Michigan football team opens spring practice session
AnnArbor.com photographer Melanie Maxwell captured the scene Tuesday at the Al Glick Field House as the Michigan football team briefly opened a spring practice.
It's the first time coach Brady Hoke has opened practice, though not much was on display during the 20-minute window media was allowed.
There was a chance to see junior quarterback Denard Robinson in an unusual position: under center. He took the first of about six offense vs. defense snaps with a split backfield of fullback John McColgan and tailback Michael Cox behind him. Sophomore quarterback Devin Gardner followed, taking a snap with Stephen Hopkins and Vincent Smith lined up behind in in I-formation.
Melanie Maxwell is a photographer for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at melaniemaxwell@annarbor.com. Follow AnnArbor.com photography on Facebook at AnnArbor.com Photo and on Twitter at @AnnArborPhoto.
Comments
Larry Weisenthal
Thu, Apr 7, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
Just finished watching a long highlight reel of Denard taking snaps from under center in high school. His size, mobility in the backfield (scrambling-wise, not downfield running-wise), and arm strength reminded me most of all of Fran Tarkenton. That's not so bad -- a Tarkenton-clone of a scrambler/passer who can juke-run downfield with a sprinter's speed. He doesn't need to be a pocket passer who excels at last instant release. His play last year was really one dimensional (read option) which was well defended once the opposing defenses figured out his game. The new offense gives him another dimension, and I think he'll be more effective against the better defenses, even if his stats against Eastern, Western, et al aren't quite so stratospheric.
Blu-dogg97
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
Cam Gordon goes to outside line backer!.. Now were talking,he has great speed to the ball,and should be a stud in the making !! Think Spring This is a new day for Blue Team Defense Toughness will come Return to Leaders and Best Hail to the Victors TiM GO BLUE...
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
You just got to love the MCC and their refrain. Losing didn't matter, you just had to "look" good while losing. Defense and special teams were unnecessary and hence a waste of effort, so why bother. But now, we have coaches who told everybody our QBs will take the direct snap from center, and, yes....they did what they said they would do. That is such an improvement with this coaching staff. Say what you mean and mean what you say. TiM Go Blue!
Blu n Tpa
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.
If he read my posts he still would have a job. Thanks PLB.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
Right on Tp keep up the great posts, very informative and you've pretty much worked every angle on the, "MCC" crowd, when Rich Rodriguez reads your post I can't imagine how he gets any sleep.
Tony Dearing
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
A comment was removed because it violated our conversation guidelines. Please do not post your comments in all caps. Thanks.
Meangoblue
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.
The MEANess of spring ball is in the air, Whatshisname has lost the directors chair, A batted down pass is a Theo cry, Ed and mission say...give it a try, Now hold on kids..we here a roar, MEANgoblue will settle the score, My advice today is enjoy the spring, Let go of elitism and that Man Crush thing, MEEEEEEEANchigan football wil return from the muck If you don't believe this GOOD NIGHT and GOOD LUCK!! This message brought to you through the kind sponsorship of MEANgoblue, MEANgoblue2, MEANgoblueU and MEANgoblue Des Portes.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.
Oki doki, but maybe we better wait till the season starts before we start boasting about Mich. returning from some muck.
Theo212
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.
Under center, huh? Well, I guess it's just a matter of time then before Hoke incorporates these dandies: 1. The Batted Down Pass (even though your QB might be 6' 6"). Should be easier for DR since he's shorter. 2. 3-yard out pattern on 3rd and 12 (plenty of receivers, some guys will perfect it). 3. Let clock run out when there's still a chance of scoring (aka save timeouts for some unknown reason). We all sincerely hope Michigan does well and brings home plenty of Crystal (B1G 10 is meaningless), but moving forward (not backward) is how one gets to Crystal Town. Go Blue!
1st Down
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
Boo Hoo. Your Guy got Canned. Deservedly so. He was Terrible and you guys lost. Michigan is now coming back to the top of college football. Get on the bus or get the heck out of the way Theo. Hoke is It. This is Michigan. Go Blue.
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.
That was the whole point mun, "that era".
mun
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.
I remember that era of "the batted down pass, 3-yard out pattern on 3rd & 12, and Let clock run out when there's still a chance of scoring. " U-M had 122 wins-40 losses, while the King Rich Rod went 15-22 with his "innovative offense."
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
I hear what your saying Theo. I like to think of LLoyd and Bo in a fond nostalgic memory. Let me emphasize the word memory.
Disco D
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 11:50 a.m.
Hope springs eternal with spring practice. I'm greatly anticipating the new season with the new coaching staff. And to Muhammad, it's time to let go of the past. It's new day. GO BLUE!!!
1st Down
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:54 a.m.
Hey Melanie Maxwell....I want to complement you on your photos... you do a great job shooting Michigan football and your photos always capture some interesting images and always things going on behind the scenes in the photos... stuff with a deeper meaning than just a football team. Great job!
XTR
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:16 a.m.
Denard is now playing like Tom Brady under center? Hope that works out for the new staff. Gardner looks real good in passing.
1bit
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 2:21 a.m.
Looks like Meyer was there for doing a piece for ESPN: <a href="http://detnews.com/article/20110329/SPORTS0201/103290427" rel='nofollow'>http://detnews.com/article/20110329/SPORTS0201/103290427</a>
garrisondyer
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 1:53 a.m.
2 comments: 1. Great to see the QBs weren't wearing red numbers anymore. 2. ........Urban Meyer?
Muhammad
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 1:51 a.m.
Hopefully we will have a real football team again this year that can play defense. It's safe to say the last 3 years UM didn't even have a football team and UM should refund every penny to people who paid money to go to the big house those 3 years.. with interest. In addition they should pay for eye doctor bills many fans will forever need just watching those teams the last 3 years attempt to play football on television. No one should have to endure to watch that type of disgrace. Finally UM should burn all video the last 3 years and never allow the name "RR" to be spoken of again. Go Blue!
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:42 p.m.
Yes Mission, either way for the next two years the talent pool and it's effectiveness and win, loss will be in part a direct reflection of the kids Rich Rodriguez recruited, how can it not be? If we lose every game next year (which I doubt) it will be in part because of the kids Rich recruited.
missionbrazil
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
Portage, so if it is a bad year, then are you saying that it will be in part because of whatshisname ?
PortageLkBlu
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.
If and I say if we have a hot team this year and next it will be in part because of the kids Rich Rodriguez recruited.
MjC
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 1:20 a.m.
Go Blue!
1bit
Tue, Mar 29, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.
Urban Meyer? Nice.