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Posted on Mon, Sep 28, 2009 : 6:29 p.m.

Starting cornerback spot open for competition between J.T. Floyd, Boubacar Cissoko

By Dave Birkett

Boubacar Cissoko was listed on the first team at right cornerback on Michigan’s official depth chart Monday, but coach Rich Rodriguez said he hasn’t decided if Cissoko or J.T. Floyd will start Saturday’s game against Michigan State.

“We’re going to challenge a few guys defensively and get some other guys some reps and see who’s playing the best, try to get the best 11” on the field, Rodriguez said. “Corner’s one of them. (Donovan Warren’s) been playing very, very well, but the other corner position’s wide open.”

Cissoko was benched late in the first quarter of last week’s win over Indiana after Tandon Doss ran by him for a 56-yard gain. Floyd, a redshirt freshman, made four tackles in the most extensive playing time of his career.

Rodriguez also brought up true freshman Justin Turner’s name unprompted Monday for playing time at cornerback. Turner, the No. 2 recruit in Michigan’s 2009 class, has not played this year.

“He gets better every week, so he gives us a chance there as well,” Rodriguez said. “It’s going to be a competitive situation, and I think it needs to be.”

Injury update Regular center David Molk is using a bone stimulator to help his broken foot heal, Rodriguez said.

Molk underwent surgery to insert a pin in his foot last week and is expected to miss another three to five games. David Moosman started in his place against Indiana and had several bad snaps, but is expected to play again against MSU.

“Knowing David, he has a great pain tolerance and he’ll be out as soon as he can,” Rodriguez said. “But we’re not going to put him out there with any risk of further injury.”

Special-teams stalwart Zach Johnson sprained his shoulder against Indiana and will miss “a few weeks,” Rodriguez said.

Safety Mike Williams, who missed the Indiana game, is expected to return against the Spartans.

More on Moose Despite his snap issues, Rodriguez said Moosman played well against Indiana.

“Blocking wise and making the calls and doing that, he was pretty good,” Rodriguez said. “A few snaps may paint a different picture, but outside of that - I think we lost 70-some yards on some snap issues - David played pretty well. “

Rocko Khoury and Tim McAvoy will be the backup centers this week.

Hagerup, up and away ESPN reported over the weekend that prep punter Will Hagerup committed to Michigan over Ohio State and Wisconsin. The commitment is Michigan’s first in this recruiting class by a player also pursued by the Buckeyes, ESPN reported.

Hagerup will replace Zoltan Mesko, a four-year starter, next year.

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

Comments

KeepingItReal

Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 1:43 p.m.

Boubocar is a 5'9'' corner going up against guys 6'3-4 with speed. Its hard to imagine such a smaller players being competitive against such talent. Why don't the coaches recruits bigger corners who are fast and can jump. MI will continue to get beat at corner regardless of who they put in if he's that much smaller than the opposing team's receivers.

81wolverine

Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 7:50 a.m.

Every year we seem to have a cornerback who the other team targets every game. One of these days it will be nice to have 2 good CB's at the same time! I sure hope Boubacar can rise to the challenge and get better. But, it's always good to have competition for every position. Turner and Will Campbell are two freshmen that need to get better fast. Getting Will Hagerup to commit is HUGE for Michigan. He's a really good division 1 punter prospect that we desperately needed with Zoltan graduating. Apparently Florida wanted him too. If we didn't recruit a good punter this year, it would have been tryout-time next spring on campus!

tater

Mon, Sep 28, 2009 : 9:01 p.m.

I really hope Justin Turner turns out as good as he looked like he would be coming out of HS. He could provide depth at both CB and S if he has learned the defense yet.

Theo212

Mon, Sep 28, 2009 : 5:56 p.m.

Carlos Brown should also be one of the cornerbacks. I guess I'm a year late. Carlos wins the Heisman this year.