An expert on living in the public eye, Michigan's Denard Robinson ready for Heisman Trophy hype
Michigan football quarterback Denard Robinson says he's prepared to handle the Heisman Trophy hype that may surround him in 2012.
AnnArbor.com file photo
A full-fledged celebrity in Ann Arbor for the past few years, Robinson's popularity has began to take on national scope of late.
Whether it's in the student section at Crisler Center, a hockey game at Yost Ice Arena or an airport bathroom -- all eyes appear to be on Denard.
"We were at the airport coming to Chicago (last week) and Denard went to the bathroom," Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan said. "And there was this guy who looked over at me and Jordan (Kovacs), so we figured that was kind of cool that he knew who we were.
"But then Denard walks out and the guy's eyes light up. But he doesn't care, he just smiles and puts stuff in his bag and walks away. ... He gets that a lot. But he does a great job of handling it all."
The attention paid to the Michigan football team's dynamic quarterback is expected to jump to even great lengths when the season begins, as Robinson has already been talked about by many as a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate.
Robinson's always been under the microscope at Michigan, and virtually every step he takes on the field is dissected continually by everyone in the stadium.
But he's a true Heisman candidate now, and that microscope will surely get worse in 2012.
Robinson says he understands that. But also doesn't really care either way.
"It's all the same to me," Robinson says. "I still see myself as a regular person. I'm no different than anyone else, I'm not the man, I'm no different than the guy sitting next to me.
"I'm always going to be humble about my situation."
Humble or not, Robinson does acknowledge that he hears his name mentioned with the Heisman Trophy. During his early-season explosion in 2010, his name circulated in the discussion for a brief moment, but eventually faded away.
The same was the case prior to last season, but Robinson's early struggles with Al Borges' West Coast Offense got rid of that conversation as well.
In 2012? Big things are expected from Robinson as an individual. He gets that.
But he also understands that in order to win an award like the Heisman, your team has to be really, really good.
"It comes off team wins," he said. "How many times the team wins, that's how many times I'll be up for the Heisman. If we keep winning, that helps with the Heisman stuff."
When Tom Harmon won Michigan's first Heisman in 1940, the Wolverines went 7-1 and finished the season ranked No. 3 overall. When Desmond Howard struck the pose in 1991, the Wolverines won 10 games, captured the Big Ten title and played in the Rose Bowl.
Charles Woodson's 1997 victory? That ended with a national championship.
Asked whether or not he'd take the time to promote Robinson for a Heisman candidacy, Michigan coach Brady Hoke said the program wouldn't ignore that possibility -- but at the end of the day, he says, the team always comes first.
"When we have a profound guy who we think is special, we'll talk about him and we'll promote him," he said. "But, at the same time, Michigan's always been Michigan.
"And it's a team."
Robinson's Heisman candidacy officially begins Sept. 1 in Arlington, Texas when the Wolverines tangle with defending national champion Alabama.
All eyes, as usual, will be squarely focused on Robinson. But he won't be pandering, instead, his eyes will be focused on the other 10 players standing next to him in the huddle.
Step one for Robinson's Heisman hope is to win.
Win, rinse, repeat.
"If we don't," Robinson says, "then I have no chance."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
Tyler
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
Tom Harmon won in 1940 the Wolverines went 7-1 finished ranked #3, Desmond Howard won in 1991 Michigan won 10 games captured the big ten title and played in the rose bowl, Woodson in 1997 ended with a national championship, How about a 2012 Denard Robinson Heisman trophy and A BCS Championship, then once the BCS is gone and someone from the Wolverines wins a Heisman we win the National Championship in the Playoffs era!Hail#
Steve McQueen
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 12:37 a.m.
Denard Robinson is Global. He will make millions in endorsements when he gets to the next level, playing on Sundays. People are naturally drawn to Denard. He is Electric. Go Blue.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 5:40 a.m.
The bigger question is whether the Michigan defense is ready for that incredible offensive line you have in 'Bama. I hate this Heisman talk. Not that Denard can't win it, or that I wouldn't enjoy seeing him at the ceremony while they reveal the votes - especially since teams that don't win 10+ games don't produce Heisman candidates. But because Denard knows, and we all should know, that individual statistics don't win games. I'd much rather see him stay on the field healthy and improve his passing in his second year in Hoke's offense.
