Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Denard Robinson — Quarterback — Wolverine’s Spring Football — GBMWolverine Evaluations

Posted at 6:00am — 4/23/2012

Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Denard Robinson — Quarterback — Wolverine’s Spring Football — GBMWolverine Evaluations

GBMWolverine Football Spring Evaluations: Position-by-Position — Player Profile.

GBMWolverine readers: Here is a brief overview of Denard Robinson and GBMWolverine’s analysis concerning his progress this spring in our opinion.

Note: We will not evaluate every player on the team and with this position group (Quarterbacks) we will not evaluate #4 Steve Wilson, #13 Alex Swieca, and #14 Jack Kennedy. If you would like to chat about these players bring them up on the message board or send us an e-mail request.

Reminder: Also note that we did not attend every practice and realize things happen during every one of the fifteen practices, but our evaluations are based on what we observed first hand and not second or third hand sources.

Losing from 2011 (Team #132) on scholarship: Nobody.

Coming in for 2012 (Team #133) on scholarship: Nobody.

Commit for 2013 (Team #134) on scholarship: Shane Morris.

Denard Robinson
Height: 6’0
Weight: 195
Number: 16
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
City/State: Deerfield Beach, Florida
High School: Deerfield Beach
High School Coach: Art Taylor

Overview:

Denard started off a little shaky in the new offense last season, but in 2011 continued to learn the offense and also understand what the coaches wanted from him. Denard is the fourth player in NCAA history to twice gain 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 rushing in a season (2010 and 2011).

Going into this spring two things were assumed: (1) understanding the offense better and (2) the coaches having a final knowledge of what he can do best; what he needs to work on, and (3) what he will likely be able to be successful at this coming 2012 season.

Strengths:

Denard remains the most talented player on the team.

For Michigan to match, or best 2011, which will be tough to do with the non-conference games of Alabama, and Notre Dame, on the road, as well as Nebraska and Ohio State road games this season, Denard must be even better than last season and cut-down on the interceptions. He cannot continue to attempt to do more than possible and must rely on the surrounding players.

Improvements:

Denard’s footwork and knowledge of the offense is definitely improved as well as his confidence.

Needs Work:

Although improvement has been noted, Denard must continue to work on his footwork. He must show more patience and improve his decision-making in this offense.

Contributing This Year?

Of course, Denard will be starting at quarterback and will once again be the main focus of the team. Even though the West Coast Offense will be Michigan’s flavor of choice in the future, this year the offense will somewhat be modified around Denard’s personal skill set.

Remember last year when it was “cool” to say on message boards that Denard Robinson should be moving to running back or receiver and install Devin as the quarterback in Coach Borges west coast offense? This year the drum beats to the theme of moving Devin to receiver, but there is no doubt in any informed corner that Denard is the starter.

Denard was the 2011 starter playing a pivotal role in a magical 2011 season that yielded a Sugar Bowl Champion and an 11-2 record.

Final Thoughts:

Denard has been seen everywhere on campus in the off-season, either at Michigan basketball or Michigan hockey games. It is always a great thing when a team has a major star player coming out and supporting other programs, showing that he wants to have fun as a student-athlete and not just be a football player on campus.

As a senior, somewhat by choice and somewhat by demand, Denard is becoming more of a vocal leader. This leadership focus can be linked in part to understanding the offense much better this being his second spring with Coach Borges.

Denard still has issues, such as fundamentals and cutting down on turnovers, but this team will once again be wrapped around on how well Denard does. Denard and Fitz, led by the offensive line, will determine Michigan’s collective offensive success; Michigan simply does not have the elite level skilled players at key positions such as receiver and tight end. So, by choice and necessity, the offense will be centered on Denard.

People need to remember that Denard will never be a Tom Brady, Chad Henne, John Navarre, or Elvis Grbac at throwing the ball. But none of the above are or were even in the same galaxy speed and athletically. If his decision-making and passing improve fans will remember his contributions for decades.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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