The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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preseason camp Aug. 6 with two noticeable absences — redshirt ju- nior tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint and sophomore defensive end Frank Clark were both suspended for the first week by head coach Brady Hoke following off-field incidents this summer. They returned to prac- tice Aug. 13. "There are consequences for their behavior," Hoke said. "They are paying the price and will continue to pay the price for a little bit. "I think both of them realize they have an outstanding opportunity to play at the University of Michigan, to get a great Michigan degree. They understand there is a standard of performance from a community, ac- ademic and football side they've got to do a great job and understand." Clark is due to appear in court Fitzgerald Toussaint, Frank Clark Suspended Indefinitely Michigan's football team began INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS sophomore Thomas Rawls stands to shoulder the running back load. The 5-10, 218-pound Flint, Mich., native rushed for 79 yards on 13 carries in three appearances in 2011, a far cry from the 1,041 yards and nine scores Toussaint totaled. Se- nior tailback Vincent Smith, who has 1,175 yards rushing and 361 yards receiving in his career, will also receive an opportunity. "We're just going to the next guy. With Toussaint out for now, We're not really changing anything," offensive coordinator Al Borges said. "Thomas Rawls is going to be that next guy, Vincent Smith is going to do what he's done, and on we go. "The key to these situations from Sept. 11 stemming from a second- degree home invasion charge af- ter reportedly taking a laptop that wasn't his from a campus dorm room. "This is a serious accusation and we will follow the lead of the ju- dicial system," said Hoke, giving a grave tone to his words. It is possible Clark will miss the a game plan perspective is try and make as little out of it … make it the same as much as you can, and just go." Clark, meanwhile, was battling with classmate Brennen Beyer to start at weakside defensive end. With Clark out the first week, true freshmen Mario Ojemudia and Tom Strobel competed with Beyer. Toussaint (above) and Clark sat out the first week of U-M's fall practice, and head coach Brady Hoke said Aug. 12 he had not decided first two games at least until that Sept. 11 court date arrives and more about his case comes to light. Toussaint was pulled over at 11:45 p.m. by a Saline patrol car July 21 on the suspicion of operating a vehicle while impaired. At the Saline Po- lice Department, his blood-alcohol content was .12, .04 more than the Michigan legal limit. "Fitz made a poor decision," Hoke said. "There are expectations that come with being a football student- athlete at the University of Michigan and those responsibilities were not met in this instance. "We will use this as an opportu- meijer mania August 31st 9pm-1am nity to educate Fitz and make sure he understands the high standards that we have established within our program." Asked whether he expects either • Free food, samples, prizes and much more! Toussaint or Clark to play in the season opener against Alabama, Hoke told the gathered crowd at media day Aug. 12 that he had not yet made that decision, and didn't know when he would. • Free on-campus bus service directly to the store! • Deals to deck out your room! UM_AnnArbor-Wolverine_3rdPg_Ad_4.75x4.75.indd 1 SEPTEMBER 2012 THE WOLVERINE 17 7/26/12 12:12 PM 3145 Saline Road (South of I-94) Ann Arbor, MI if the two would play in the season opener. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN