Michigan Football: Letters From Camp

WEEK 3

Thursday, August 27

Today was thefinal two-a-day practice for the Wolverines.

Running back Michael Shaw had a pair of touchdowns, rushing for a 22-yard score and adding a 45-yardreception from quarterback Tate Forcier on the final play of practice.

Forcier also tossed a 40-yard touchdown on a screen pass to wideout Roy Roundtree.

The defense held twice on the 90 second drill from the home 40-yard line and the offense scored twice.

Slot receiver Martavious Odoms started a drive with a 50-yard kickoff return and finished it with a 14-yard touchdown reception from QB Denard Robinson.

Floyd Simmons collected the only turnover following a big hit by J.B. Fitzgerald that jarred the ball froma receiver.

Former players Bob Fraumann, Woodrow Hankins and Fritz Seyferth attended practice.

Tom Ufer, son of legendary Michigan broadcaster Bob Ufer, watched the Wolverines practice.

Wednesday, August 26

The Wolverines began practice indoors at the Glick Field House but held all 26 periods outdoors. It rained throughout most of the practice.

Former Central Michigan head coach and athletic director Herb Deromedi, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, spent time at practice watching his alma mater.

Rich Rodriguez recognized two members of the football staff who celebrated birthdays today, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Medicine Paul Schmidt and Assistant Strength Coach Parker Whiteman.

The defense picked up four interceptions courtesy of Stevie Brown, Brandin Hawthorne, J.T. Turner and Jared Van Slyke.

The only offensive touchdown came on a five-yard pass from QB Tate Forcier to wideout Terrence Robinson during full team drills.

Jim Hackett, a former U-M football player and the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Steelcase came from Grand Rapids to Ann Arbor to watch practice and meet with Rodriguez. Hackett spoke to the team following practice and talked about the lessons learned during his football career and how theyve helped him in his professional career.

Following practice, Rodriguez asked the players and staff to bow their heads in a moment of silence for Karen Beeman, a long-time athletic department employee who passed away Tuesday evening following a battle with cancer. Beeman spent 27 years with the athletic department and worked the past eight years in Schembechler Hall as the medical office manager.

Tuesday, August 25

After the secondpractice of two-a-days, the players and coaches cooled off the best way they knew how - by jumping on a GIANT Slip 'n Slide.

Wideout Greg Mathews broke a long punt return during a full contact special team period.

Wide Receiver Darryl Stonum stretched out and caught a diving 37-yard pass from QB Nick Sheridan during a situational scrimmage.

Running back Brandon Minor scored an eight-yard TD run and back Carlos Brown added a rushing score on a short scamper.

Wideout Martavious Odoms added a touchdown reception during the full team scrimmage.

Former players Stan Edwards, Tom Brigstock, John Ghindia, Jeff Cohen, Marten Davis, Rick Leach, Tom Parkhill, Michael Taylor, Chuck Ritter and Don Eaton attended practice.

Legendary coach Don Nehlen was at practice Tuesday, hanging out on the field and touring Rich Rodriguez's new office. Nehlen coached Michigan's quarterbacks under Bo Schembechler as well as serving as head coach at Bowling Green and West Virginia. Rodriguez became West Virginia's head coach in 2000 following Nehlen's retirement.

Don Nehlen (left) and Rich Rodriguez

Monday, August 24
Bud Denker from Penske Auto Racing visited practice.

Former Wolverines Vada Murray, Brandon Kornblue and Tate Schanski were visitors at practice.

J.T. Turner, Boubacar Cissoko and Mike Jones collected interceptions during team drills.

Linebackers Jonas Mouton and Obi Ezeh corralled loose footballs during full team drills.

WEEK 2

Saturday, August 22
400 family members of the players attended the teams first full scale scrimmage of the preseason. The families took a group photo and had a picnic following practice.View the picture here.

The Wolverines ran 125 plays during their situational scrimmage where the coaches worked from the sidelines in a game like situation.

Teric Jones had the lone defensive turnover, picking off a pass and returning to the one-yard line.

Defensive end Brandon Graham sacked quarterback Tate Forcier for a safety and J.B. Fitzgerald also added a quarterback sack.

Running back Carlos Brown scored on a nine-yard touchdown run on the opening drive of the scrimmage following a pair of long plays from Martavious Odoms.

The offense scored on three of its first four possessions during the 80-yard portion of the scrimmage but it leveled in the end as the defense won five of the final six series.

Quarterback Denard Robinson tossed a three-yard touchdown pass to wideout JeRon Stokes on third-and-goal.

On the scrimmage's oddest play, Forcier completed a 20-yard pass to wide receiver Junior Hemingway who fumbled as he pushed forward for a few extra yards. Carlos Brown scooped up the loose ball and took it the remaining 23 yards for a touchdown.

