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Posted on Wed, Sep 7, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.

Michigan LB Cam Gordon 'up in the air' for Saturday, Troy Woolfolk good to go and more notes

By Nick Baumgardner

Michigan football coach Brady Hoke said Wednesday that sophomore outside linebacker Cam Gordon is still a question mark for Saturday against Notre Dame.

Gordon missed the season opener last week against Western Michigan due to lingering back issues, and has yet to return to full health at practice this week.

"He's still up in the air," Hoke said. "I don't talk much about injuries, and won't, but he's still up in the air.

"He did a couple things (during practice Tuesday), but not as much as we'd like."

CamGordon_UMass.jpg

Michigan coach Brady Hoke isn't sure if linebacker Cam Gordon, shown making a tackle against UMass last season, is ready to re-enter the Wolverines' starting lineup Saturday against Notre Dame.

AnnArbor.com file photo

Gordon entered the season as a projected starter at strong-side linebacker, but was a game day scratch in favor of redshirt freshman Jake Ryan.

Hoke said that in order for Gordon to become a full-go for this weekend, he'll have to show more at practice on Wednesday.

"I need to see him go out there and run around and play football today," Hoke said. "You've pretty much got to do things on Wednesday at a full-tilt level or Saturday you won't be effective anyway."

In other injury news, senior cornerback Troy Woolfolk has made progress with the left ankle injury he sustained during the WMU game.

Woolfolk practiced Tuesday with a heavy wrap on his ankle and, according to Hoke, should be ready to play Saturday.

"I would expect Troy will be healthy," Hoke said. "He did more (Tuesday) than I thought he would. And the thing I liked about it was that Troy wanted to do more.

"There's been situations we've all been in as coaches where some guys have played more football and are older and they may be a little more delicate about when they get back in there. But he jumped right back in and I was real pleased with the way he approached (Tuesday)."

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Stonum, Robinson impersonating Floyd

Hoke complimented redshirting wide receiver Darryl Stonum for his willingness and ability to mimic Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd at practice this week.

"He is a team guy," Hoke said. "He's jumped in with both feet and really done a great job."

Stonum was arrested this summer and charged with operating while visibly impaired, leading to a suspension and eventual redshirt. The arrest was the second of Stonum's college career. Floyd, an All-American at Notre Dame, was reinstated and didn't miss any games for the Irish after his third alcohol-related offense.

Hoke added Wednesday that redshirt freshman receiver Jerald Robinson is also spending time impersonating Floyd this week.

"We run enough plays in the switch personnel groups that (both Stonum and Robinson) need a little air now and then," Hoke said.


Hopkins in the mix at running back

Hoke said earlier in the week that sophomore running back Stephen Hopkins would be back on the field Saturday against Notre Dame after missing the WMU game due to a "team issue."

Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges said Tuesday that Hopkins could receive time this week, and Hoke added Wednesday that the 6-foot, 228-pounder is competing again with sophomore Fitzgerald Toussaint and senior Michael Shaw for snaps.

"We'll let the week play out," Hoke said. "He's done a nice job, he did a nice job in fall camp.

"I think right now (Toussaint) would be the guy who would start the game."


Hoke, Brian Kelly have a history

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has a history with Hoke, as both coaches were in the Mid-American Conference at the same time -- Kelly at Central Michigan and Hoke at Ball State.

Hoke said Wednesday that the two talk from time to time, but insinuated that they're not overly close.

"When he was in the MAC at Central he beat us three times," Hoke said. "(We talked at) league meetings. I have a lot of respect for Brian, he's a good coach. He was at Grand Valley (State) and did a good job there, (also) at Cincinnati and Central.

"We talk, let's put it that way. I don't talk to a whole lot of people, though, period."


Odds and ends

When asked if would prefer to wear shorts instead of pants on the sideline during games, Hoke let out a stiff chuckle before explaining that he really has no choice. "I think I probably have to (wear pants)," Hoke laughed. "Believe me, I'd wear shorts in a heartbeat -- you know that." … Hoke said he's not overly worried about increased television exposure this weekend, saying the game isn't about him. "You don't think about that," he said. "Everyone's different. … Everybody does stuff differently. I know I look real big on HD, but my whole point is that you're coaching kids and trying to help them. … It's not about me, it's about those kids. I'm going to coach."

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

craigjjs

Thu, Sep 8, 2011 : 12:50 p.m.

I hope Troy Woolfolk is removed from the special teams. He is too valuable to the defense to risk injury on a kick off as he dad Saturday.

RJ12688

Thu, Sep 8, 2011 : 8:09 a.m.

I agree that the D line needs to show up saturday. Getting pressure blitzing is nice, but getting pressure while only rushing four is better. It would be great to see Gordon play, but if he's not 100% then let Ryan.. he's proved during off season that he's a gamer and had a decent first start last week. I think Woolfolk is a big deal though... he could be a difference maker against ND.. they have a stud WR in floyd and having the best CB in the mix could be big. Either way, i think if their defense can make some plays and force a few turnovers then UM has a very solid chance to beat the Irish. Also, their Offense came out last week and didnt show a thing, and was still successful, which will be valuable.. I would guess that Denard will put up much higher numbers this week, and give ND a headache. I hope one of the RBs can make an impact also. I like UM's chances this week, especially after a weak performance by ND last week, and seeing how weak their QBs are. Hopefully they can get to Rees early and often and cause a few mistakes. UM 31 ND21

lawrencelaundry

Thu, Sep 8, 2011 : 2:55 a.m.

Michigan defensive line is very brittle. If we lose martin to injury, Michigan is screwed. I agree with Hoke. It was a terrible showing. Roh didn't even have a tackle. That's not going to work for ND folks. Let's hope the coaches are just hiding the real deal. Go Blue!

Mick

Thu, Sep 8, 2011 : 1:48 a.m.

I just love the vibe of Coach Hoke and the rest of the Staff. They're all quality coaches who demand accountability and results. Woolfolk will not play timid, did you see the dominating plays he made during the small amount of time he was in there? That guy goes all out, I'm not concerned about that at all. I love Jake Ryan, I want to see him and Herron play a lot, I liked Herron last year before he got hurt, both those guys are gamers. D-Line does need to step it up in a big way, our Offense will show more and I truly believe that we are headed in the right direction, just look for where Hoke is pointing! We will win this game, UM 31 ND 20, Go Blue!!!

MRunner73

Wed, Sep 7, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.

Jake Ryan is a diamond in the rough. I would rather see a healthy and eager Jake Ryan than risk more injury to Cam Gordon. Good to see the coaching staff opt for caution with Gordon. I will hold my breath during the game about Troy Woolfolk. The early news about Troy is encouraging. It does not take much to tweak a sprained ankle.

Nick Baumgardner

Wed, Sep 7, 2011 : 9:14 p.m.

@Don - I personally wonder if it could go the opposite, if he pushes himself too hard and ends up overdoing it. Here's a guy who missed an entire season due to injury, and wants nothing more than to go out and play football one more time. To get hurt that early has to be frustrating, and often times players have difficulty rushing back due to that. Time will tell, though. We'll find out Saturday how ready to roll he really is.

DonAZ

Wed, Sep 7, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.

+1 ... I like Ryan's intensity. I worry about Woolfolk ... if not fragile, I wonder if he'll be holding back a tad to avoid injury ... you know, a slight ding to his confidence?