Where are they now?: Denard Robinson back with Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (BVM) – Denard Robinson was one of the most electrifying players in college football during a three-year span as the Michigan Wolverines starting quarterback. Burning defenses with both his arm and his legs, Robinson helped Michigan usher in a changing of the guard at head coach and was one of the program’s most significant players throughout the past decade.
With the Wolverines enjoying one of their most memorable seasons to date, Robinson is hoping he can continue the team’s positive ascension heading forward. As part of one of the program’s last 11–win teams, the Michigan Alum is heading back to Ann Arbor as an assistant director of player personnel for the football program.
“I am so excited about coming back to Michigan,” Robinson told Sports Illustrated. “This place means a great deal to me and I look forward to interacting with past, present and future Wolverines in my new role. Coach Harbaugh and I have been talking for almost a year about returning to help the program, and to have it finally come together is a dream come true and fulfills one of my career goals. I love this University and can’t wait to get to work.”
Denard Robinson was an ALIEN 👽
@UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/bO7PGKon3C— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 6, 2022
Denard Robinson’s Michigan playing career:
Robinson entered the Michigan program as one of the top athletes in the nation after impressing during his high school career at Deerfield Beach in Florida. After totaling nearly 6,000 yards of total offense, Robinson’s focus became finding a college that allowed him to play quarterback. That’s where Michigan stepped in.
As a true freshman, Robinson would find time behind starting quarterback Tate Forcier, appearing in 12 games throughout the season. In just his first play ever at the collegiate level, Robinson took a fumbled snap 43 yards for a touchdown against Western Michigan. The play helped introduce the college football world to the newest Wolverines freshman nicknamed, “Shoelace.”
The title was given to Robinson at an early age because of his game day style, which included not tying his shoes. The preference wouldn’t seem to bother his college coaches as Robinson became the favorite for the starting job entering his sophomore year. After featuring as more of a runner in his plays at quarterback the year prior, Robinson would get the opportunity to show off all of his abilities at the position during the 2010 season.
It wouldn’t take long for Robinson to make an impact, going for over 500 total yards in a matchup against Notre Dame in Week 2. The star quarterback combined for three touchdowns with his final one coming on a two-yard run, with just 27 seconds left, to put the Wolverines up 28-24. The heroic effort would continue throughout the season as Robinson’s play shocked the nation, behind 2,570 yards through the air and 1,702 on the ground.
As Michigan experienced ups-and-downs throughout the year, Robinson would give the Wolverines hope heading into 2011 under new head coach Brady Hoke. Entering the year unranked, Michigan would quickly garner the nation’s attention in a Week 2 rematch against the Fighting Irish. In the famous game, heralded as “Miracle Under the Lights,” Robinson delivered in a back and forth contest twice taking back the lead within the final two minutes. With just 30 seconds to lead his team back down the field, Robinson executed the drive to perfection linking up with Roy Roundtree to score with just two seconds left.
The moment would encapsulate a dominant 11-2 season by the Wolverines as the third-year quarterback starred on the way to a Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech. The year under Hoke looked like it had Michigan moving in the right direction as they entered the season as the No. 8 team in the country. With a matchup to start the year against the No. 2-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, Robinson would end up facing early adversity as he struggled to find a rhythm as both a runner and a passer.
The early loss would become a trend for the remainder of the season as Michigan was unable to secure a win over a ranked opponent throughout the 2012 campaign. The down year as a team would be compacted with an injury to Robinson who was sidelined during a loss to Nebraska. Robinson returned at less than full strength in Week 9, splitting time at running back, quarterback, and wide receiver. With the ulnar nerve injury in his right elbow, the Michigan star would be unable to throw for the remaining two games of the season as Robinson was primarily used as a runner.
With a disappointing end to his collegiate career, the once Heisman candidate still left a remarkable legacy, gaining recognition in 2010 with both a first-team All-American selection and as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
Denard Robinson’s NFL career and move to coaching:
Robinson’s run in the NFL wouldn’t garner the same kind of success as it did during his time with the Wolverines, but the former dual-threat quarterback would find his niche at running back after being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of 2013 NFL Draft. He would go on to spend four seasons with the team, racking up 1,058 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
After a handful of NFL tryouts and a run with the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), Robinson would move on to coaching, getting his first crack at Jacksonville University as an offensive analyst. Following the year, Robinson would return to Jaguars, this time taking over as the offensive quality control coach before spending 2021 as a scouting assistant.
With his recent return to Michigan as an assistant director of player personnel, Robinson is hoping to carve out a more permanent position.
Denard Robinson’s earning, net worth:
Robinson’s net worth is valued around $400k after spending nearly five years in the NFL. Robinson likely would have been a prime candidate in today’s college atmosphere as athletes have started to see the benefits of the new Name, Image, and Likeness policy. The former Jacksonville Jaguars running back made over $2 million during his time in the league.
