Darryl Stonum's redshirt season will hamper Michigan football team; suspensions will require adjustments, too
After unifying the Michigan football program and attracting the Big Ten’s premier recruiting class this off-season, it seemed little could go wrong for new Wolverines coach Brady Hoke.
Until the day his team reported for fall camp.
Hoke announced three moves in a press release Sunday, a day before official practices begin:
- Suspended senior receiver Darryl Stonum will redshirt this season. The starter had been suspended after he was arrested this summer and charged with operating while visibly impaired. He’s on two years probation for the infraction.
- Punter Will Hagerup was suspended four games for a violation of team rules.
- Junior receiver Terrence Robinson was suspended for the season opener against Western Michigan on Sept. 3 for a violation of team rules.
The Michigan football team will miss Darryl Stonum's versatility as a receiver and return man.
File photo
He also served three days in jail in 2010 for probation violations.
“While it would be great to have Darryl on the field this season, we feel it is in his best interest and the best interest of our program for him to redshirt,” Hoke said in the statement. “Darryl will continue to be an important part of our team and family. He has done everything we have asked him to do, but our number one priority is to help Darryl grow as a person.”
Of the three moves, Stonum’s redshirt is the most significant blow to Michigan's chances this year. He is the Wolverines' second-best receiver, behind junior Roy Roundtree, and would have been a nice fit in the pro-style offense being implemented by Hoke and offensive coordinator Al Borges.
Stonum has 76 catches for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns in his career. He also has returned 62 kickoffs for an average of nearly 25 yards and one touchdown.
Roundtree, as well as seniors Junior Hemingway and Martavious Odoms, likely will be the starters. Each are proven wideouts and as a group should handle Stonum’s loss capably.
Where Michigan will be hurt is in the depth of its receiving corps. Without Stonum, the Wolverines’ backups are Kelvin Grady, Je’Ron Stokes, Jerald Robinson and Jeremy Jackson. Only Grady has much game experience.
Hoke said last month at the Big Ten media days in Chicago he has not yet determined who will be the primary kick returner. Stonum and Jeremy Gallon handled most of those duties last year.
Although Stonum’s redshirt hurts Michigan’s chances this season, it may help them next year. He could play the whole season — which certainly wouldn’t have happened this year — and helps mitigate the loss of starters Hemingway and Odoms, who are seniors this year.
Hagerup, who was the team’s top punter last year as a freshman, was suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules. He will miss the entire nonconference season, and return for the Big Ten opener against Minnesota.
“In order to build a championship-caliber culture, you have to be accountable to each other on and off the field,” Hoke said in the statement. “There are expectations at the University of Michigan you must live up to.”
Hagerup also was suspended for the Ohio State game last year. Place-kicker Seth Broekhuizen replaced Hagerup for that game, but did not punt well, averaging 29 yards per attempt.
Broekhuizen is back as a sophomore this season, although incoming freshman place-kicker Matt Wile could be another option Michigan pursues in Hagerup’s absence. Wile, a top-five kicker in the class of 2011, averaged 42 yards per punt in high school.
Robinson is a reserve receiver who was not expected to receive much playing time.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
a2miguy
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 10:25 p.m.
Dream on, folks. I got a feeling that Stonum has played his last down as a Michigan Wolverine. Not because he'll get in trouble again, but because he'll want to graduate with his classmates and head off to the NFL. Yes, he could improve his stock by staying... but he's talented enough to go in the next draft as a late-rounder.
heartbreakM
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 8:50 p.m.
For those who say that this is no punishment, consider the following: --It takes a proven fast receiver out of the Michigan offense at a time they could use senior leadership. --It gets Stonum's name out of the spotlight and out of all the preseason talk for next year, which could negatively impact him. --It takes a player who wants to play (I would imagine) and makes him watch. It should make him think about how decisions work. Playing football at college is a privilege, not a right, especially when they are getting paid scholarships, food, board, etc. If a player screws up legally or otherwise, it is tough to know what to do, but I think this is a good punishment. It lays the gauntlet to the team showing what could happen if they mess up, it establishes leadership from Hoke, and it takes Stonum out of the lineup thus punishing him.
Hailmary
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 6:08 p.m.
I see this as punishment, sort of , well kindof, well maybe not punishment as much as a good strategic move on Brady's part and actually a positive advantage for young Mr. Stonum. On one hand you could look at this suspension as dicipline, on the other hand I see it as show casing just how smart our coach really is. This way we get all the marbles in one clean swoop. Brady shows his coaching dicipline skills by turning a negative into a positive for both the team and the guilty party being young Mr Stonum. Young Mr Stonum owes Brady a great deal if you concider, he gets to stay on the team and next year he could very well become number1 and by playing next year full time position he can increase his stock with the pros. Brady doesn't lose any sleep over that positon next year since Hemingway and Odoms are seniors this year. Well done Coach Hoke, well done.
Chad Williams
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 5:32 p.m.
oh wow you redshirted a 2 time drunk driver. Want an award for the harshest punishment ever? My god i would rather see a guy suspened four five games then redshirt him and let him play 12 eventually.
bigblue
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
can you guys please get of your RR kick. RR suspended the punter for the o$u game. that should tell you something.
dayo13
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
Nice to see a coach that only has rules, but has the fortitude to enforce them. Hey Rich Rod, see the difference?
saveferris
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
Can we bring Tate back to punt for the first 4 games or is he tied up in Sept?
bigblue
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 6 a.m.