Kelly Ray
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
Hey Y'all...My name is A Ganger...I'm an Alabama Fan...I just dropped by to say hello and offer some neighborly advice...Denard Robinson better be ready for the Alabama defense and forget about the Heisman Hype...As he so aptly stated about winning against Bama..."If we don't," Robinson says, "then I have no chance." Roll Tide Y'all Protect America, Build Submarines
2charles
Tue, Aug 7, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
If your guys go into that game thinking that we don't have a chance they will lose! DR is going to be a force in this game
Ted Bundy
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
Is this a joke?
Paul R Lamse
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 9:11 a.m.
"If we don't," Robinson says, "then I have no chance." Just so you'al'll unnerstand, this quote actually means, over the season, not just one game. Win or lose the first game, if UM doesn't lay an egg, a loss wouldn't have a negative impact for the Heisman. However a win....! Yahoo!
Steve McQueen
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
what are y'all fixin for suppa tonight down thare
Kelly Ray
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
Come visit us at al.com
MRunner73
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.
This may surprise some folks who can gage how supportive I am about the Michigan Football program, it's coaches and all players on the roster. I always have positive things to say about Denard Robinson and will continue to post more positive and supportive comments. (The other shoe drops); but some of these stories about Denard should be put in the Entertainment Section. I would like to just see him be able to live as much as a normal student athlete as possible. Maybe it is not practical given his charisma. Best wishes to Denard, The Team (133) and it's journey to a successful season in which THEY achieve their goals as set inside the locker room. GO BLUE: T minus 4 weeks!!
MRunner73
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 4:54 p.m.
Correct as both of you are so my criticism goes to some print media types for putting out these types of stories about Denard. He's a great story. He would never ask or seek such attention that has been given to him thus far and he's handled it exceptionally well.
heartbreakM
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
It's that "rock star" thing I referred to above. I think if he demanded attention, it'd be a different vibe but he just gets the attention because of the type of person he seems to be and the ever present warm smile. And because of how exciting he is. Fortunately, so far, he has been able to handle it, and I can't think of a player being this beloved in Michigan athletics in decades. Even if he makes mistakes on the field.
RWBill
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
Denard has never asked for all the attention, or the Heisman hype, it's inevitable, unfortunately.
Howard the Duck
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 3:45 p.m.
Another year of early season Heisman hype out of Ann Arbor. By October that hype, and hope will have faded, just like the past four years. Reality will have settled in and a 7-5 finish will be acknowledged as fortunate!
2charles
Tue, Aug 7, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.
7-5? Maybe in east lansing
umgoblue47
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
what's a matter duck, sad because sparty has know one being hyped. . . at all. . . for anything! win, lose or draw just being mentioned as a possible heisman candidate is not only an honor but is also a priviledge. . . something sparty can't seem to grasp! but don't worry you still have the replay of gold-member trying to twist DR head off at the bottom of the pile after the play was over. . . that's what i call reality!! GO BLUE!!!
RWBill
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
The hype will be from the national media, not ginned up out of Ann Arbor.
comradebones
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
Just like last year when we were only supposed to win 8. Denard will do well this year, and hopefully against your team so you'll keep your trap shut.
concerned citizen
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
Coach Hoke - please give Denard jersey #1. He deserves it! Note: I did my research, other positions have worn #1, it's not just for WRs. Denard would be the first Michigan quarterback to wear the honored jersey.
Steve McQueen
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
nah Denard is 16. He has created his own legacy in that number.
RWBill
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
Do you not understand yet that Denard does not want #1, he wants to keep #16?
edjasbord
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
A QB does not need a special number to distinguish him from the rest - he is the captain of the offense; he is already necessarily distinguished. And Denard neither needs, nor wants, more special distinguishing attention during this seasion. Let all that come after the season (or before the post-season). Let's not cast the other players on the team (key word) even further into the background.
heartbreakM
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:39 p.m.
DR is like a rock star nationally. He has that electric personality and the crazy unpredictable skill on the field. It is a great combination. I'd be surprised if Hoke "promoted him". It doesn't seem like Hoke's way to do that (or Michigan's). I would think they let the results talk for themselves. And we all hope that they will!!
Paul R Lamse
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 9:01 a.m.
The Way: What's not to love! Go Blue!
TheWay
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 4:12 a.m.
Luckily, the media loves Michigan and does plenty of promotion for us.
Shlobodon Dobodon
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
Come on, dude. I think we all know very well by now this guy has no chance at the Heisman. He's not even playing the right position.
2charles
Tue, Aug 7, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
Really! That's just sparty ignorance...or jealousy
Paul R Lamse
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 9 a.m.
Then why are non-UM fans making it a big deal? Beyond ignorant. But perfectly jealous.