Michael Cox had the longest play of the scrimmage, ripping off a 56-yard run that ended withquarterback David Cone's six-yard touchdown pass to a diving Brandon Moore.

The offense scored on three of the four possessions starting at the 50-yard line, with Robinson, quarterback Nick Sheridan and Forcier each tossing touchdown passes.

The Wolverines offense was perfect on four series starting at the 20-yard line.

Former players Ron Bellamy, Courtney Morgan, Rudy Smith, P.J. Cwayna, Michael Taylor and Harlan Huckleby attended practice. Former U-M assistant Jerry Hanlon was also in attendance for the scrimmage.

Current Central Michigan head coach Butch Jones, a former assistant for Rodriguez at West Virginia, attended the scrimmage during his team's off day.

Friday, Aug. 21
Over 250 youth football players from all 24 organizations in Think Detroit PAL (Police Athletic League), a non-profit organization that builds character in young people, attended practice today. They had the opportunity to watch practice and meet the Wolverines.

The defense won the last play of the game situation for the second straight day, stopping four of the six offensive possessions from the six-yard line.

The two offensive TDs on the last play situations came on a Tate Forcier pass to wideout Roy Roundtree and a Denard Robinson run.

Robinson scored on a 58-yard run around the left side of the offensive line.

Cornerback J.T. Turner and safety Matt Cavanaugh picked up interceptions in the end zone during team drills.

Safety Mike Williams corralled a pick in one-on-one drills.

Former U-M quarterback Rich Hewlett attended practice this afternoon as well as current Athletic Bill Martin and his wife, Sally.

Thursday, Aug. 20
Defensive tackle Will Campbell and linebacker Obi Ezeh recovered fumbles in team drills.

Quarterback Nick Sheridan tossed three touchdown passes to three different receivers in team drills, tossing scoring plays to wideout Greg Mathews and tight ends Brandon Moore and Kevin Koger.

The defense stopped the offense on 5-of-6 final play of the game from the 11-yard line.

The only score on the final play competition was an 11-yard TD pass from Sheridan to Koger.

Quarterback Tate Foricer tossed a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Mathews, which he out jumped the defender, in the left corner of the end zone.

Quarterback Denard Robinson hit wideout Kelvin Grady along the right side of the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown.

Wednesday, Aug. 19
Actor Jeff Daniels watched practice and talked with U-M head coach Rich Rodriguez.

Former U-M head coach Gary Moeller attended practice today as well as Athletic Director Bill Martin.

Quarterback Denard Robinson had a pair of plays over 40 yards, including a 45-yard TD pass to receiver Greg Mathews in the two minute drill.

Kicker Brendan Gibbons converted a 45-yard field goal in the two-minute drill to tie the game.

Safety Mike Williams collected an interception during one-on-one drills.

The defense stopped four of the six offensive possessions in skelly.

The defense stopped the offense on four of six possessions on end of game situations where the ball was spotted at the 12-yard line with 14 seconds left and the offense had to score a touchdown.

The two scores on the end of game situations came on a Nick Sheridan pass to running back Vincent Smith and a Robinson run.

Tuesday, Aug. 18
Quarterback Denard Robinson scampered 68 yards on a broken play during third down drills.

On a first-and-10 drill fromtheir own two-yard line, running back Kevin Grady burst through a hole in the right side of the line for a 45-yard gain.

During the teams overtime drill, the offense scored three touchdowns with the defense collecting two stops.A third scoring chance was thwarted on a blocked field goal attempt.

Quarterback Nick Sheridan tossed an 18-yard TD pass to wideout Greg Mathews on a third-down play during the first overtime series.

On the second OT series, quarterback Tate Forcier tossed a pass to wideout LaTerryal Savoy on a receiver screen and Savoy followed his blockers to the end zone for a 25-yard score.

The third and final overtime score came on an eight-yard run up the middle by back Michael Shaw.

Converted cornerback Teric Jones collected a pass breakup on a fourth down play that ended an offensive possession during the extra session drill.

During his press briefing today, Rich Rodriguez mentioned that he would be holding a student body walk-on tryout after the start of classes on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

Rodriguez mentioned that Ricky Barnum, Thomas Gordon and Mark Moundros had minor injuries and would be day-to-day, while Fitzgerald Toussaint would miss a few weeks following a shoulder injury suffered last week.

Rodriguez later added that cornerback Donovan Warren would sit out practiceTuesday and would be day-to-day after suffering an injury on Monday.

Former Wolverines Jim Betts and Drew Henson attended practice.

Monday, Aug. 17
The Wolverines were able to practice outdoors despite rain prior to the afternoon practice. Temperatures were the coolest of preseason camp.

Former U-M quarterback Drew Henson, in town to visit family, watched the Wolverines practice.

