The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/418536
MICHIGAN IN THE PROS position, of sorts, when Jacksonville chose him in the 2012 NFL Draft — so much so that they listed his posi- tion as "offensive weapon" on the team's official roster. He's finally living up to that bill- ing, having found a home as the team's starting running back. Since taking over as the Jaguars' starter in week seven, only running backs DeMarco Murray of Dallas and Mark Ingram with the New Orleans Saints have rushed for more yards, and only Houston's Arian Foster is averaging more than Robinson's 5.4 yards per carry among any running back with at least 24 carries over that span (Robinson has 72). Robinson is also third in rushing touchdowns in that span, provid- ing a trait injured Jaguars teammate Toby Gerhart just couldn't. Gerhart's long run was only 13 yards, while Robinson has eclipsed that on 13 dif- ferent runs. He's only scratching the surface, Jacksonville general manager Dave Caldwell told NFL.com. "He still is learning, feeling his way, working at it," Caldwell said. "He's seeing a lot of things for the first time. He's not a finished prod- uct by any means. He still will have some adversity. But he has devel- oped himself into a good player, and he has a higher ceiling than where he is." Robinson knows there's room for improvement, but he's still learning the position. He's confident his ceil- ing is extremely high. "I think I can be one of the top backs in the league," he said. A big statement from someone so humble. FORMER WOLVERINES ON NFL ROSTERS Through games of Nov. 17 • Jason Avant (Played at U‑M from 2002‑05), WR, Carolina Panthers: Hauled in 21 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown in 11 games for the 3-7-1 Panthers, but was waived by the team on Nov. 18. • Tom Brady (1997‑99), QB, New Eng‑ land Patriots: Has completed 233 of 364 passes for 2,649 yards with 24 touch- downs and five interceptions for 8-2 New England … His quarterback rating stands at 102.0. • Alan Branch (2004‑06), DT, New Eng‑ land Patriots: Has notched three tackles (two solo) in two games for the 8-2 Patri- ots, after being signed prior to week 10. • Stevie Brown (2006‑09), S, New York Giants: Has recorded 18 tackles (13 solo), one tackle for loss, one quarterback hurry and one pass broken up through 10 games (three starts) for 3-7 New York. • Michael Cox (2009‑11), RB, New York Giants: Broke his leg and was lost for the year during a 38-17 loss to Seattle Nov. 9 … Carried four times for 33 yards, caught two passes for nine yards and ran back 11 kicks 261 yards in four games for the 3-7 Giants. • Kenny Demens (2009‑12), LB, Ari‑ zona Cardinals: Has registered five spe- cial teams tackles and forced a fumble through 10 games for the 9-1 Cardinals, playing primarily on special teams. • Larry Foote (1998‑2001), LB, Arizona Cardinals: Has notched 54 tackles (45