Denard Robinson #4 on Rivals' Heisman Contender List

Submitted by hart20 on

Here's what they have to say:

The buzz: Last season, his first as a starter, Robinson averaged 328.6 yards of total offense per game -- the second-highest in the country. A capable passer and a big-play threat as a rusher, can Robinson put up the same type of numbers for new coach Brady Hoke, who has scrapped the Wolverines' spread offense?
 
If his passing ability has improved as much as we've heard, and he's learned to take off when the play breaks down, Denard Robinson as a 2nd year starter could be a very scary player.
 
(That's not my Michigan bias speaking, of course) /s
 
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icefins26

August 29th, 2011 at 2:21 PM ^

A capable passer and a big-play threat as a rusher, can Robinson put up the same type of numbers for new coach Brady Hoke, who has scrapped the Wolverines' spread offense?

I honestly smile when I read this.  People have no clue that our offense won't look much different.  I just hope our opponents think this same way.

Joined: 02/01/2009

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Tater

August 29th, 2011 at 2:27 PM ^

No matter what Denard does this year, it won't be in an offense that fits his skills as well as the spread option.  Also, since everyone will be older, and they should have a better running game, Denard won't have to run as much.  

The key for Denard's Heisman hopes is YAC from his receivers on the short passes that usually dominate the WCO.  It can make him look like a "great passer" or make him look mediocre.  If the running game is a threat, and the receivers get a lot of YAC, and Denard has one or two highlight reel runs per game, along with one or two passes after lengthy scrambles, Denard has a chance.  

Usually, though, a non-spread QB who wins is a more traditional, passing QB who puts up a lot of yards.

Denard's best chance at a Heisman?  A magical, surprise 11-win season.

Joined: 08/13/2008

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msoccer10

August 29th, 2011 at 3:47 PM ^

I think you are dead on with wins being key. Everyone already knows his name. He will get his hightlight reel runs which keep ESPN watchers excited about him. With most people picking us to get 6-8 wins, I think 10 wins and a good performance against OSU will put him in New York for the Heisman ceremony.

Joined: 08/29/2008

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74polSKA

August 29th, 2011 at 3:28 PM ^

I think he'll stay and I'm going on the record that he will have a Michael Vick type career in the NFL, without all the off the field issues of course.  He's almost Vick's size and he'll be coming out of a better offensive system in a tougher conference.  Go Shoelace and Go Blue.

Joined: 05/25/2011

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LeadersandBest

August 29th, 2011 at 3:25 PM ^

Denard is a stud.  I can't wait to see how he adapts to the new offense and proves many wrong that he could not be productive in a pro style offense.

 

GO BLUE!!!!

Joined: 08/12/2010

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MechE

August 29th, 2011 at 4:06 PM ^

The Heisman is more of an award to the player with the most media hype than the most valuable. Michigan won't win enough games to make him a contender.  Denard could break every record in the book but if Michigan loses 4-5 games due to a lousy defense, the talking heads will say he lacks "game-winning ability".

Joined: 06/30/2008

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RagingBean

August 29th, 2011 at 5:11 PM ^

If Michigan gets to the Big ten Title Game and Denard puts up 3800+ yds of total offense and individually accounts for 40+ TDS he could win the Heisman. Otherwise, it will go to a skill player who if playing for the BCS Title.

Joined: 10/29/2008

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tonyum187

August 29th, 2011 at 8:24 PM ^

Mark Schlabach at ESPN did  a "whats hot and whats not" list (follow link) and in the not column (strangely)  was  Denard. Then a little further down the team was listed under whats hot. Confusing because i am pretty sure Denard is part of the team???

http://espn.go.com/college-football/preview11/story/_/id/6896166/hot-not-college-football-2011

Edit: it mentions denard being a mobile quarterback and being put into a "pro-style" offense.  Why do people think that Denard won't flourish under Borges' teaching?

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