Roy Roundtree : All posts

Brady Hoke: WR Roy Roundtree has 'good' chance of playing against Alabama

Michigan's Roy Roundtree, center, is expected to be a leader at receiver after the Wolverines lost Junior Hemingway (graduation) and Darryl Stonum (dismissal) this offseason.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

Roundtree underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Friday after tweaking the knee in practice. He is not expected to return to camp for at least two weeks -- which puts him back just days before the opener.

Michigan weighs receiver options with Roy Roundtree out until week of opener

Michigan senior receiver Roy Roundtree is recovering from minor knee surgery. He is expected to rejoin the team in two weeks -- just in time for the Alabama game.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

The graduation of top receiver Junior Hemingway and dismissal of projected starter Darryl Stonum have accentuated the senior's importance this year.

And now, leading up to the nation's most-anticipated opener, he's not there.

Michigan WR Roy Roundtree has arthroscopic knee surgery, expected back in 2 weeks

Michigan football wide receiver Roy Roundtree had knee surgery last week, according to coach Brady Hoke. He is expected to return in two weeks.

Jeffrey Smith | AnnArbor.com

Although coach Brady Hoke doesn't expect it to be overly serious.

Hoke announced Sunday that senior wide receiver Roy Roundtree had arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday, and is expected back in two weeks.

Now a senior, Roy Roundtree says he's fully aware of what it means to be a wide receiver at Michigan

Michigan senior receiver Roy Roundtree says he's ready to step into a lead pass-catching role next season.

Expectations, he says, have less to do with an individual, and everything to do with the overall bar set by the program.

For Roy Roundtree, the search for what it means to be a senior wide receiver at Michigan starts when he puts on his jersey, and stops when he tucks it in.

Michigan receiver Roy Roundtree will be counted on to lead at position of uncertainty

Roy Roundtree's production nose-dived to 19 catches last year. Michigan will ask for more out of him this coming season.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Instead, he caught 19 passes, the worst single-season drop off in school history.

Just don't tell that to Brady Hoke.

The Wolverines' coach was asked last week about Roundtree's "rough" season, production-wise, and the coach fired back politely -- but firmly.

"How’d he have a rough season?" Hoke countered.

"Well, he caught only 19 passes," the reporter said.

"Yeah, but he won more games, so I wouldn’t call that a rough season," Hoke said. "Neither would Roy, and that's part of why you reward a guy who has that kind of commitment to his team, because this is a team game and he’s a tremendous leader."

Roundtree, now entering his senior season, will be counted upon to lead a receiving corps that is facing several concerns.

Top receiver Junior Hemingway has graduated, and starter Darryl Stonum was kicked off the team for an offseason arrest. That leaves Roundtree and junior Jeremy Gallon as the only sure things.

The rest of the returners combine for 17 career catches.

The leading candidates for the third starting spot have zero.

Sophomore Jerald Robinson is considered the leader right now for that spot, but true freshmen Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson also are expected to receive shots at the job in fall camp.

Practices start Monday.

Quarterback Denard Robinson said the freshmen are skilled, but need polishing if they are to see the field in the opener Sept. 1 against Alabama.

"They (are) thinking too much," Robinson said. "When they get comfortable with running routes, they're going to be good. They're going to be really good. I like watching them go get balls.

"Once you see those guys out there on the field, you'll see they can move."

Heavy on talent, light on experience. That's why Roundtree is so important to igniting a passing game that was lackluster for much of last season.

The lack of production hasn't bothered Roundtree, Hoke said, because he was able to do other things to help the offense. He is one of the receiving corps' most capable blockers, for example.

It is that commitment to team that Hoke was rewarding when he bestowed upon Roundtree the No. 21 jersey, which has been designated a Michigan Football Legend in honor of former great Desmond Howard.

Roundtree previously wore No. 12.

"He's proven himself," Hoke said. "He epitomizes the work ethic and being coachable and a leader and all those things.

"When you got a guy who leads like that and is so accountable to his teammates, (it helps us), and I think that’s what Desmond does."

Roundtree's 72-catch season came in the slot, and his 19-catch drop off came at split end. Next year, he will play the flanker position in which Hemingway thrived.

Will that mark a boost in his production?

“Well, I think we will find out," Hoke said. "I know he is long. He has got length to him. He has made some big catches. I think he does a nice job getting down the field and running routes.

"I think that is one of the things (receivers coach) Jeff Hecklinski has done a tremendous job with our group, and those teaching concepts and recognizing coverages and all of that, and so I don’t know why he couldn’t.”

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.

Brady Hoke won't give hints on 'Michigan Legend' jersey recipients, but does like the concept

Four members of the current Michigan football team could have the opportunity to honor legends of Wolverine past this season.

One will be wide receiver Roy Roundtree. The other three? That's still up in the air.

