With Video: Obama in Ann Arbor: Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson gets shout-out from president

Robinson filed paperwork after the regular season to have his pro stock evaluated by the NFL draft advisory board. He elected to return for his senior season.

His president approves.

Later, someone in the crowd yelled to Obama, "Denard for president!"

From the Big House to the White House?

"They're trying to draft you for president," Obama quipped. "He's gotta graduate before he runs for President."

Obama’s references to Robinson and Michigan athletics might be viewed as sly or off the cuff, but one political expert said it’s strategy.

“He wants the audience to know that he’s not just dropping in without any knowledge about the local venues,” said Michael Traugott, a University of Michigan political scientist. “They use these kinds of references to make clear they know something about the local culture and the local atmosphere.”

Obama was at the University of Michigan to speak about higher education funding. And, as he was sure to note for the audience, his blueprint is blue.

His speech was at the Al Glick Fieldhouse, which is an indoor football facility near Schembechler Hall. It is named after Al Glick, a prominent donor to the athletic program.