Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson: 'Oh yeah, I expect to be back'
NEW ORLEANS -- Michigan junior quarterback Denard Robinson has filed paperwork to the NFL Draft advisory board, but he made one thing very clear Friday morning.
He expects to return for his senior season.
"Oh yeah, I expect to be back," Robinson said. "That's it."
Michigan junior quarterback Denard Robinson, who filed paperwork with the NFL Draft advisory board, said Friday he is returning to Ann Arbor. (Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com)
Robinson spoke to the media at a New Orleans hotel in advance of the Sugar Bowl, where the Wolverines (10-2) will face Virginia Tech (11-2) at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on ESPN.
It was Robinson's first time speaking publicly since Michigan coach Brady Hoke announced the star quarterback is gauging his NFL draft stock. It is a common process for elite juniors and is non-binding, which means he can return to school if he wishes.
At this point, that still appears to be the case, although Robinson said he has not yet heard back from the committee.
"It was a decision that I was just like, I put my name out there (to) see what happens," Robinson said. "And whatever happens, happens."
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
D21
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 10:30 p.m.
Denard is nowhere NFL ready notwithstanding his Pat White's height & passing issues if he wants to be drafted as a QB. If he wants to go pro, then thank you for the fun ride and hope you will do good in the NFL. Too short and too erratic would be the two most oft used bywords amongst the NFL scouts. GEAUX BLUE!
D21
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 10:23 p.m.
stuntedlittlebrother, Denard will simply take out his mouthpiece and flash his dazzling smile thus blinding gholston and in his stunned stance, lil willy will be pancaked and taken out of the game by Lewan and the O-Line. Michigan 42 Lil bros 6
stunhsif
Sun, Jan 1, 2012 : 1:43 a.m.
Too funny D21, we have kicked your butt how many years in a row now ? Appears you are bringing in the New Year fast and furious and rather delirious ! After we kick your tail next year once again, we will call you the "Black and Blue" rather than the "Blue and Gold". Happy New Year ! Go Green Go White
umgoblue47
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
things must be slow in spartyville. . . not enough chest thumping on sparty sites? you got the butt kicking right and sparty will be wearing extra padding back there because you know that it's coming and you won't be STUNned when it happens. your worried because thats why you are on a MICHIGAN site. THUMP. . .THUMP. . . GO BLUE!!!!!!
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 2:18 a.m.
Now that the Great Urban Meyer is at Ohio, it's just natural that Denard would transfer there OSUrban for his senior year. LOL! Checking in with the NFL for assessment is win-win for players like Robinson. (1) he may be accepted and could start his NFL career without further ado. (2) If he gets little welcome from the NFL, he stays here and gets lots of extra love and some begging from fans.
johntithof@gmail.com
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.
MEYER IS SO USED TO CHEATING IN THE SEC HE MAY NOT BE THEIR LONG
stunhsif
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 1:15 a.m.
" 'Oh yeah, I expect to be back' " A "glutton for punishment" are you Denard, no problem ? We will kick you butt next year as well, very much looking forward to it ! Go Green Go White
MRunner73
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 3:50 p.m.
The Green and White may have the upper hand, per last four years. I have no doubt they will "bring it" to the Big House in 2012 but your guys taught the Maize and Blue a lesson at Spartan Stadium in 2011, one that they will be likely avenge in 2012. All I know is expect a much more intense level of play in 2012 from the Maize and Blue. I will be interested to see how the MSU offense will like without Kirk Cousins. Your defense will be stout but our offense should be even more potent.
cjh
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
Get a life and stop trolling. "We will kick you(r) butt next year as well" Ha! We will see about that. Enjoy your team's loss in the Outhouse Bowl. GO BLUE!!
A2D2
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
Simply put, just the smart thing for Denard to do. I, for one, want a smart, thinking QB running the show!
umfanchris
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
Catfishrisin what in the world are you talking about? Using him? They gave him a scholarship, how is that using him? To me it sounds like he has gotten a high quality education from one of the best universities in the nation and has also recieved a lot of national attention. To me that sounds like both him and the school are getting something out of this. Also he was brought in as a QB (the position that HE wanted to play). Lots of other schools offered him scholarships as a WR, DB, and RB but he wanted to play QB. That was one of the main factors of him coming to Michigan. As for never fully preparing him for the NFL, how do you figure? Are you talking about them never preparing him as a WR? Well 1) he could still become a QB in the NFL. He has to work on a few things, but he still has his whole senior year to work on those. 2) Even if he does convert to a reciever/RB there are lots of College Qb's who make the jump to become good WR's or RB's (Matt Jones, Hines Ward, Michael Bush, Joshua Cribbs, Antwan Randle El, and Anquan Bolden just to name a few).
