Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson talks Michigan's cornerbacks

Michigan cornerback J.T. Floyd snares a pass during a practice last season. He's now projected as a starting cornerback in 2010.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

Michigan could have several true freshmen in the playing group at cornerback this fall, but Troy Woolfolk and J.T. Floyd are manning the first team for now, with James Rogers and Justin Turner as their backups.

Woolfolk split his time between cornerback and safety last year, but defensive coordinator Greg Robinson said last week Woolfolk looks “comfortable” at his new home.

“Up until this point in spring he’s played very well, and he plays like Troy,” Robinson said. “He works hard to defend the pass and he’s not shy when it comes to making tackles.”

Rogers remains “a work in progress” after switching back to defense last fall, Robinson said. One of 12 seniors, Rogers played cornerback as a freshman, receiver as a sophomore and junior, then moved back to defense last October.

“But he can run, he’s got length, he understands about being a receiver,” Robinson said. “So we’re trying to convert him.”

Floyd has played sparingly - nine games with starts against Michigan State and Ohio State last year - but the third-year sophomore is carrying himself like a veteran after making substantial gains in the weight room this offseason.

“He looks better, he looks thicker in his uniform, his movement is good and he acts much more like an experienced football player,” Robinson said. “Justin Turner, he’s a work in progress, but he’s got a prototype frame and I just think he’s growing. And I’m glad that J.T. Floyd is acting like an experienced football player because I think that helps Justin.”

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.