Quarterback Denard Robinson accounted for four touchdowns at practice, scoring a pair of rushing scores and tossing two TD strikes.

During a third down drill, Robinson escaped from the pocket and had a long 72-yard touchdown run down the right sideline.

Wide receiver James Rogers grabbed a pair of touchdown receptions in practice, including a 58-yard grab on a fly pattern from quarterback Tate Forcier.

On the very next play after Rogers TD reception, safety Vladimir Emilien stepped in front of a pass and intercepted Forcier.

Quarterback Nick Sheridan found tight end Martell Webb open for a 48-yard touchdown through the middle of the defense.

The biggest hit of the day might have come from the team's smallest player. Tailback Vincent Smith cracked back on a Forcier run and laid out a Wolverine defender.

The practice session ended as Robinson tossed a 78-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brandon Moore down the right hash mark.

WEEK 1

Saturday, August 15
The Wolverines held their first two-a-day practice of the preseason camp, practicing in shells during the morning session and in full pads during the afternoon.

Desmond Howard attended the morning practice before heading to Detroit for his afternoon job as the color analyst on the Detroit Lions television network.

Former U-M offensive tackle Mike Kenn attended practice along with Bill Dufek, Don Dufek and Rick Leach.

Friday, August 14
Today's practice was the first in full pads for the Wolverines.

The Big Ten Network broadcast from practice and produced a 60-minute show on the team's first padded practice of the fall.

Kicker Brendan Gibbons celebrated his 18th birthday.

Thursday, August 13
Tight end Mike Therman switched his position to outside linebacker (quick end) prior to practice.

Rodriguez mentioned that tailback Brandon Minor missed Wednesday and Thursday practices with headaches from a car accident a week ago.

Rochester Hills native and U-M football fan Brad Keselowski, a race car driver, attended practice with a crew from ESPN that chronicled his visit for a Nascar Now Show. Brad Keselowski won the CARFAX 250 Nationwide series race Saturday afternoon at Michigan International Speedway.

Former Wolverine and 1991 Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard attended his first practice of the preseason camp.

Jim Brandstatter, radio analyst and host of the Inside Michigan Football television show, made his initial appearance of the season at practice.

Wednesday, August 12
Today was the first day in shoulder pads and shorts.

Rodriguez announced that defensive tackle Vince Helmuth and outside linebacker Marell Evans decided to leave the program and pursue other options.

Rodriguez announced that freshman cornerback J.T. Turner had been cleared to practice and would be on the field Thursday.

Tuesday, August 11
Former slot receiver Teric Jones switched to cornerback.

Monday, Aug. 10
Slot receiver Jeremy Gallon switched to jersey #3 from his previous jersey #29 prior to taking the field for the first time in a U-M uniform.

Michigan unveiled new adidas practice jerseys for the 2009 season. Both the home (blue) and away (white) jerseys worn by the defense and offense have three stripes down the sides under each armpit. There are maize stripes down the blue jersey and blue stripes down the white jersey.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez wore the All In for Michigan season t-shirt on sale at MGOBLUESHOP.com.

Rodriguez also showed fans the All In for Michigan towel. The rally towel will be sold at Media Day by the U-M coaches' wives for $5 with the proceeds benefitting the C.S. Mott Women's and Children's Hospital. Fans can purchase the towel at local stores for $6.99.

PLAYERS OF THE DAY

Week 1

Monday, Aug. 10
O: Vincent Smith
D: Donovan Warren
S: Zoltan Mesko
Tuesday, Aug. 11
O: Martell Webb
D: Mike Martin
S: Carlos Brown
Wednesday, Aug. 12
O: Junior Hemingway
D: Brandon Herron
S: Floyd Simmons
Thursday, Aug. 13
O: Martavious Odoms
D: Greg Banks
S: Tom Pomarico
Friday, Aug. 14
O: David Molk
D: Jonas Mouton
S: Jason Olesnavage
Saturday, Aug. 15
(Morning)
O: Roy Roundtree
D: Obi Ezeh
S: Je'Ron Stokes
(Afternoon)
O: Michael Shaw
D: Boubacar Cissoko
S: Kevin Leach

Week 2

Monday, Aug. 17
No players named
Tuesday, Aug. 18
No players named
Wednesday, Aug. 19
O: Mark Ortmann
D: Stevie Brown
S: Kevin Leach
Thursday, Aug. 20
(Morning)
O: Mark Ortmann
D: Stevie Brown
S: Kevin Leach
(Afternoon)
CoO: Kelvin Grady
CoO: Kevin Koger
D: Brandon Smith
Friday, Aug. 21
O: David Moosman
D: Ryan Van Bergen

Week 3

Monday, Aug. 24
O: Stephen Schilling
D: Donovan Warren
S: Ryan Van Bergen / Doug Rogan

University of Michigan Athletics

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