Michigan spring football practice: Denard Robinson pushing Tate Forcier for starting QB job

Michigan quarterbacks Denard Robinson, left, and Tate Forcier rifle passes to their respective receivers during Tuesday afternoon, March 23rd's practice at Michigan's outdoor practice field outside Schembechler Hall.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Denard Robinson is pushing Tate Forcier for the starting quarterback job and he expects that race "to continue throughout spring and probably through August camp as well."

Forcier started all 12 games as a true freshman last year and led Michigan to a 4-0 start before slumping over the final two months.

Robinson got one start at running back and played as a Wildcat quarterback, but was far less advanced in the offense. He finished 14 of 31 passing with four interceptions. Most of this plays at quarterback were designed runs.

Rodriguez said Robinson has made strides understanding the offense and reading defenses.

More notes from Tuesday

â€¢ Backup defensive lineman Will Heininger tore his ACL in practice last week and might miss the 2010 season.

â€¢ Receiver JeRon Stokes, out most of the spring with an ankle injury, could return full go next week.

â€¢ Michigan has its second of three spring scrimmages on Saturday. Rodriguez said this one is "more important than the spring game."

â€¢ Rodriguez declined comment on cornerback recruit Demar Dorsey, who signed a letter of intent with a junior college in case he does not get admitted to Michigan. "If anything changes with any of our signees, I'll let y'all know," Rodriguez said.

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.