“Shoelace” Is Back At Michigan

One of the most exciting players in University of Michigan football history has returned to help with recruiting.

Denard "Shoelace" Robinson used to electrify crowds as a UM quarterback at the Big House with his ability to both run and throw the football, and now he's back.

Robinson earned his nickname by playing with his shoelaces untied, which was amazing, considering his ability to cut on a dime. He is also arguably one of the most well loved players at UM, bolstering fans at a time when the program suffered a bit with some losing records.

Why is Denard Robinson returning to Michigan?

According to Ant Wright at On3.com, Robinson has been hired to help with recruiting at the school. Officially his title will be Assistant Director of Player Personnel. He will report directly to new Director of Player Personnel, Tim Gamble, who formerly was with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL.

Robinson played running back with Jaguars after graduation and also was a quality control coach with organization in 2020.

How many ex-players are now coaching under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan?

Quite a few, with ties to just about every coaching staff at the school, going all the way back to Bo Schembechler, who Harbaugh played under.

Also on staff is former running back Mike Hart, from the Lloyd Carr regime, who is also Michigan's all-time leading rusher.

Ron Bellamy, a former receiver, now is the receivers coach. Mike Elston has returned to coach the linebackers, Grant Newsome, who played tight end under Harbaugh is the tight ends coach, while Doug Mallory is a defensive assistant.

How popular was 'Shoelace' at UM?

Robinson was wildly popular. After beating out Tate Forcier for the starting job, Robinson rolled up almost 11,000 yards in all-purpose yards, throwing for over 6,000 while rushing for close to 4,500.

He had 49 touchdowns, and is probably best known for a prime time Saturday night game against Notre Dame in 2011, which featured a wild ending with three lead changes in the final 1:10.

With just :30 left, and the Wolverines trailing by three, Robinson connected with Jeremy Gallon for a big gain to the ND 22, and then hit Roy Roundtree in the end zone for the winning touchdown as time expired, setting off a massive party in the Big House.