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Posted on Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 5:59 p.m.

Rich Rodriguez keeps quarterbacks a secret, plus Troy Woolfolk could play for Michigan football team next year

By Pete Bigelow

In one week, Rich Rodriguez expects to know who will start at quarterback for the Michigan football team. He might be the only one.

Rodriguez said he plans to keep his plans hidden for a while. He will probably inform the three candidates of his decision the day before Michigan opens the season against UConn, if not a little sooner. As for the rest of us?

“Nobody else will know until 3:30 p.m.,” Rodriguez said Wednesday, before clarifying the information. “What time is kickoff? 3:36? I stand corrected.”

Denard Robinson, Tate Forcier and Devin Gardner are competing for the job. Usually by this point in summer camp, Rodriguez starts giving the starter more snaps with the first team, going with a 60-40 split.

But he said Wednesday, the number of snaps for all three were relatively even.


MORE QUESTION MARKS

Elsewhere on the Wolverines, jobs are just as unsteady as quarterback.

“The competition at running back is clearly unsettled,” Rodriguez said.

It might stay that way for a while.

Junior Mike Shaw remains in a summer class that has divided his time between football and academics. Redshirt freshman Fitzgerald Toussaint missed practice Wednesday with an assortment of minor injuries, including a neck stinger. Austin White left the program last weekend.

Rodriguez isn’t worried.

“In camp, that’s the one position where you get banged up a little bit, so that kind of limits their development in some respects,” he said. “But we have some talent there. We’ll be OK.


WOOLFOLK AND HIS REPLACEMENTS

Cornerback Troy Woolfolk underwent surgery on his dislocated ankle Tuesday night, and will miss the 2009 season. With a year of eligibility remaining, Michigan is optimistic he can return for the 2011 season.

“He’s got quite a bit of rehabilitation ahead, but they don’t see any reason he can’t be 100 percent this time next year,” Rodriguez said.

In Woolfolk’s absence, Rodriguez said as many as five true freshmen could see playing time in the secondary this year. Those decisions could be made this week.

“It’s kind of scary when you think about true freshmen playing in the secondary,” Rodriguez said. “But there’s some talent there, and the progression this week has been pretty good.”

Among the freshmen candidates at corner: Terrence Talbott, Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery and safety Carvin Johnson. Marvin Robinson could also see time at safety.


THIS AND THAT

The Wolverines conducted a scrimmage Tuesday, and will do so again Friday on a smaller scale. …

Candidates for the kicking job are still inconsistent, Rodriguez said. “The issue hasn’t been distance,” he said. “It’s just been consistency with making the kind of medium-range, the 35-yarder-or-longer types of field goals,” he said.

Comments

Sean T.

Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 12:41 a.m.

Thank You, GoblueinNE_PA. It's funny how so many folks can think all is well when there has been no indication of improvement. Then have the nerve to come up with their own stats to perpetuate their fantasy of improvement. I'd stand behind any coach that doesn't have the horses but is making the best out of the talent that he was given.(Players) But since the day he set foot on campus, RR has been a debacle in every facet of the college football game. I've seen nothing positive he has done that is directly involved with the football program. The same folks speaking about complaining are always complaining themselves and are using their own tea-leaves and Chrystal balls to predict a winning season without any basis at all. I'll support the kids that give it their all on Saturdays but you slappies can keep your coach!

GoblueinNE_PA

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 10:50 p.m.

Fluke years? LOL!! Fluke years would mean that RR would have had some sort of different result than what he's had. If LC had had a bad season like this, you could have called it a fluke. Or when Bo went 6-6, you could say that was a fluke. Rich has nothing but lousy performance. A winning season this year would be the fluke. I'll keep sharing my opinion as long as I have my Michigan degree. Until that changes I'm going to provide my opinions on the state of our athletic programs,particularly the football team.

Jake Church

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 8:47 p.m.

you people are all impacient children, two fluke years and everyone bails. i hope when we are back on track you fakes are still selling your tickets to buckeyes. we don't need you in our stadium we only want michigan fans there. you back your team period, i backed carr when all you fakes wanted his head. find another team so i don't have to hear your whining any more.

Jaxon5

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 5:39 p.m.