@trublue lloyd carr recruited stonum so whats your point. i have a feeling richrod will be more competitive at his next job than hoke will be at Michigan.
bigblue
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 5:57 a.m.
and its the reason Michigan is going to lose more often than they beat those schools. not saying that hoke isn't doing the right thing. but in todays NCAA it is a recipe for 8-4 7-5 type seasons. the glory days of doing it the "right" way and winning are long gone. just look at how the sec has dominated college football the last 6 years.
Mick
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.
Actually Capt. Dave, it was 1 DUI and 2 MIP's (minor in possession) for Floyd, Stonum had 2 DUI's, to me that is way more serious, a DUI is putting other people at risk. However, Floyd should get some game suspension, I mean my goodness. Kelly is hurting his team in the long run, unless he is just using ND as a stepping stone for the NFL within.... let's say 5 years. See Hoke is acting like a guy who cares about the long term effects on the U-M Program, and Kelly? Well not so much, he cares about Brian Kelly. Somehow I think this is a good thing. Hoke does it again, he looks like a star in the making folks.
Mick
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
Uh, that would be a no. So what's your point?
rightmind250
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
A star in the making? Did you ever watch the cartoon Rolly Polly?
JadedBlackDepth
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 10:15 a.m.
On top of that Mick, the first DUI offense, per the police report, had Stonum doing 60 on State street near Hill Street in AA. So not only drunk, but also flying way over the limit. He got lucky when he just missed a car that would have really put his life on a downward spiral.
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 5:51 a.m.
Stonum will not be missed much, and will be welcome (provided he straightens up) next year. OTH: What's up with Hagerup? (Could be a new slogan for this year, I hope NOT.) Hagerup has got to be still maturing - one would expect he'd be on his best behavior, given that he could be a leader this season. Who recruited Hagerup? (Oh, I just remembered who that was.) I'm sure if we called CBS Sports Commentator, Rich Rodriguez, he would assure us that Hagerup is "almost there." ;-)
Captain Dave
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 5:10 a.m.
I want to commend Brady Hoke. He is doing things the right way, not the Notre Dame or Ohio State way. I noticed Coach Kelly has already re-instated J T Floyd after 3 DWI's for this season. I guess he's another Tressel with a win at all costs focus. I thought ND was better than that, but with this new coach wanting to win at all costs in his second year I guess not. I hope U of M gives them a beating the second game because they did the right thing.
Jim Knight
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
I believe you're thinking of Michael Floyd. <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/notre-dame-reinstates-star-receiver-michael-floyd-presenting-tough-challenge-for-michigan-in-week-2/">http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/notre-dame-reinstates-star-receiver-michael-floyd-presenting-tough-challenge-for-michigan-in-week-2/</a>
aawolve
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.
Floyd got 1 DUI, but let's not let facts get in the way.
Mick
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 3:36 a.m.
Accountability is a motivator, I also believe this will serve the program well going forward. Guys won't feel like they'll be able to skate with bad behavior and will most likely want to stay on the straight and narrow. I want good citizens playing for U-M. thank you Coach Hoke for making guys responsible for their behavior. Our program is in good hands folks, good hands! Go Blue for TiM!!!
Urban Sombrero
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 3:26 a.m.
Call me old fashioned, but I don't get it. Why do these football guys keep breaking rules? I mean, seriously people, you have 4 years where you need to behave, train and work hard. Do that, and be good at what you do? And, you're pretty much assured a 6-7 figure paycheck. How hard is it to behave? To study? To train? And, to NOT break the law/rules of the NCAA, etc? C'mon, guys! Look at the long term picture. College is 4 years out of your life. That's like......a blip on the radar. Here today, gone tomorrow. Is it REALLY that hard to toe the line? (Apparently, yes, I guess.)
Urban Sombrero
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.
Fine, point taken on the 5% get the cash. But, even those who don't go on to the NFL will graduate with a degree, right? And, as for your other point, just because they're in college they shouldn't be held responsible for their actions? Forgive me, but I thought college kids were essentially adults. Supposed to make mature decisions. Able to be held responsible for their choices. And, yeah, I did go to college. (UM, actually.) And, I did go to college parties. But, I watched myself and didn't allow myself to make bad choices or drive drunk, etc. It's really not that hard a thing to do. It's called being responsible.
burton163
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
Remember, these are still pretty much kids. Ever been to college? Ever been to a college party? these guys are supposed to stay away from all that for four years??? I'm not condoning anything, especially DUI, but c'mon, be realistic. Oh, and by the way, only about 5% or so of college football players make it to that 6-7 figure payday in the NFL...
A2comments
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 9:29 a.m.
Lack of maturity.
Urban Sombrero
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 3:28 a.m.
And, yes, I know it's not just the football guys. But, they're who this story is about, so they're who I'm targeting. Post a story about basketball, or hockey, or curling in the same vein and I'll say the same thing directed at those players, too.
heartbreakM
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
A lot of my views on M football are with a good deal of idealism (no pay for players, win the right way, etc). With that idealism, I LOVE what Hoke is doing. He is putting character building, growing up, ethics, and attitude above "win at all costs" like what we have seen out of Ohio. He has already built a winner, in my opinion, even if his won-loss record might not show that this year (though I expect it will). I fully expect that the backups will elevate for the program, for the coach and go back to the Michigan way of "playing to the position". THis is what the program needed and Hoke is proving what we all meant by a "Michigan man".
David Vande Bunte
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
I couldn't possibly agree more with this statement. Under Brady Hoke, the football team is returning to the Michigan team I grew up watching, where honor, strength of character and integrity mattered.
kidmich
Mon, Aug 8, 2011 : 2:42 a.m.
While it is nice to have all the experience you can get this year, I feel Stonum will be much more valuable to Michigan next year, provided he can stay out of trouble. And obviously there is no gaurantee of that.