DonAZ
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 2:24 a.m.
Apparently if a college football program makes any money it's "using" (code word for "exploiting") the players. As I mentioned above, it's flat willful ignorance of the reality of college athletics to believe football "profits" are all about money grubbing and lining the pockets of the AD and other university officials. Simple test of logic -- *if* it was all about maximizing profit, do you know what every major college would do? They'd jettison all womens' athletic programs and all mens' save football, basketball and for a few schools, hockey. They are *all* money-losing ventures. They are supported by "profits" generated by football and basketball. And that *support* includes scholarships so lots of players get to attend university. Honestly, I just don't understand how that can't be seen for what it is.
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
If Denard is not a first or early second rounder, he stays put. He's got too much invested at U of M; one year away from his degree, leading his team to a B1G Champsionship and maybe more...maybe a serious Heisman contender. I cannot say that Denard is a lock on remaining at Michigan in 2012. I am very hopeful he will stay. Let's hope he gets low marks from the NFL draft advisory board. Note to Denard: Andrew Luck stayed and played a 4th year. Tom Brady had a four year stint. Chad Henne also stayed four years. Follow them as roll models. This coaching staff will make you more able to play QB in NFL if you give it one more year.
a2citizen
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.
Andrew Luck has actually played three years of college. He was red shirted his freshman season. He has one year of eligibility left.
javajolt1
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
To put this is the most simple of terms........ .....Whew!!!!
Robert Granville
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.
Next season will determine Denard's viability as an NFL QB. He knows that. Nothing to see here folks.
Jeff Wendel
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
couldnt agree more - this is funny how its a headliner ;)
DonAZ
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.
If I understand things, if he commits to the NFL draft then his eligibility at Michigan is over. And he could go undrafted. Isn't that what happened to Donovan Warren? So there's no guarantee. To "toothless wonder" -- you can't guarantee he'd be drafted; or if drafted, get much more than minimum NFL rate. To "catfishrisin" -- that was per Robinson's own wish. He had lots of opportunity to go places and be a DB or receiver or kick returner. But he wanted to play QB. Michigan (and RR, let's be fair) gave him that chance. So don't go cryin' about Michigan taking advantage of Robinson. Robinson came in eyes wide open, as they say.
DonAZ
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.
@catfish -- Robinson had offers from, among others, Florida, Auburn and Georgia. None for playing QB, though ... otherwise he'd have gone to one of those schools. So yeah, it was his "choice" -- play "athlete" at a premier SEC school or QB at Michigan. What part of that makes it *not* his choice?
catfishrisin
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.
I love it when fans claim it was the athlete's " choice", (in this case to be a QB). The same athlete who from Pop Warner League was told he's a QB and now as a grow semi-adult chooses to continue what he was told he is good at. The University, which makes tons of $ off this "student" athlete, uses him for its purposes. Too bad he has little future beyond UM football, he was fun to watch running and occasionally passing .
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 8:29 p.m.
Right on guys; this is a two way street for both players and institution. Think about the number of scholarships waved at any 4 or 5 star recruit. They are in the cat bird's seat; they ask themselves: What university or college will benefit me the most? The sincere ones choose Brady Hoke and U of M. The glitsy ones might choose Uncle Urban or USC, etc. I responded too early to catfishrising...hope (he/she) checks out these posts.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 8:15 p.m.
Don and HeartBreak...I couldn't agree more. College athletes choose to go to a college or university of their choice and participate in sports. They aren't kidnapped and held in cages. If Denard felt that way, he would probably not be the delightful man he is. Where's the grousing about being overworked and underpaid? Many of the athletes appreciate the chance to get a good education at a price one can afford. If professional athletic opportunities arise, they can do that way. If not, they have what they need to do more than sell cars, though I have to admit that Denard could sell a heck of a lot of cars!
