Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan — Players Leaving The Team
Posted at 7:00am — 5/15/2013
Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan — Players Leaving The Team
A couple of comments:
1) We have always pointed out that the end of spring is the time to watch in terms of players leaving the team. In most cases, for numerous reasons, players are encouraged to go through winter and then spring practices to get a gauge of where they stand going into 2013. In addition, coaches have a one on one meeting with each player and that player (at least under Coach Hoke) is given a very clear vision of what the coaches see his position for the fall.
Currently we have had two players announce their departures.
Marvin Robinson:
Have to admit I have been a fan of M-rob since he arrived on campus. Physically or at least when you use the “eye test” to project ability M-Rob has been the most impressive “visual” player at Michigan for almost 4 years. However, it must be pointed out, that M-rob has been through three Defensive Coordinators and each one of them seems to have the same opinion of his abilities.
I stated almost since day 1 that M-rob probably would of been better suited as a Will Linebacker. His strengths were rushing the passer and being able to defend the run, close to the line of scrimmage. His problems were identifying coverages, and making plays in space in the defensive backfield.
September 3, 2011; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos running back Tevin Drake (29) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Brandon Herron (58) and Marvin Robinson (3) in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsHowever, going into the spring, M-Rob was starting in the majority of practices next to Thomas Gordon and when Michigan went to nickel coverages, Wilson would come in the game and T-Gordon would be the nickel back.
Behind the scenes, M-Rob just struggled when it came to his tenacity of attending film sessions and because he was so gifted physically, just was not one of the most consistent player in the weight room. M-Rob was strong enough, but needed vast improvement in his quickness and footwork.
By the end of spring, Wilson, who is just the opposite of M-Rob when it comes to off the field stuff, gain confidence with the coaches and probably projected to being the starter over M-Rob. In addition, you have the emergence of Clark, and Furman who has exhibited a much improved attitude and we still do not know how they eventually use Thomas you have a situation where M-Rob once again was going to have to really compete over the summer and next fall for his starting spot.
So, it looks like he took the easy road (not surprising to some). Too bad, I really liked the kid.
Nov 24, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Mike Jones (27) fights with Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Adam Griffin (9) in the fourth quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsMike Jones:
Completely different story. Injuries have been the biggest issue with Jones and now Michigan has just has more talent than when he came to Michigan. Jones was actually a great kid, a kid who did everything ask of him and early in his career, barring injuries, probably would of become a starter. At least the early spring practices we attended he was our most physical linebacker.
Jones continued despite his position on depth chart, to be a very effective special teams player and is leaving simply because he wants to play his last year.
Good luck to both.
Come to the message board to read the entire post Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan — Players Leaving The Team and give us your thoughts, agree or disagree.
Just a reminder you must be a member to participate on the Message Board. Here is the link for the registration page for those people interested in becoming a GBMWolverine member of our message board. GBMWolverine Register.
Please comment on our GBMWolverine Message Board about this article and read what others comment.
You can contact us at our e-mail address: GBMWolverine
Follow us on Twitter:
@ErocWolverine
@GBMWolverine
@Mike Fitzpatrick
@YostMeister
Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan
Go Blue — Wear Maize!