January 27, 2012 - 3:40pm
Denard Robinson recognized in President Obama's speech
BY STEPHEN J. NESBITT
- Alden Reiss/Daily
President Barack Obama was at Al Glick Field House in Ann Arbor on Friday, and with championship banners and block 'M' flags draped overhead, Obama was quick to notice a certain member of the audience.
Junior quarterback Denard Robinson was one of several thousand students packed inside the Michigan football team's indoor practice facility to attend Obama's speech on funding for higher education. But one mention from Obama put Robinson right back into the spotlight.
“Where's Denard?” Obama asked. “I hear Denard Robinson's in the house.”
He spotted Robinson off to his left, in a roped-off area reserved for political dignitaries — and notable sports figures.
“I hear you're coming back, man,” Obama said. “That is a good deal for Michigan.”
Robinson flashed a smile at the mention and waved to the crowd. He submitted paperwork to the NFL draft advisory board in December to receive evaluation for his draft prospects, but determined he would return to Michigan for his senior year.
“It is good to be in the home of the Sugar Bowl champion Wolverines,” Obama said. “And with Denard coming back this will be a team to be reckoned with.”
Robinson led the Wolverines' Team 132 to a 10-2 regular-season record and a 23-20 Sugar Bowl victory over Virginia Tech on Jan. 3 in New Orleans. He'll aim for a Big Ten title and national championship run in his senior season in 2012, but Obama sees an even brighter future for the electrifying quarterback.
Later, someone in the crowd yelled, “Denard for President!”
“They're trying to draft you for President," Obama said. “He's gotta graduate before he runs for President.”
He also has to be 35 years of age — and he doesn't technically have to graduate — but the sentiment holds. Robinson might be shooting for more than a Heisman campaign down the road.
“It’s great to see President Obama, I couldn’t miss it,” Robinson told The Michigan Daily. “A lot of people came out and came to support.”
- For more coverage of Obama's speech at the University, check back to michigandaily.com throughout the day.
