at 2:04 PM ^
Gerg goes with handsome. I can't help it, it cracks me up.
August 11th, 2010 at 2:05 PM ^
What position is Brandin Hawthrone working out at these days, spur? bandit? or the whatver the stevie brown spot is called? Any chance he gets run somewhere early on?
No mention of JB Fitzgerald, an oversight? or is Moundros ahead of him at this point?
Anyone else think Mouton is poised for a Burgess like senior year emergence?
August 11th, 2010 at 2:08 PM ^
I think Mouton could have a huge year, especially with the scheme change (should allow him to react more instead of think). As long as, he busts his ass play in and play out.
August 11th, 2010 at 2:06 PM ^
It's nice hearing Ezeh has been working hard and the potential depth at LB. I say potential because while there are lots of bodies, not many have proven themselves (Ezeh) to play full-time or haven't played hardly at all/not at all (Moundros).
August 11th, 2010 at 2:08 PM ^
in spring fitz was at roh's spot. i wouldnt read anything much into a press conference summary
August 11th, 2010 at 2:09 PM ^
Especially with Jones being injured last year. Here's hoping that a good LB playing time battle helps squeeze the best out of each of these guys, not only before the season but throughout the year.
August 11th, 2010 at 2:12 PM ^
I am finding it very hard to stay positive about anything this morning.
August 11th, 2010 at 2:17 PM ^
today sucks. and that presser didnt sound super positive either. at least the tigs are up. (knock on wood)
August 11th, 2010 at 3:02 PM ^
...is quite apropos.
August 11th, 2010 at 2:51 PM ^
When the D-Coordinator "doesn't know what's going on" with his #3CB transferring from the program. Reminds me of a passage I got memorized:
Ezekiel 25:17. The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you. I been sayin' that shit for years. And if you ever heard it, that meant your ass. I never game much thought to what it meant. I just thought it was a cold-blooded thing to say to a motherfucker before I popped a cap in his ass. But I saw some shit this mornin' made me think twice. See, now I'm thinkin': maybe it means you're the evil man. And I'm the righteous man. And Mr. 9mm here, he's the shepherd protecting my righteous ass in the valley of darkness. Or it could mean you're the righteous man and I'm the shepherd and it's the world that's evil and selfish. And I'd like that. But that shit ain't the truth. The truth is you're the weak. And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But I'm tryin', Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to be the shepherd.
I'm tryin' real hard to be the shepherd, indeed.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:18 PM ^
It was an explicit "It is not my place in the program, as defensive coordinator, to discuss personnel transfers" moment. Obviously he knew what was going on, and knew he should let RR or Dave Ablauf make a statement.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:31 PM ^
Well in that case he could have just said " I only talk about players at Michigan." You can't tell me this shit isn't starting to drive you crazy.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:39 PM ^
Let me get this straight - you're upset at how GERG deflected a question he didn't want to talk about? You really read that answer from GERG and thought that he actually did not know what was going on with Turner?
August 11th, 2010 at 3:39 PM ^
It was not his place to announce that Turner was no longer at Michigan. Stop acting like an idiot.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:51 PM ^
Thanks for the advice.
August 12th, 2010 at 12:01 AM ^
I definitely should have invested in Acme Pitchforks back in July, Stupid!
August 11th, 2010 at 2:18 PM ^
today sucks. and that presser didnt sound super positive either. at least the tigs are up. (knock on wood)
August 11th, 2010 at 2:27 PM ^
...and impressive quadruple posting. Very well done, sir.
August 11th, 2010 at 2:23 PM ^
That when you said "nm" my brain instantly went "of course the Tigs blew the lead"?
August 11th, 2010 at 2:25 PM ^
The elusive quintuple post. this one takes skill.
August 11th, 2010 at 2:28 PM ^
What is, "things I've never had to say to my wife," Alex?
August 11th, 2010 at 2:49 PM ^
Well played, sir. +1
August 11th, 2010 at 2:26 PM ^
Abide
August 11th, 2010 at 8:32 PM ^
SERENITY NOW
August 11th, 2010 at 2:32 PM ^
I appreciate GERG's honestly. Campbell is, in fact, a hansome man.
August 11th, 2010 at 2:52 PM ^
Coming soon in Maize and Blue...
August 11th, 2010 at 3:41 PM ^
If such a shirt is widely available in maize and blue I don't think i will have survived
August 11th, 2010 at 3:04 PM ^
I have to say I'm very excited for the Cullen Christian era.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:21 PM ^
Yes, Cullen will save us.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:24 PM ^
Ha! You've got to looooove the Drake GERG!
August 11th, 2010 at 3:25 PM ^
...available at MVictors.com.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:52 PM ^
So it sounded like Will is not in the dog house which means he might be a beast!
August 11th, 2010 at 4:46 PM ^
was just being polite. I find it hard to see his response as positive. Will WILL come around, though.
August 11th, 2010 at 8:25 PM ^
He won't fit.
August 11th, 2010 at 4:16 PM ^
August 11th, 2010 at 4:18 PM ^
is especially instructive:
Take it like a man.
August 11th, 2010 at 4:22 PM ^
Maybe I'm missing the context, but man, "good intentions" sounds like a textbook example of "damning with faint praise."
August 11th, 2010 at 4:29 PM ^
The way he was using it (at least one per answer, pretty much) was to say "he's a guy who really wants to get better." Not the highest of praise, but not saying he's a dude who's just sitting there expecting a starting job, either.
August 11th, 2010 at 6:55 PM ^
it did sound like, a "she's got a great personality"-type comment
August 11th, 2010 at 8:07 PM ^
Alternatively, you could listen to the person who was there and explicitly said it's not that kind of comment...
August 11th, 2010 at 8:40 PM ^
I've heard that guy's a complete tool.
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