University of Michigan hasn't named a starting quarterback, but football coach Rich Rodriguez seems to like Tate Forcier
Rich Rodriguez wasn't going to come to Big Ten media days and name a starting quarterback.
And he made that clear by saying "by no means is anybody locked in" to that role - a critical one in his spread offense.
Yet one thing is clear: He really seems to like freshman Tate Forcier after the spring.
"What we saw on tape was a guy that was going to be very, very competitive and made some plays and he had a feel for it," Rodriguez said.
"He's still young and sometimes we forget those guys are 18 years old and most of his buddies are getting ready for prom and he's out there performing in front of 50,000 in the spring game.
"Sometimes we have to remind us that that maturity level isn't going to be where it'll be two or three years from now."
That said, Rodriguez made sure to mention Denard Robinson and Nick Sheridan as competitors for the job.
Then - and, to be fair, the question was asked about Forcier - he went back to some Forcier praise.
"He's had a great summer," Rodriguez said. "Talked to him and he feels strong and we're excited about him."
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for annarbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558 or at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com.
Comments
sec34row15
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 10:10 p.m.
Pat White took W Vir to bowls games all 4 years aint no reason Forcier cant do the same for us.
azwolverine
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 7:45 p.m.
Tater, I agree with your assessment at QB...Michigan needs some depth AND competition. I would have to believe that Michigan will be miles ahead of where they were last year in both categories. First of all, Forcier and Robinson are a much better fit for the system than Threet was last year, and Forcier coming in winter should be a HUGE advantage to both him and the team. That said, Sheridan, despite how bad he was last year, has that year of experience under his belt playing both in RR's system and playing in some big games. That can do nothing but make him better in terms of competing and in terms of his ability if he needs to come in. And with Robinson, his speed alone makes him a threat against opposing D's as well as to Forcier's job. He knows he better play his best if he wants to stay ahead of him. There will still definitely be growing pains at QB this year, but it shouldn't be nearly as ugly as last year.
tater
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 7:01 p.m.
jacksonblahblah wrote: "Coach Rod isn't going after in-state recruits they are taking full advantage and loading up for the future as well." Yeah, right. MSU is "dominating the state of Michigan in recruiting." How on earth could anyone with an IQ over 70 buy into that load of horse-pucky? UM is actually beating MSU in head-to-head competition for instate recruits both schools want. MSU recruits primarily in Michigan because they have to. Their school isn't enough of a national draw to attract elite-level recruits from other parts of the country. UM, on the other hand, recruits instate because it wants to. UM takes care of business instate and then goes to states that have more players with the kind of talent needed to win on a national level. UM recruits only the best in Michigan; MSU takes their leftovers. That's why UM is leading MSU 67-28 in the all-time series.
MetricSU
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 6:57 p.m.
jacksonfasha, Yes, MSU is terrible. When RR really wants the in-state talent, he'll get it. Michigan just has too much appeal over MSU. Look at Devin Gardener. This year, MSU will return to its usual staid: struggling just to be bowl eligible.
tater
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 6:53 p.m.
It would be great if Sheridan was improved enough or Robinson picked it up fast enough to give Forcier some true competition, not to mention some depth in case the unspeakable happens.
jacksonfasha
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 5:27 p.m.
Metric, I hate The Spartans as much as you do but I think that they are making strides. Since Coach Rod isn't going after in-state recruits they are taking full advantage and loading up for the future as well.
azwolverine
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 5:11 p.m.
Can't wait for the season to start!
MetricSU
Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 1:09 p.m.
In the meantime, the Spartans have ABSOLUTELY NO ONE to QB their sinking ship. The Spartans will finish 3-9 in 2009 and that will be their high water mark for the next couple of decades. Go Blue!!