Sorry, none of these 3 could start on any other Big Ten team. The other spots are all taken with competent players, thank you very much. In fact, none of the Mich 3 QBs are mentioned on a par with the other Big 10 QBs. All other Big 10 QBs are either seasoned upper classmen or mentioned among players to watch in 2010 with significant upside potential. Pryor (OSU), Stanzi (Iowa), Tolzien (UW), Cousins (MSU), Weber (Minn), Persa (NW), Chappell (IU), Marve (Purdue), Newsome (PSU), and Scheelhaase (Illinois).

Jaxon Boyfriend

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 1:34 p.m.

The main question is quite deceiving. In reality, you have 3 QB's that could start on any Big Ten team this year, and the uncertainty is - should I take my red lamborghini, my black lamborghini, or my green lamborghini out to day. Tough choice. Same with RB's - should I ride my Kentucky Derby Winner, my Preakness Winner or my Belmont Winner today. It is that simple. Same with other positions. I for one, think that when the NCAA coach of the year, this year, Mr.Coach Rodrigeuz waits to announce his starters is great for all the Michigan Faithful - we love anticipation.

PortageLkBlu

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 12:39 p.m.

Mr Bundensen, ya got this thing backwards man. Dial your expectations up. The games will still be played in the best college football scenario in the land, The crowds will be massive to say the least, The Wolverines will still charge out on that field with those wings flying in the beautiful Autumn atmosphere, I will be flying my Michigan flag above my house out here in California and Mich. fans will occasionally drive by and honk and we will knowingly smile at each other cause it's Michigan a state and team to be proud of for all time. This is entertainment at it's best ya, we've had 3 bad years but Mr Bundensen, it just charges me up more for the coming season ya, I never dial down when it comes to my Wolves. Go Big Blue!

BornInA2

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 11:48 a.m.

The team, which I support, has a major leadership vacuum at the head coach position. Winning: Fail. Following the rules: Fail. Setting an integrity example: Fail. Setting an accountability example: Fail. Improving the team through the course of the season: Fail. Not being a distraction from the team and the games: Fail. Where/how hasn't this coach failed? When is it too much?

rightmind250

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 11:05 a.m.

Correction, UM was #1 in punting. That is pretty much an indication of a poor offense. Without Zoltan bailing them out, this offense would have been even worse. Even RR thought he had to have Zoltan bail out the offense. Remeber the OSU game? RR had Zoltan running on 4th down from his own 1 yard line. What a cluster! One thing I didn't see on the stats was coaches blunders. I think UM would have ranked pretty much near the top in that category.

rightmind250

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 10:44 a.m.

Ethanblue, http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/stats/2009-2010/confonly.html The bull crap needs to stop. Above is the official B10 web site with statistics as follows: scoring offense UM 9th scoring defense UM 11th passing offense UM 7th passing defense UM 6th turnover margin UM 11th Total offense UM 9th Total defense UM 11th Nowhere will you find UM in the top 3 of any category. Bottom line, the offense sucked. The defense sucked worse. Look at turnover margin, 11th. I don't mind if you tell me they will be better in 2010, but don't come on here and lie thinking you can get away with that crap! This team tied for last place in the B10. The statistics indicate why. They Sucked!!

Txmaizenblue

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.

Folks - it's a message board. People are supposed to express their angst, excitement, concerns, expectations, etc. That's what message boards are for. Those who try to play Dr. Phil-message-board-analyst need to relax. Everybody who is a Michigan fan wants Michigan to go 12-0. Just because some have reason to believe it will be much lower, and express concerns why they think that is so does not make them a fair weather fan or an RR hater or a buckeye troll or msu troll, etc. Jumping on here and saying "YEAH BABY 10-2 this year!!!" does not make me a better fan. GO BLUE

Rabid Wolverine

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 10:05 a.m.

If you are a Michigan fan you should root for your team rather than prep for a bad year. It doesn't make sense to be so down on your own team before they even play a dang game ------ To some people it is rather easy to be down on the UofM organization as a whole considering the offseason shenanigans that have occurred surrounding our illustrious coach since the day he has stepped on campus. Once the winning begins and the controversy dies down you will see fewer sheeple complaining. Until RR does something positive FOR the university, I will have nothing good to say or reason to cheer for him.

Txmaizenblue

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 10:04 a.m.

