Darryl Stonum, Craig Roh part of a long list of injured players for the Michigan football team
Michigan wide receiver Darryl Stonum grimaces in pain after being hurt on a fourth quarter kick return on Saturday.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Vincent Smith tried to cut block a Wisconsin defender late in the fourth quarter and, in doing so, took himself out of the game.
As the 5-foot-6 sophomore running back made contact, the defender’s knee hit Smith’s head. When he tried to run off the field, Smith's legs became weak and he collapsed at midfield.
When it happened, Smith became the latest in a litany of Michigan football players to be injured both against Wisconsin and in 2010.
“I was a little dizzy after that block,” Smith said. “I’m all right now.”
Michigan’s injury situation has been nothing short of baffling.
The Wolverines seen defensive tackle Mike Martin miss all or parts of the almost every game since Iowa on Oct. 16. Quarterback Denard Robinson left almost every game this season for at least one play.
On Saturday, the Wolverines added receivers Darryl Stonum (lower body) and Jeremy Gallon (unknown) to the list along with defensive end Craig Roh (concussion symptoms) and Smith (concussion symptoms). Martin also missed most of the second half with ankle issues again.
Cornerback James Rogers also briefly left the game with an injury, but returned.
“The list goes on,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. “It’s just one of those crazy years. I’ve never had a year where I had this many guys, at key positions and certain spots. But that’s where you’re at.
“For us, we’re just not at a point where we can take an experienced player out and put an experienced player in. There’s a lot of inexperience out there.”
The secondary’s issues have already been well-documented, with cornerbacks Troy Woolfolk (ankle) and J.T. Floyd (ankle) gone for the season. Safety Jared Van Slyke (clavicle) and linebacker Mike Jones (leg) are also out for the year. Offensive lineman John Ferrara has had a multitude of injuries and walked on to the Michigan Stadium field for the final time on crutches.
At least Michigan had a couple encouraging points. Robinson, for the first time in at least a month, played a game without being injured. And Stonum tweeted he thinks he’s okay.
“Hopefully I’m ok (I think I am),” Stonum tweeted. “But its gonna take a whole lot to keep me out of this next game.”
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein.
Comments
JeromeS
Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 1:03 p.m.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Cantu is the foremost expert in the world on concussions. He says that a strong neck column can have a definite preventive effect regarding concussions. The stronger the neck the less likely there will be violent whiplashing of the head. As former Michigan strength coach Mike Gittleson says a strong, well developed neck is akin to bubble wrapping the cervical spine.
3 And Out
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 7:05 p.m.
Smaller players who are in an S&C program that does not emphasize size and strength get knocked around in the Big Ten, hence the many concussions that we are now seeing in RR's program. BTW stat line of the week: Sam McGuffie had 116 yards rushing, 83 receiving yards and three TDs vs. East Carolina yesterday.
rightmind250
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 4:54 p.m.
hey Stonum, You might want to take a look at the way Devon Torrence treated Iowa's receivers. He took 2 out in the last game. I guarantee he won't hesitate to take the rest of your head off. You might be better served sitting this next one out. Those boys are going to bring the lumber. Just ask Tate. After the hit in the end zone last year, he was so scared he fumbled twice and threw 4 interceptions. Then, his momma had to clean his pants because he soiled them.
heartbreakM
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.
I don't understand this rash of concussions on RR's Michigan teams, though. Remember that athlete a few years ago, McGuffie? He seemed to get a lot of them. So did Tate last year. Is this something that just happens or is it something that the coaching staff is not teaching proper tackling and/or positioning technique?
Sevans68
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 12:27 a.m.
I agree with a lot of the comments on here. Too small and they were man-handled by Wisconsin. Speed only helps so much when you run into players as big as the Wisconsin O-line. Not sure why we thought smaller on D would be better. Strength and conditioning will not prevent all injuries but should limit some but not the head injuries. I'm not sold on Barwis either but can't blame him for this. Don't like to see players leave with concussion symptoms, not good. Hope they get healthy whether they play next week or not... Need to think long term with the concussions.
Engineer
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 8:04 p.m.
This is what happens when you go small and fast instead of huge and faster. Wisconsin looked fast bigger stronger than Michigan by far today. Recruiting is the key and this staff has failed.
Yelmonian
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 7:33 p.m.
Smaller faster players wont get hit by the slow bruising big ten. Denard never gets hit solidly, so his small stature wont matter. Many have pointed out that the big ten is a bruising leaugue, qnr as the season goes along the smaller players will get hurt. Now if RR would just start believing it.
wolver4ever
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 7:33 p.m.
There is no training program invented that can stop breaks and concussions
3 And Out
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:44 p.m.
but Mike Barwis (the fraud) was supposed to prevent injuries with his superior method! gosh more bad news...ugh....
81wolverine
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:22 p.m.
These concussions are starting to get alarming. Taylor Lewan didn't play today because of one it appears. Seeing Vincent Smith trying to get off the field and running toward midfield, then collapsing was scary. I hope all these kids are OK and recover quickly.