As expected, three quarterbacks -- freshman Devin Gardner and sophomores Denard Robinson and Tate Forcier -- have been taking a relatively equal number of snaps in practice.

But Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said after practice on Thursday, it's not just to keep fans guessing.

"That's really a philosophy," Rodriguez said. "Some coaches will give the first unit 80 percent of the reps, but we've always been pretty balanced."

The balanced reps have given each quarterback a chance to prove he's improved in one of the most crucial aspects of the position: leadership.

And Rodriguez said he has seen improvement in that area from last year across the board.

"We've tried to stress them to do that, and I think they'll get that as their play improves," Rodriguez said. "I have seen a little bit more of that than I did last year and certainly more than in the spring."

But the quarterbacks have improved in other areas, including ball security. That will certainly be welcomed on a team that fumbled the ball 29 times last season.

Rodriguez said that despite them not being in pads yet, it was an area in which they've improved.

"There was a couple times today when the ball security, even though they didn't fumble, wasn't as good as we'd like," Rodriguez said. "But you can see they're making a conscious effort to take care of the ball."

As for Forcier, who has been maligned at times this summer for lack of attendance at voluntary workouts, Rodriguez said he's responded well.

"I've had quite a few talks with Tate and some of the other guys and said, 'If you're a true competitor, you'll respond to it,'" Rodriguez said. "So far he has. He's working his way back and trying to prove himself."

Captains: Both of Michigan's permanent captains for this season were available to the media following practice on Thursday, and both showed their appreciation for the position.

"It's a great honor and I'm very humbled to be selected by the team," senior Mark Moundros said.

Senior Stephen Schilling said it will be useful to have two seniors who the whole team can look to as examples.

"It's nice to have two guys," Schilling said. "You can easily look at one guy instead of having to maybe hear different things from 16 different guys."

But while the two believe picking two permanent captains is important, they also stressed that the rest of the seniors all have a leadership role and they need to embrace that.

"I guarantee every senior at least got one vote from another player," Moundros said. "That means one player looks up to that one senior, and he has to lead for that one player."

Crowded backfield: If there's one position Michigan is not lacking in depth, it's running back.

Redshirt sophomore Mike Cox, junior Michael Shaw, sophomore Vincent Smith, redshirt freshman Fitzgerald Toussaint and true freshman Stephen Hopkins are all realistic challengers for serious playing time.

In fact, Rodriguez thinks it's the most interesting position battle to watch.

"Who will the running backs be?" Rodriguez said. "Because there's going to be at least two, probably three, who we play quite a bit. Maybe more, but I still don't know that order."

Schilling can tell the competition is stiff, saying all of the running backs' work has shown through in practice.

"A lot of guys really worked hard this summer, dedicated themselves because they know they have a chance to be the guy," Schilling said. "So far, I couldn't tell you who's been running with the ones the most."

Notes: Michigan football spokesperson Dave Ablauf said a depth chart could be released the Monday before the first game, but Rodriguez alluded to the fact that it will not be complete until a few hours before gametime against UConn ... Freshman offensive lineman Christian Pace is having trouble with his knee and may have to have a procedure done, ensuring that he will receive a redshirt this season.