I'm certainly not an RR basher or an impatient fan, but the fact RR cannot say anything definite about any position tells me its going to be another long season. Either the competition is so tight and so good that they just can't decide or they are painfully waiting for guys to rise to the top and undoubtedly claim a position. I fear its the latter. If no one is standing out - that is not a good sign, imho. Also, if you notice, every press conf. RR speaks of inconsistency...not good. Personally, I think RR wants Denard or Devin to start, but knows his best chance at winning early on is with Tate. There is some obvious conflict between the two, so I don't see Tate being the long term quarterback for the Blue...maybe, rightfully so.

ethanblue

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 9:51 a.m.

There sure are a bunch of complainers on here. How does anyone know we don't have a running game? Funny, considering we had a top 3 offense last year in the Big Ten, Vincent Smith is back, Denard can run, and we recruit 2-3 top 25 runners EVERY year, no matter the coach. Funny, also, considering the o-line has gotten praise from Big Ten Network and ESPN. I am more concerned with the linebackers, personally, going off of last years dreadful performances across the board. I hope Ezeh is back to playing like he did two years ago. I hope Demens and others start to live up to their recruiting ratings. The d-line could shock this year with Martin being healthy (recovered from a torn ACL he played with last year), Campbell getting stronger and experience, Roh, and Jibreel Black coming in to provide depth with Sagesse and others. As for QB, I prefer Forcier for his leadership and ability to throw, but if DR has improved enough to where he isn't predictable he is going to be dangerous for defenses to corral. If you are a Michigan fan you should root for your team rather than prep for a bad year. It doesn't make sense to be so down on your own team before they even play a dang game!

orlandomichfan

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 8:50 a.m.

everything will work out with this q.b. situation.though wish r.r. would pick so all the doomers will stop complaining, though no matter who he picks there will still be those who will criticize.. r.r. is in a no win situation with most people which is mind boggling to me. it seems like nobody will be happy till r.r. is gone. it will get worse when that happens, but the complaining will continue..so whatever q.b. he picks us loyal fans will be 100% behind the decision. GOOOOO BLUE!!!!

umgoblue47

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 8:42 a.m.

why don't you put away your tea-leafs and crystal ball till after the season starts? the qb's and rb's are just fine! we will see how the db's pan out... stayed tuned for as the (bowl) turns...

Robert Fisher

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 8:36 a.m.

Saw Troy's dad, Butch yesterday, said the surgery went well. We should see if he has any eligibility left, looked great.

NoBowl4Blue

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 8:22 a.m.

Questions at QB, RB and DB will make for a long season.

Rabid Wolverine

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 7:17 a.m.

I can say that I am 100% behind the players on this team. They are competing and driving to be the best. I have never been, nor will I ever be, behind this coach. He cries about having young guys and no leadership on the team, yet the one position that typically produces the team leader will be in flux. If you want a leader, stand by one kid and give him a little confidence. Don't make him live in fear that he will be yanked if he screws up the snap count. Don't run a player down in the media either as you did against Mesko and Forcier. That isn't a good way to build your team confidence up. Coaches teach and create a team environment, not yell, scream and cry....

MetricSU

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 7:14 a.m.

Artichoke: You are right that UM lost some close games that it easily could've won. However, in the end, your team is its record. UM could've easily lost to ND and IU, too. Then what? Other teams can play that game. MSU could easily have beaten Central, ND, Iowa, and Minnesota. In fact, one can point to a single play in each of those games that would've resulted in victory. And they could've easily lost to UM and Purdue. Part of being a winning team is being able to win close games. Staying in games is a good sign, but the team must eventually win some.

SprBwlB4IDie

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 6:26 a.m.

Easy math quiz: What is the next number in the following series? 2, 1,? Set your expectations at zero Big Ten wins and Rodriguez will not fail to meet or exceed them. Modern Michigan (since departure of Carr) reminds me of the Lions under Millen. New coach, new system, no players that supposedly fit. Lose, lose, lose Rinse, repeat I never thought Michigan could sink below MSU's John L. Smith era, but Rodriguez has somehow managed to do it. While you are in the cellar, would you be a peach and fetch me a bottle of Chteau Lafite Rothschild 2000?

Brian Bundesen

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 6:12 a.m.

I really hope that the reason behind this is not the: "Let's make the opposition prepare for 2 QB's -- that'll confuse them." strategy. #1, I can't remember any scenario where that has worked, and #2, that requires your offense to also prepare for 2 QB's. IMO, that will inevitably lead to confusion, yelling, and clipboard throwing on the sidelines. I'm optimistic that the reason behind this is that they are both playing so well, that the coach simply cannot decide. For this and many other reasons, my expectations for this year have been dialed way down. If there is any noticeable improvement over last year, especially game by game improvement, that's something to build on. I'm still All In -- GO BLUE!

