Michigan fans will probably have to wait until Saturday afternoon to see who will be the Wolverines’ starting quarterback.
- Redshirt sophomore Nick Sheridan (center) throws a pass during practice yesterday. He has been named one of two likely starters, along with redshirt freshman Steven Threet, at left.
In his final press conference before Saturday’s opener against Utah, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez continued to dance around questions about whether redshirt sophomore Nick Sheridan or redshirt freshman Steven Threet will start.
“No, I’m not ready to announce one today,” Rodriguez said. “Even if I was ready to, I’m trying to think ‘Why would I?’ ”
The two signal callers have been in competition for the starting job since spring practice. Threet started the spring game.
Although the public will be in the dark about the decision, Rodriguez plans to inform them of his decision within the next day.
“They won’t go into waking up Saturday morning wondering who’s starting,” Rodriguez said.
Injury report: Rodriguez was relieved he didn’t have any new injuries to report since he last spoke with the media Monday.
Aside from freshman wide receiver Terrence Robinson, redshirt freshman right guard Mark Huyge and redshirt junior right guard Cory Zirbel’s injuries, the first-year coach said his team was healthy for Saturday’s season opener.
Robinson had been practicing well enough to earn playing time against Utah, but he injured his knee last week. Zirbel had surgery last week and will be out six to eight weeks. He had been projected as a starting right guard before his injury.
Robinson will out “a few weeks.”
Where are the assistants?: Like any coach, Rodriguez splits his assistant coaches between the sidelines and the box above the field.
He said offensive coordinator Calvin Magee will sit in the box so he can see the entire field for calling offensive plays. Magee will be joined upstairs by defensive coordinator Scott Shafer and defensive line coach Bruce Tall.
Quick adjustment: Two weeks ago, John Ferrara was a back-up defensive tackle.
Saturday, he could see playing time on the offensive line and might even start.
Because of some offensive line injuries to a unit that already lacked depth., Ferrara made the switch and has adapted well enough to his new role.
“He would be the first one in at right guard,” Rodriguez said.
The coach didn’t completely close off the possibility of Ferrara starting.
“More than likely, he won’t,” Rodriguez said. “But again, we have a couple of more days left.”