Michigan football QB Denard Robinson not offended by NFL detractors, concentrating on senior season
Michigan football quarterback Denard Robinson isn't offended by the NFL analysts who say he'll have to switch positions after college.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Most believe Denard Robinson will never be a full-time quarterback after this season.
Asked whether or not that bothers him, motivates him or amuses him, the Michigan football senior star was indifferent last week in Chicago during the Big Ten's annual media days.
He may never get a full-time crack at taking snaps in the NFL, but he says he can't worry about that right now.
He's too busy playing quarterback for the Wolverines.
"You know what I say to all that?" Robinson asked rhetorically. "I'm at the University of Michigan, right? I play quarterback, right?
"I'm going to try to be the best quarterback I can be for the University of Michigan."
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Lead ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has been outspoken on the issue a number of times, defiantly explaining how Robinson's days as a quarterback will end after this season.
There's questions about his height, his footwork, his decision-making and his accuracy.
Robinson, who has said in the past that he has a desire to play quarterback at the next level, can't control his height -- but has spent a great deal of time this offseason discussing the work he's put in on footwork, accuracy and decision-making.
But all that work has been done to improve his senior season, he says. Not his draft stock.
"I can't control (any of the NFL talk)," he said. "It doesn't bother me."
Michigan coach Brady Hoke has expressed his support for Robinson's pro prospects, saying he believes his quarterback can remain at his current position at the next level if he wants to.
Hoke's certainly in the minority, but one thing remains clear: Robinson is Michigan's quarterback, and there has been zero talk of him tinkering at any other position next season in order to prepare for the next level.
In fact, Hoke shot down that notion at an event earlier this spring, explaining how his program is "about the team" first -- in all instances.
Robinson ultimately agrees, saying he can't -- and won't -- worry about his NFL future until the time comes.
Anything else would be a slight to what's directly in front of him.
That, of course, being "Team 133."
"I'm not even thinking about it," he says. "I'd be cheating my teammates if I wasn't thinking about Michigan, if I was thinking about going to the next level already.
"I'm thinking about being the best quarterback for Michigan right now, I'm not trying to cheat the team, I want to be the best quarterback I can be. If we have a great season and get to a bowl game, after that bowl game, that's when I'll be able to make that decision."
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
FormerMichRes
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 10:14 a.m.
I think his chances are low at becoming a full-time QB in the NFL, but higher than him actually graduating.
TheWay
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 4:21 a.m.
He'll absolutely graduate.
Steve McQueen
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
Mike Vick is listed as 6-0, 215. Here are his 2 year passing/rushing stats at VT: 192 342 56.1 3299 9.6 9.4 21 11 151.0 212 1202 5.7 16 0 0 0 212 1202 5.7 16 Vick was drafted first overall by the Falcons. He is about the same size as Denard, and his college stats are not anywhere as good as Denard's It all comes down to perception folks.
umgoblue47
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 2:07 a.m.
who let the dogs out, plus many other legal issue's and problems have taken there toll on his football career and that's been a big factor in his failure as a pro QB. if vick spent as much time playing FOOTBALL as he has playing the LEGAL system he would be a much better pro QB, he has all the TOOLS. DR deserves at least a chance to play the position of a pro QB and he also has all the TOOLS to succeed including something vick did not have, ETHICS! just my 2/cents. . . GO BLUE!!!
TheWay
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 1:55 a.m.
NFL teams look at more than stats and physical stature when deciding who to draft. If they didn't, there'd be a QB from Houston or BYU or somewhere drafted first every year. I love Denard, and I think he's a great college QB (because I know the position is different at the college level than at the pro level), but he won't be a pro QB. Pat White was a better passer than Denard and he didn't last two years.
a2citizen
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 12:17 a.m.
And as a pro vick has been a failure.
Steve McQueen
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
Denard's NFL QB prospects really come down to one thing: His height. With his amazing athletic ability and strong arm, if he were even 6-2...he would be a certain first or second round QB pick. His career stat line is off the hook rushing...and his 58% completion rate and 40TD passes in 2 seasons would rate him very very highly in NFL scouts eyes... if only he were 2-3 inches taller.
Meangoblue
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
There's this one guy that I know and he said DRob will win the heisman, rimington, outland and Butkus award this year. He will be the number 1 pick in the NFL draft and then will be traded to the Lions in exchange for Nick Fairley and Mikel Leshoure. He will then beat out Matt Stafford as starting QB and lead the lions to their first playoff win since the Wayne Fontes era. Wayne Fontes will be re-hired by the lions as cigar smoker coordinator. Matt Millen will appear on national TV stating they should convert Wayne Fontes to a wide receiver. Now that is not boring Ross. MEEEEEEEANchigan football will roll over the tide. As DRob and company kick that crimson hide!!!
Ross
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.
We've all read this article before. Several times. Booooring. Nonetheless, good attitude Denard, as always. GO BLUE.