DonAZ
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
@heartbreakM -- I see you're using sensible, reasoned thinking again. Stop it, please. :-) Deep within the "schools use athletes" complaint is an objection to the supposed "profit" made by the universities on football and basketball. What's ignored -- and it's a willful ignorance since it's pointed out time and again to no effect -- is how revenue generating sports subsidize non-revenue sports. So, if the schools are "using" the football players, does that mean that athletes playing the non-revenue sports (for example, all womens' sports) are "using" the football players for subsidy? The answer is "yes," but in this age of PC thinking few would admit to it. But to your point -- it's a free country and the players don't "need" to play football. If the argument is "Well, that's the only way they can get a college education" then they've conceded to your point and the debate is over. Athletes are free to petition the NFL to draft them without the college experience. Good luck with that, by the way. So your point is doubly made -- the college experience buys them media exposure, training and experience. But of course what people *really* want is to have their cake and eat it too. Not because it makes reasoned sense to demand that. But simply because they say so. *sigh*
heartbreakM
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.
I always roll my eyes when people say the universities "take advantage" of the athletes. It is a two way street (unless of course, you run into situations where players want to transfer and they get locked in by a selfish AD and coach, like what is happening at Tenn and at St Joseph's U in Phila with a bball player). These players get big time media exposure, high level training and experience, free tuition, room, board, opportunities for travel (albeit working travel), clothing, etc. If the players don't want to be part of it, nobody is holding a gun to their head. Go to work, go to a non-scholarship school, whatever. But I don't buy that the schools "use" the athletes.
toothless wonder
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.
With life's uncertainties, you'd have to be off your rocker to play basically for free and risk getting hurt, when you could just sign with an NFL team. I would get over myself and start making some $$$ that's the American way. Everything is about money. U of M is only about money. Join the real world Denard, you won't regret it after the years of working towards professional level, you'd be a fool not to. Sounds hard, life without any money is really really hard if you get messed up in any way before you at least get a couple million in your own bank account. A couple million if managed, could provide for yourself for life. Anything else is... maybe you can end up selling cars at a lot, or signing autographs at a bookstore 10 -15 years from now, to make ... money ( if you get hurt before you get any)
Mick
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 6:11 a.m.
Hey toothless, if, if, if....if it rained money we'd all be rich. The best thing he can do for himself is get his degree from U-M. His potential NFL career is in question. You're trying to give him bad advice, you should advise him to stay in school and get his degree. But then again you could be a troll who doesn't want M to have a Senior Denard potentially tearing it up next year against whoever your team is.
DonAZ
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
@a2citizen - "At best he is a 6th rounder" I tend to agree. *Maybe* someone would roll the dice in the 4th hoping to land another Hester. But *nobody* is going to burn a 1st or 2nd round pick on Robinson. Now ... if he was 6'2" and 220lbs and had that speed? They'd be drooling. I like Robinson ... it's just the world of the NFL is brutal and heartless. Nobody is drafted high because of their smile or their name. It's all expected gameday production.
a2citizen
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.
At best he is a 6th rounder, possibly Mr. Irrevelant.
Matt Patercsak
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
he'd have a degree from Michigan, so.. he'll be fine either way. but hes obviously staying.
RudeJude
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
"Oh yeah, I expect to be back." Translation: "If by some off-chance an NFL team would draft me early, it's 'goodbye UofM' and 'hello big money!,' but, even I know that's not going to happen this year."
Mick
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 6:03 a.m.
that is exactly right sir! Thanks for stating the obvious, Jude, somebody needed to.
catfishrisin
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.
Of course he will be back because Hoke never groomed him for an NFL position that he would be capable of playing. Sorry Denard, UM used you and never fully prepared you for the next step. At most, you will be holding a clipboard in 2013 as a 3rd string QB and will ultimately be cut. Same destiny as Pryor.
