Does running track mean Denard won't play QB?
With Denard Robinson's appearance on the track team recently, it got me to thinking. He was a subpar performer at quarterback last year, even when he was fully concentrating on football and, more specifically, the quarterback position. Quarterback isn't the easiest position to play when you're dabbling in other sports, especially when you're not already at the top of your game.
So with Robinson running track, which presumably takes time away from him watching film and honing his football skills, does this portend a move away from the quarterback position? I fully believe that Robinson will play some quarterback in 2010, but his 2009 performance followed by running track makes me think that the coaches and Denard have realized that quarterback will probably not be his permanent position.
Thoughts?
January 17th, 2010 at 5:36 PM ^
I think Rich Rod is eagerly looking forward to a depth chart that includes two QB's with significant game experience. That's also why I want, and fully expect Gardner to redshirt this year. The last thing this team needs is an essential rookie to be commanding the field for the third year in a row. Denard will still be mostly practicing at QB this year is my guess. When Robinson's a junior and Gardner can be a legitimate backup (or starter?) that's when I'd expect the coaches to start moving Shoelace and his speed around.
January 16th, 2010 at 9:54 PM ^
magnus;
this post just seems very uncharacteristic for you... is something wrong?
January 16th, 2010 at 10:12 PM ^
Although Denard makes for an interesting QB I would prefer he be migrated to a Percy Harvin type role in this sysyem. (Denard)X(Open Space)=(TD'S)
January 16th, 2010 at 11:19 PM ^
...is him hurting himself. Granted, he could hurt himself dishing out that nasty dorm food Michigan serves or slipping on the wet bathroom tile after Carl the maintenance guy mops it. The upside is he is honing his speed. Hopefully we will see him in many break aways where the opposing D is eating his crumb rubber bits that are kicked out from the field turf.
January 17th, 2010 at 1:23 AM ^
Denard is obviously not the first to do both. Braylon was successful at both as well. When Braylon was running track Lloyd's only rule was that it wouldn't take time away from his football activities. Braylon still did the football workouts and spring practice, but obviously still had the time to go to track as well. I don't think this has changed under Rodriguez.
January 17th, 2010 at 4:05 AM ^
Imagine how fast Denard will be able to turn the corner now.
Plus, he can technically be coached on sprinting above and beyond the NCAA mandated time for football, and therefore he no longer has to worry about practicing running in football practice during track season. He can focus on reading defenses. This will make him a better player.
January 17th, 2010 at 11:45 AM ^
If Charlie Ward could spend his spring semesters winning preparing for the NBA and still win a heisman I'm not worried about a qb running track in the off season.