Wolverine Digest

Michigan football QB Denard Robinson named as one of the top-25 'most dynamic' players

He was a walking highlight reel.

Trent Knoop

Greg Bartram-Imagn Images
In this story:

One of the greatest athletes to walk through Ann Arbor was former QB Denard Robinson. 'Shoelace', as he was known by, was one of the bright spots of the Rich Rodriguez era -- being Rich Rod recruited him to Michigan. He dazzled with his speed at first, before becoming the full-time starting QB under Brady Hoke in 2010.

It's not a surprise that CBS Sports named Robinson as one of the 25 most dynamic players in the past 25 years. Brad Crawford ranked him at No. 22 overall.

"A former EA Sports NCAA Football video game cover athlete, Robinson nearly rushed for 4,500 yards at Michigan despite defenses knowing his number was going to be called in some shape or form nearly every snap. His 1,702-yard effort as a sophomore led the Big Ten, as did his 7.2 yards per carry as a senior. Watching Robinson's dreadlocks free flow in the open field became a trademark," Crawford wrote.

Denard Robinso
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Under Hoke, in 2010, Robinson really came onto the scene. After throwing for 2,570 yards and 18 scores, while rushing for 1,702 yards and 14 scores, he became a first-team All-American. Robinson also won the Big Ten Most Valuable Player and the Offensive Player of the Year.

His stats came down a little bit in 2011, before suffering an injury in his final season in 2012 that limited his ability to play QB. Robinson was drafted in the NFL by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a RB, but Robinson played only from 2013-16 in the league.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

4-star LB Nick Abrams recaps Michigan football visit: 'This could be a place where I call home'

Ranking every projected starting Big Ten QB entering 2025

Vikings are on a 'three-year window' to win a Super Bowl with J.J. McCarthy as the starting QB

Ron Bellamy talks Michigan football transfer WRs and what they bring to the table: 'Explosive'

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

Published
Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Senior Writer for Michigan Wolverines On SI for the 2024 football season. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

Home/Football