a2citizen
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
catfish, I am under no illusions about the purpose of college sports. However, you seem naively unaware of the "...plan..." of professional sports. Professional sports IS THE END GAME and the object IS TO WIN. And no winning QB in the first 45 Superbowls won outside the pocket. If Rodriguez gave Robinson a song and dance about playing in the NFL then Robinson's advisors are the ones who mislead the kid. According to previous articles his advisors were his high school football coach and his uncle. Robinson played the same style QB in high school and he can have all the athletic talent in the world but he will never QB a Superbowl winner. With his athletic ability what position do you expect Robinson to play in the NFL? He can't take the pounding of a RB. Is he going to learn to run routes and catch the ball as a WR? Is he going to be a hard hitting DB/S? He might be an emergency gimmick QB when both the starter and backup both go down with injury. Look at the QB's that are going to the playoffs this year. See anyone that even remotely resembles Robinson's style? I only see Tebow as having a similar game and his team is only on the bubble. PLAYOFF TEAM NON PLAYOFF TEAM *Matthew Stafford (DET) * Cam Newton *Drew Brees (NO) *Michael Vick *Aaron Rogers (GB) *Vince Young*Matt Schaub (Hou) *Alex Smith (SF) *Tarvaris Jackson *Matt Ryan (ATL) *Tom Brady (NE) *Joe Flacco (Balt) *Ben Roethlisberger (Pit) ON THE BUBBLE *Eli Manning (NYG) * Tim Tebow (Den) *Carson Palmer (Oak) *Tony Romo (DAL) *Denotes pocket passer I wish the kid well. I hope he does get his degree. Lucky for Robinson he chose Michigan because the list of successful QBs Rodriguez groomed for the NFL is extremely short. Patrick White - 2nd round bust.
DonAZ
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.
@catfish -- got it ... you're in the "workers of the world unite" camp. College athletics is all about "exploiting" the "working class." The universities represent the "bourgeoisie." Denard Robinson is little more than chattel in this grand mechanism of exploitation. Poor, poor Robinson ... ripped from his bed in Florida and forced against his choice to play at Michigan. You can see it on his face -- the sad eyes, the drooping mouth ... he knows he's little more than kept livestock on the Michigan Football Farm. I get it now. Really, I do.
Terrin Bell
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
RR. Rodriguez was the only person to give Denard a shot at being quarterback. Everybody else wanted him to play another position. Denard knew Rodriguez ran a spread non pro type offense. Like or dislike Rodriguez, if you are a fan of Denard, you have to give Rodriguez credit where credit is due.
Mick
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 6:01 a.m.
Hey Catrisin, you're obviously just trying to agitate M fans by stating what you did here. Let me put it to you this way, nobody put a gun to Denard's head and made him play, he chose to. Oh BTW, he got to go to school for free and showcase his talents for the NFL in the meantime. Most students go into debt right after college paying back student loans while Denard doesn't, so save me the sob story you're trying to promote here.
catfishrisin
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 11:12 p.m.
@ a2citizen, DonAZ, Prepare to graduate....are you two kidding?? You actually think preparing to graduate is part of the plan? Let me break it down, athletes are brought in solely for their athletic ability. To stay in college and be eligible to play they are surrounded by support staff who "assist" with their studies. Not that they are unable to study, but the demands of the corporate athlete today is beyond reality. Hopefully the athlete stays eligible long enough to contribute to the program. Good luck Denard with your General Studies degree and the job that comes with that degree, since you weren't really helped by the UM athletic machine to go on to the next step.
MRunner73
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.
He was never used, as you say, at U of M. This was Denard's choice. I understand college football these days leads to the next step to the NFL fror many collegiate players. To state that Denard was or is being used is to say every player on the roster is being used. If that is your metric, so be it.
DonAZ
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 7:51 p.m.
"the next step for a college athlete is suppose to be graduation, not the NFL" Amen. Which is why I think Hoke's stated mission of developing better young men to be good husbands and fathers is so admirable. A college degree and a solid foundation of virtuous principles will take a man a long, long way in this world.
a2citizen
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 7:03 p.m.
Hoke played the hand he was dealt. Rodriguez is the one that didn't groom Robinson. As for preparing Robinson for the next step...the next step for a college athlete is suppose to be graduation, not the NFL.
heartbreakM
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 : 5:28 p.m.
Hope so. Really really hope so. Though none of us know how next year will go, he is such a big part of Michigan football (not just talent wise, but leadership wise and a fan favorite) that I think it will be a shame if he does not return. Obviously, if he is guaranteed big money and success in the NFL, that may change him, but I can't wait to see him don the maize and blue for 14 more games (or more).
Mick
Sat, Dec 31, 2011 : 5:52 a.m.
It can't be more than 14, that would be the limit on games, 13 for sure with the bowl game and a 14th possibly by winning the Legends Division and playing in the B1G CG.