Monday, August 2, 2010
Rich Rodriguez talks QBs, NCAA and more
CHICAGO -- Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez wrapped up his media session earlier today, and I've got a few quick nuggets for you.
- The quarterback competition remains "wide open," but Rodriguez thinks the picture could clear up during the first few weeks of training camp. He's open to playing both Denard Robinson and Tate Forcier, and mentioned true freshman Devin Gardner several times as a No. 3 option. Robinson can move to another position if he's not a factor for the top quarterback job -- he certainly is right now -- but Forcier solely will remain at quarterback, Rodriguez said.
- Rodriguez will fly to Seattle on Aug. 13 to appear before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions. Michigan usually has its first two-a-day practice session scheduled for the following day, but it will be moved from Aug. 14 to Aug. 15. So Rodriguez won't miss any practice time. "I will keep it from being a distraction," Rodriguez said.
- Not surprisingly, Rodriguez was asked a lot about division alignment in the Big Ten and where Michigan and Ohio State should fall. His position: the Ohio State game must be played; he's not overly concerned about when it's played; the possibility of playing the Buckeyes twice in a season could be really exciting for the fans.
- When Mark Moundros approached Rodriguez about trying his hand at linebacker, the coach was reluctant. After all, Moundros is Michigan's starting fullback. But Rodriguez eventually relented and Moundros will compete for the starting middle linebacker spot in camp.
