Dinardo: Denard will start, Devin 2nd team.
So apparently Dinardo, in the M preview, believes Tate will be the 3rd team QB. I would be astonished, and if that happened the board will erupt in renewed Tate transfer speculation--this time it might be true. But I see no way that happens.
He also stated that Denard will be both the starter AND leading rusher.
August 20th, 2010 at 1:17 PM ^
has anyone ever thought that DG may be practicing with the 2nd string bc its guys he has a good shot playing with NEXT year?
August 20th, 2010 at 1:50 PM ^
Logic is not welcome on the internets. Good point though.
August 20th, 2010 at 1:55 PM ^
In other news: Umich is joining the WAC to reignite their heated rivlary with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
August 20th, 2010 at 1:29 PM ^
One part of that prediction strikes me as likely accurate, though - I can easily see Denard as our leading rusher. Assuming he ges a lot of snaps, they'll be mostly running calls. Many he'll keep and run himself, and the others will be split among a few different backs. So, I can see him leading the team in rushing with something like 700 yards, with a cluster of backs (and maybe even Tate) behind him at 400-600 yards.
August 20th, 2010 at 1:29 PM ^
I tend to think that, as important as the starting QB is, it may not be as important this year. I think that Tate and Denard will both play a lot. I typically hate a two QB scheme, but it may make sense this year. Denard may start, but there will be times when a better passer, tate, would make more sense. This will just give opposing D's more headaches.
We are in very good shape, long term, at this position.
Go Blue!
August 20th, 2010 at 1:32 PM ^
DiNardo is crazy, but he might be right about at least Denard being the starter.
Last year Denard had a stronger arm and was a much more gifted runner, and Tate was more accurate and understood the playbook better because he had come in early. Denard has, by all accounts, greatly improved his accuracy. That, plus he has now spent a full year learening the system. Denard has always be the most physically gifted of the QBs and assuming he can make quality decisions with the football, then he gives Michigan the best chance to win.
As far as DG goes I would love for him to redshirt and not burn a year being a back up. However, if there is an injury to Denard, then DG has to be on the field in certain situations because he possess a skill set that Tate does not.
August 20th, 2010 at 1:35 PM ^
I am convinced Dinardo likes Denard because their names are similiar.
August 20th, 2010 at 2:21 PM ^
"DiNardo then wondered aloud whether Campbell would make an excellent offensive line prospect."
http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/big-ten-network-previews-michigan-football-team/
Because we're so deep at DT and so thin on the OL. He has a good eye.
August 20th, 2010 at 3:37 PM ^
To be fair to DiNardo, I'm pretty sure that he was referring to the recruiting debate about whether Campbell would be on OL or DL, not whether Michigan needed him more on OL or DL.
August 20th, 2010 at 4:29 PM ^
Big Ten Network analyst Gerry DiNardo noted that defensive tackle Will Campbell had significantly slimmed down since the spring and looked like he was in great shape.
Will Campbell in great shape would be great. Hopefully he's "getting it" and be able to contribute heavily.
August 20th, 2010 at 4:41 PM ^
What do you mean by "heavily"
August 20th, 2010 at 6:19 PM ^
Compared to our other defensive linemen Campbell looks more like an offensive linemen build-wise...he really stands out by size. Not saying he will ever move to offense but it is easy to see why DiNardo or anyone else looking at him might speculate. Our D-Line looks fit and fast....but variety is good. Campbell could be a real force on D at some point.