In May, Michigan announced that Roundtree would wear the No. 21 jersey of "Michigan Football Legend" Desmond Howard next season. Shortly thereafter, the school announced it would be un-retiring and recirculating Ron Kramer's No. 87, Gerald Ford's No. 48 and Bennie Oosterbaan's No. 47 beginning this fall.

Michigan football's Roy Roundtree among 4 Big Ten receivers on Biletnikoff list

Michigan receiver Roy Roundtree burst onto the national scene two years ago, when he hauled in a team-high 72 catches as a sophomore.

Last year, he went kerplunk, recording just 19 catches. That's the worst single-season drop off in receptions in school history.

But it appears at least one group of people has faith he can turn it around.

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced Tuesday that Roundtree made its watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, which is presented annually to the nation's best receiver.

Michigan football team could alter philosophy of passing game after Junior Hemingway's departure

Junior Hemingway made one of his signature "jump ball" receptions for a touchdown against Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. Hemingway is now a Kansas City Chief, forcing offensive coordinator Al Borges to reconsider the approach.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

The Michigan football team loses only six starters from last season, making it one of the more veteran teams in the Big Ten.

But it might take just one loss to reshape the Wolverines' passing game philosophy.

Junior Hemingway was Michigan's most reliable receiver last season, especially downfield. He often played bigger than his 6-foot-1 frame, as he developed a knack for snaring the ball at its highest point.

His proclivity for jump balls helped bail out quarterback Denard Robinson when he was under duress or not accurate, and finished third in the country in yards per catch (20.6).

And now, Hemingway is a Kansas City Chief. What does that mean?

"Maybe next year, we don't throw a bunch of jump balls," offensive coordinator Al Borges said Friday. "You kind of have to play to what you got."

Roy Roundtree will wear No. 21 'legend' jersey for Michigan football team

Last season, former Michigan wide receiver Junior Hemingway, above, wore the No. 21 'legend' jersey, which includes a patch that reads "Desmond Howard, Michigan Legend, 1988-1991." Roy Roundtree will wear it in 2012, the university announced Friday.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Former Michigan football star and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard will have a presence once again for the Wolverines in 2012.

Michigan announced Friday that senior receiver Roy Roundtree will wear Howard's No. 21 "Michigan Football Legend" uniform next season.

Prior to its game against Notre Dame last season, Michigan announced the jersey would be the first to hold the distinction. Worn by wideout Junior Hemingway last season, the jersey includes a patch with Howard's name.

"Coach Hoke and I discussed it, and one day I came into the locker room and went to the No. 12 locker and didn't see my name anymore. I laughed, looked around and there it was, at No. 21," Roundtree said in a statement. "I know what it takes to wear the winged helmet and I know what it takes to be a Michigan football player. I won't disappoint wearing this jersey.

"It's an honor to be associated with Desmond Howard. I will live with it for the rest of my life. It's a blessing."

Michigan receiver Roy Roundtree eyes No. 1 jersey last worn by his childhood idol, Braylon Edwards

From left, Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, wide receiver Roy Roundtree and basketball captain Zack Novak talk during halftime of the Braylon Edwards charity basketball game at Pioneer High School. Roundtree, who idolized Edwards as a child, coached one of the teams.

Chris Asadian | AnnArbor.com

Roy Roundtree wants to wear the No. 1 jersey for the Michigan football team, and not just because of the prestige attached to it at his school.

He grew up idolizing the last guy who wore it.

And that guy, Braylon Edwards, enlisted Roundtree to coach in his charity basketball game Friday night at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor.

"That was my idol growing up," said Roundtree, who grew up in Ohio but is a lifelong Michigan fan. "I watched him every Saturday, and to see all the great wide receivers come through Michigan, that weighed on my options coming here."

Roy Roundtree's move to flanker expected to stem his declining production for Michigan football team

Michigan receiver Roy Roundtree moved from the slot to split-end last year, and he suffered the worst drop in wideout production in school history.

Now he's on the move again, after offensive coordinator Al Borges announced Monday the senior is moving to the flanker position that was occupied last year by top wideout Junior Hemingway.

Only, this time, Borges expects Roundtree's numbers to spike in the other direction.

"Because we split time with him and Jeremy Gallon (last year), Roy took some hits with his numbers," Borges said. "But going to flanker, a healthy Roy Roundtree could really have a good season.

"And out at flanker now, you get more balls thrown your way. I have no doubt Roy Roundtree will have a heck of a year."

Michigan football team alerts compliance department after receiver Roy Roundtree commits possible minor NCAA violation

Update at 11 a.m. Wednesday: Michigan linebacker Kenny Demens also tweeted at high school linebacker Mike McCray, writing after 9 p.m. Tuesday "@MJM92013 Welcome to the Maize & Blue my dog." Michigan alerted its compliance.

A Michigan football program spokesman said Tuesday night the school's compliance department was notified after receiver Roy Roundtree possibly violated a minor NCAA rule.

Roundtree, who will be a senior next year, tweeted earlier Tuesday to congratulate Ohio high school linebacker Mike McCray on committing to the Wolverines' 2013 class.

