The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/70103
because defenses aren't playing the quarterback to run. That's when Robinson can be at his most dangerous. "You've got to let it flow with a guy like him and let it rip, understanding there's structure and you've got to start with structure; you can't start with freelance," Borges said. "By the same token, you can't inhibit a skill that's as prolific as his. "Where does one start and the other stop? I'm never sure exactly where that is, but I know if you're getting consistent productivity, you're probably going about it right." One thing he does know for cer- tain — Robinson is most dangerous in the middle of the pocket when he can come underneath the rush and pose not just a passing threat, but also a running threat. Rolling him out only pins him against the sideline and makes it easier on the defense, limiting his improvisation skills. That, of course, places a premium on Robinson's decision-making as a passer and his ability in the pocket. "We're always talking about foot- work … keeping yourself on balance to make the throws whenever you possibly can," Borges said. "When we get in trouble is when we throw the ball off balance, and a lot of those Four Youngsters To Watch but they're not the only ones who have opened eyes over the last year. Here are a few of the young guys who have shown they have some ability, and who will get a chance to show it this spring. • Russell Bellomy, QB: Not enough people know about The Michigan offense will have several returning starters, the redshirt freshman quarterback, offensive coordinator Al Borges said. "He is a kid who can run, pass and think. He can do it all, Borges said. "He's a force to be reckoned with when he gets his opportunity. He's going to get some in the spring, because we're going to keep Denard on top of things, but we're not going to overwork him now that he has a feel for what we want to do. "Russ has got good arm strength. He doesn't throw bul- " are improv plays. That's the fine line I was talking about … you have to let it flow, but there are times you have to use discretion. "Denard's a passionate football player who wants to make plays. God knows he can make them, and we want him to make them. But by the same token, we've got to use good judgment. So much of that is entailed in his footwork." Robinson has been working on it and will continue to, Borges insisted. From what he's heard, the rest of the offense has followed the senior's lead in winter conditioning, setting the stage for an intriguing spring. ❏ lets, but he's accurate, around the receiver, and has good anticipation. He's got plenty of arm, and as he experiences more success and the team gains more confidence in him, I think he has the leadership qualities to him, enough mettle to him, to be a good leader. man showed off great athleticism and playmaking abilities at times last fall, according to close observers. The next step: doing it consistently. "He's a running back, but a little like [senior running back] Vince Smith in that he can play that nickel receiver, so we can use him as a receiver, out how good a blocker he is, because protection is huge. "We're going to find a lot of things out this spring with him. He's going to get a lot of opportunities. He is talented." • Thomas Rawls, RB: The sophomore carried 13 times for " Borges said. "We've got to find 79 yards last year and will look to expand his role in 2012. "He's a strong, powerful, tough kid. He hits it in there, and you'd better bring it, because he is going to bring it," Borges Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jerald Robinson did not make a catch last season, but he could be ready to step up into an increased role in U-M's passing game in 2012. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL said. "Thomas is a guy I don't think guys would look forward to tackling, because he's solid as a rock and runs fast. "He's a kid we've got to give the ball to quite a bit in the • Jerald Robinson, WR: The early returns on redshirt soph- omore Robinson's work ethic weren't great, but he's turned it around dramatically over the last year. " but he was on the scout team a year ago and was really, really good, spring and see if he can gain a little inertia as he carries the ball more. He was accustomed to running people over in high school, and that's a lot tougher to do at this level. as we go back and watch the scout tapes to see how hard they're working. He did a great job giving the defense a pic- ture, but even better than that demonstrated the skill level we're looking for at the position. He can run, jump, catch, win some jump balls, do some stuff that Junior [Heming- way] did. " — Chris Balas APRIL 2012 THE WOLVERINE 29 "Nobody really knows about him because he hasn't played, '" Borges said. "We've studied Jerald quite a bit • Justice Hayes, RB: The 5-10, 176-pound redshirt fresh- "