Michigan football QB Denard Robinson not offended by NFL detractors, concentrating on senior season

Posted on Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 9 a.m.

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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

To some NFL analysts, it's not even a question.

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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Plenty of NFL draft boards have Robinson relatively highly rated for the 2013 event, but as a wide receiver.

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.

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