“S/O to my lil brotha Mike McCray @MJM92013 for committing to Michigan today,” Roundtree tweeted.

McCray attends Trotwood-Madison High School, which is Roundtree's alma mater. The two did not play together, although they know each other from McCray's recruitment in Ann Arbor.

With Video: Michigan football team honored during basketball game at the Crisler Center

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson smiles as he exits the floor with teammates after the football team was honored during a timeout at the Crisler Center on Wedensday.

Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com

One of the loudest ovations inside the Crisler Center on Wednesday was awarded to the Michigan football team.

The Wolverines were honored during the first half of the Michigan basketball team's 66-64 win over Northwestern, taking a collective bow with the 2012 Sugar Bowl trophy in hand.

Michigan receiving corps is a 'nasty crew' because of their punishing blocking style

Roy Roundtree: "I’m going to go out there and block my tail off."

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

"'Hey, somebody needs to knock (star linebacker LaVonte David) out of the game,'" recalls Roy Roundtree. "'Who’s it going to be?’"

"We all looked around like, ‘Challenge is in the air’" Roundtree said.

It was the junior who answered the call.

The long ball brigade: Michigan receivers make the most of their opportunities

Michigan senior receiver Junior Hemingway has, and always will have, one glaring advantage against opposing defensive backs.

"Junior's a big guy," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Saturday following a 42-24 victory at Northwestern. "We call him an offensive guard sometimes."

The 6-foot-1, 222-pound Hemingway wasn't lining up in a three-point stance or trap-blocking defensive tackles Saturday, but he was abusing defensive backs.

Michigan receiver Roy Roundtree breaks down his game-winning catch against Notre Dame

With his team trailing by three points and 8 seconds left, Roy Roundtree had one thing to tell Denard Robinson in the huddle before one of the biggest snaps of his career.

“He told me in the huddle, ‘Denard, I got to get ‘em, I got to get ‘em,’ and he gave them the move, their guy kind of held him, and I just threw it up,” Robinson said.

He threw it to the perfect place.

Michigan wide receiver Roy Roundtree on Biletnikoff Award watch list

The headline was changed to fix a spelling error.

Junior wide receiver Roy Roundtree, who led the Michigan football team with 72 catches for 935 yards and seven touchdowns last season, is on the 75-member Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list. The annual award is presented to the nation's best receiver.

Roundtree is one of nine Big Ten Conference players on the Biletnikoff watch list. The others: Demario Belcher of Indiana; B.J. Cunningham of Michigan State; Jeremy Ebert of Northwestern, A.J. Jenkins of Illinois, DaJon McKnight of Minnesota; Marvin McNutt of Iowa; Derrick Moye of Penn State and Devier Posey of Ohio State.

What will the Michigan football team do with its bountiful receiving corps?

Roy Roundtree (left) and Junior Hemingway, shown here celebrating a Roundtree touchdown against Illinois last season, are two members of a deep returning receiving corps.

AnnArbor.com file photo

Of all the Michigan football team’s new position coaches, Jeff Hecklinski has the most returning talent to work with.

The question will become, what does the new receivers coach do with it all?

In a recent video profile posted by MGoBlue.com, Hecklinski recalled a conversation he had with quarterback Denard Robinson. It made his role seem simple:

“My job is to make sure you always have somebody to throw to,” Hecklinski told Robinson. “My guys need to always to be open. It’s their responsibility and there’s no excuses.”

The tougher part of the job might be the selection process. Who will Robinson be throwing to?

“They better be ready,” Hecklinski said of his receivers. “It’s all about competition.”

And, barring attrition, the competitor pool should be deep.

The team’s three primary receivers - Roy Roundtree, Darryl Stonum and Junior Hemingway - all return, and the Wolverines’ roster includes highly touted upcoming wideouts like Je’Ron Stokes, Jeremy Jackson, Ricardo Miller and Jerald Robinson.

notebook: Roy Roundtree talks about drops, Mississippi State respects Denard Robinson and more Michigan football news

AnnArbor.com file photo

By most accounts, Roy Roundtree had a breakthrough season for the Michigan football team.

The redshirt sophomore led the Wolverines with 63 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns, and earned second-team all-Big Ten honors.

By his own account, Roundtree knows he could have finished the season with even better numbers. He dropped several passes in the final few games, including four against Ohio State.

It’s a problem he intends to correct before Michigan faces Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 1.

video: Rich Rodriguez, Michigan football players excited to face an SEC team in Gator Bowl

After opening words from the Gator Bowl chairman Steve Tremel, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon and Rich Rodriguez give their thoughts on the Michigan football team's invitation to play in the Gator Bowl against Mississippi State on New Year's Day.

Rodriguez and players -- defensive tackle Mike Martin, wide receivers Darryl Stonum and Roy Roundtree, and safety Jordan Kovacs -- go on to discuss their excitement about playing an SEC team in a bowl game.