Michigan held it’s scrimmage this Saturday, which was closed to the press but open to some folks that have purchases suites and made donations. From what I’ve gathered from people that were fortunate enough to attend, Denard looks like the starter and seems to have more general energy than Tate and Devin. For more notes – I’d recommend you check out Ace’s post here. More solid info from an MGoBlog Diary post here.

Below are some notes from Rich Rod’s Sunday morning presser:

• As some have speculated, Freshman RB Austin White is no longer on the team anymore. He was one of the guys that didn’t have his wings.

Coach Rodriguez

• The defense didn’t tackle well and Mike Martin has been the most consistent defensive player during camp.
• Vincent Smith is going full bore and he was generally happy with QB play yesterday.
• If RR chooses to use multiple quarterbacks, it’ll be “more by feel” than anything scripted. He will limit snaps of the quarterbacks more by mid-week.
• A smaller scrimmage on Wednesday RR will hope to have the projected two-deep and travel roster settled.
• On Troy Woolfolk – Hasn’t had surgery yet and it’s certainly a very, very tough injury.
• RR on the defense – “It’s not a true 3-3-5.” Criag Roh is now closer to 240-245 and was 225 or so last year.
• Freshman RB Stephen Hopkins will likely play and not redshirt out of the need for a big back in the lineup. More on the backs, RR says it’s going to be running back by committee. Says it’s hard to get them all in the mix and get them reps – but they all will see some time against UCONN.
• On the scrimmage – it was good, liked the QB’s, receivers but mentions some turnover problems.
• RR says Brandon Graham is a once in a lifetime kind of player. Not one guy can replace him on the team.
• Jibreel Black, freshman DE, will definitely play.
• RR on Ezeh – “he’s responded to the challenge.”
• RR says the team’s attitude is one of it’s biggest strengths.
• RR asked once again about the pressure of succeeding this season and says it’s the same every year, but there’s an obvious sense of urgency because of the last two years.
• On kicking – much more comfortable than a few weeks ago and Hagerup is a real talent at Punter.
• Marvin Robinson, Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Terrence Talbott, Carvin Johnson, and Ray Vinopal all have a chance to play this year.
• Most guys have their best season as seniors – if that is the case this year then RR feels Michigan will be ok on defense.

Notes from Other Coaches

• Dews on Woolfolk – “we can’t sit around and feel sorry for ourselves because nobody else will”.
• Fred Jackson had great things to say about Stephen Hopkins, “very good football player” “great feet” can play FB or TB. Goes on to say “before he’s done here, he’ll be another Chris Perry. But I don’t know if Chris was ever 230lbs”
• Greg Robinson has high praises for Jonas Mouton and his progress.
• Coach Rod Smith – Forcier was probably most suited, coached, worked before coming to Michigan. More mechanic work for Denard, Gardner.
• Coach Rod Smith – Didn’t bring Devin Gardner here to redshirt — to compete for the (QB) job and the biggest thing he is pushing with Denard is his decision-making.
• Coach Rod Smith – Doesn’t want QB’s looking over their shoulders, but wants them to feel the heat. Says it doesn’t matter if one guy, two guys or three get the job done. Doesn’t think you need to have only one QB for team chemistry. Gardner may be the most athletic of the three QB’s.

Slight Scrimmage Video
Countdown to Kickoff’s video today covers yesterday’s scrimmage. You catch some glimpses but the field-level camera angle never lets you see too much.

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