Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson surely won admiration from all of his teammates for how he played in the Wolverines' first five games of the season. During Michigan's 5-0 run, Robinson became a national star and Heisman Trophy candidate as he piled up nearly 2,000 yards in total offense and became the first player in FBS history to rush and throw for 200 yards twice in his career.
↵However, it's how Robinson carried himself in the aftermath of Michigan's 34-17 loss to Michigan State last Saturday that may ultimately earn him more respect in the locker room. Robinson had his worst game of the year, throwing three interceptions and rushing for fewer than 100 yards for the first time all season. But as the Wolverines licked their wounds, he made sure to get his teammates' attention and tell them that they have to recover from this.
↵↵↵↵"He was just standing right at his locker and he spoke up," junior receiver Kelvin Grady said Monday. "It was loud and encouraging. He didn't say many words, but what he did say, I feel like he got a lot of respect for it. I felt it.
↵"I've never heard him speak out the way he did — I don't think a lot of guys have. It was with more force, a little bit more meaning."
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Robinson himself obviously needs to rebound if Michigan is to have a successful season. But taking on more of a leadership role is important for a quarterback. And doing so after a team's lowest point of the season could end up paying dividends later on.