Sean T.

Thu, Aug 26, 2010 : 12:36 a.m.

MSU put us back in the game and Iowa never played good aside from the PSU game. MSU had a QB carousel and no starter at RB and a poor secondary, Iowa's QB R.Stanzi threw interceptions like he got paid for it and was searching for a RB too! Last year I expected to win those games but this year I don't. We have no running game to speak of and no sack-master like Brandon Graham. There's no secret to our QB situation because we don't have one and no RB's either.

Artichoke

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 9:48 p.m.

OK, let's get a grip here. We lost last year to MSU in OT on their home pasture, narrowly lost to Iowa at night on their home (corn) field, and all things considered not a bad showing with a hurt, freshman QB against an allegedly top 10 OSU team. I'm feeling pretty good about UM this year until, God forbid, actual results prove otherwise. Bring it on......

Jaxon5

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 9:39 p.m.

All of the uncertainty on the practice field means more uncertainty on the game field. It's going to be another up and down season. Unpredictable. Unreliable. Let's adjust our expectations downward to meet the new reality. Then, we will be pleasantly surprised when a win or two comes along unexpectedly. This year we should be saying: "We can't expect to compete for a Big 10 title. UMich will exceed expectations if it reaches.500 in the conference, which is a long shot, really." Three years ago and prior we used to say: "We expect to compete for a Big 10 title every year. UMich will exceed expectations if it wins its bowl game and the conference, which is quite possible. "

Phil K.

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 8:49 p.m.

"Cornerback Troy Woolfolk underwent surgery on his dislocated ankle Tuesday night, and will miss the 2009 season. With a year of eligibility remaining, Michigan is optimistic he can return for the 2011 season." Wow! That's a heck of an ankle sprain. He sprained it so hard he'll end up going back in time and missing last season AND this season. Ouch. =)

MetricSU

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 8:49 p.m.

I really dread to read tater's post if, say, Denard Robinson gets injured. It will read something like, "It's good DR got injured because now the QB situation is resolved." I admire tater's loyalty, but spinning everything into a positive eventually becomes silly.

michboy40

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 8:48 p.m.

We are gonna be bad this year. It's just that simple. Then RR gets whacked, and we are set back another 3-4 years because you know DB will hire a pro style coach. Man this is getting old!

Lemansblue

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 8:45 p.m.

Average coach? I wonder why alot of teams want him? All I know is we have a poor coach now.

spartyisyourlilsister

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 8:40 p.m.

Portage, I think the same thing. All of these people pining away for Harbaugh are going to be in for a rude awakening when he turns down the Michigan offer and extends his contract at Stanford!

PortageLkBlu

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 8:11 p.m.

Coach Harbaugh is not now or I dought ever going to coach at Mich. Jim is treated well and with respect from the fans even though he's considered an average coach at best out here so enough crying and bellyaching about the coach now boys and girls it's almost kickoff time so put away tantrums and crying and let's get behind coach and team that is if your a fan. After the season there's plenty of time to tar and feather. I challenge you all to wholeheartedly get behind these kids and the kids need RR more than ever right now whether you or I like it or not RR is the coach for the season which starts in a few days. Go Blue!

azwolverine

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 8:05 p.m.

I'm not at practice, but it seems to me that you'd want your top QB to start getting more reps to prepare for that first game. If not, it seems that all of them will be prepared to a degree, but none of them will be prepared optimally. At least you'd think the reps would be mainly between Robinson and Forcier rather than further splitting it up with Gardner.

GoblueinNE_PA

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 7:50 p.m.

This is scary stuff. It seems like we're never in a position any more where we don't have glaring holes. It's year 3 for petes sake! I don't want to hear any crap about the cupboard being bare! He's had more than enough time to "shop for the groceries". Frankly, his recruiting has stunk and those kids he has been getting, he's running off.

saginaw

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 7:18 p.m.

I don't care if RR keeps this secret -- we just need a #1 guy. Dan Meridith said if you have 2 QB's that means you really have none. We saw MSU do this last year and it may have cost them a couple of games. Have a clear #1 and #2 and don't confuse the UM team. Announce that Tate is #1 and go with that, until he falters.

Lemansblue

Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 7 p.m.

No clear starters? This is Mi football? Coach Harbaugh we need you quick.