Boubacar Cissoko practicing during suspension, Carlos Brown expected back this week
Cornerback Boubacar Cissoko will continue to practice with Michigan while he serves an indefinite suspension for violating team rules, Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez said Monday.
Cissoko started the first four games at right cornerback, but practiced with the scout team last week. He did not play against Michigan State and did not travel to Iowa.
Rodriguez said Cissoko’s suspension is related to academics and “a couple of other things.”
"Playing football is important to him," Rodriguez said. “And I think his academics are important. But to what level? It has to be at the right level."
Minor to start?
Carlos Brown was expected back at practice Monday after missing the Iowa game with a concussion.
Brown, Michigan’s leading rusher with 336 yards, was dinged in full-contract drills during practice last Tuesday.
“I think it was one of the big (defensive) linemen that hit him,” Rodriguez said. “I don't know if it was on the side of the head or something, but it was a good pop.”
Rodriguez did not name a starter at running back, but Brandon Minor was listed ahead of Brown on Michigan’s official depth chart released Monday.
Minor, who’s been hampered by a high ankle sprain all season, carried 22 times for 95 yards against Iowa, his most extensive action of the year.
“It was a great feeling to get 22 carries,” Minor said. “You get a little winded, but as a running back that’s something you’re accustomed to. I really had a good time out there, besides (not getting) the win.”
Molk update
Injured center David Molk practiced snapping Sunday, and Rodriguez said Molk, who broke a foot, will do some light running with trainers this week.
“See how sore he is afterwards,” Rodriguez said.
Still, with FCS Delaware State (1-3) coming to Michigan Stadium, the Wolverines (4-2) aren’t looking to rush their regular starter back this week.
Guard David Moosman has started the last three games at center.
Briefly
Punter Zoltan Mesko on being named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against Iowa: "My mom called me. She made sure I knew. Great honor, but at the same time, not something I’m super happy about because the team has to do well first." ... Michigan’s Oct 24 game against Penn State has been set for a 3:30 p.m start on ABC. … The Big Ten will announce its 2010 bowl lineup tonight on the Big Ten Network. The conference is expected to add new partnerships with the Gator and Texas bowls, and will no longer be affiliated with the Champs Sports and Alamo bowls.
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.
Comments
goblue26
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 3:21 p.m.
I am glad Michigan is holding a potential star's feet to the fire. I hope this player gets his head on straight and makes us all very proud of him. We need him back but we also need for him to graduate.
Braylon99
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 12:38 a.m.
Cant wait to get Molk back. Will be huge for the oline.