It all started with a couple of photos from the Big Ten Network at practice, and the rumbling began. Michigan sophomore quarterback Tate Forcier wasn’t wearing the symbol of Michigan football, the winged helmet.

The Wolverines’ latest motivational tool was out in the open: you have to earn your wings before you can put on that helmet.

During a press conference Thursday, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said that Forcier’s consistent play over the past few days has done just that.

“Tate earned his wings back today,” Rodriguez said. “There’s a story for you.”

Rodriguez said that Forcier, in the midst of a well-publicized position battle, has responded well to the challenges put forth by the coaching staff. The coach has maintained all offseason that it’s a wide-open competition between Forcier, who started all 12 games last year, sophomore Denard Robinson and true freshman Devin Gardner.

Media members and fans have speculated that it was really a two-player race since Gardner is a year younger and less experienced with the playbook. That may not be the case.

Rodriguez said all three quarterbacks have been taking an equal amount of reps, though he did not clarify who was taking reps with the first or second teams.

When asked if Gardner had a legitimate shot at the starting job, Rodriguez said “it is possible.”
“He came in further behind because of the one year experience they have, and he hasn’t played in a game but it’s possible and he’s competing to do that,” Rodriguez said. “Possible? Likely? Possible is a better word.”

The Wolverines will next scrimmage on Saturday, and Rodriguez said he was anxious to see the position competitions, including quarterback. After the scrimmage, most practice reps will go to the first and second teams.

Woolfolk’s injury impact

Rodriguez was asked if he knew when senior cornerback Troy Woolfolk might return from the serious ankle/leg injury he sustained this week in practice. Rodriguez said he was still waiting on some medical results before he could estimate that.

In the meantime, the third-year coach has been moving around defensive players. No offensive players have switched over to defense in the attempt to fill Woolfolk’s void.

“We’re moving some guys around in the secondary,” Rodriguez said. “There’s a host of players that will be competing for it … It’s a tough loss because Troy was in such great shape and was playing really well, but it’s tough luck. He’ll bounce back, and the team will bounce back.”

Rodriguez said there haven’t been any other major injuries, just “typical camp injuries, a few guys are sore or banged up.”

Turner transfer update

Former Michigan defensive back Justin Turner, who was granted a release from the Wolverines earlier this month, has transferred to West Virginia, according to ESPN 990, a Massillon, Ohio radio station.