Michigan Football: Is Denard Robinson Michael Vick 2.0?

As Denard Robinson scrambles all over the football field—like he did in a game against San Diego State last year in which he ran for 200 yards and three scores—it’s hard not to compare the Michigan quarterback to Michael Vick.

But is that comparison valid?

Well, when you compare Robinson’s previous two seasons at Michigan to Vick’s two years at Virginia Tech, the numbers tell a compelling story.

First we’ll start with both quarterbacks' weaker assets, their arms.

Robinson Passing:

2010: 182 completions, 291 attempts, 62.5 percent completions, 2,570 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

2011: 142 completions, 258 attempts, 55 percent completions, 2,173 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Vick Passing:

1999: 105 completions, 181 attempts, 58 percent completions, 2,065 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions.

2000: 87 completions, 161 attempts, 54 percent completions, 1,234 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions.

Although these stats are difficult to compare because Vick attempted so many fewer passes than Robinson, it’s interesting to note that Robinson has been a statistically better passer than Vick was in college.

Now let's look at quarterbacks' biggest strength, which is obviously their dynamic scrambling ability out of the pocket.

Vick Rushing:

1999: 108 attempts, 585 yards, eight touchdowns.

2000: 104 attempts, 617 yards, eight touchdowns.

Robinson Rushing:

2010: 256 attempts, 1,702 yards, 14 touchdowns.

2011: 221 attempts, 1,176 yards, 16 touchdowns.

Again, it’s difficult to compare these numbers because Vick had over 100 fewer rush attempts each year compared with Robinson. However, if you double Vick’s rushing stats in 1999 to 1,170 yards, that’s still far fewer than Robinson’s 1,702 yards during his 2010 campaign.

Chances are high that Robinson may not be considered a first-round draft choice when the 2013 NFL Draft rolls around. At six-feet tall and 195 pounds, Robinson doesn’t have the prototypical size that you look for in an NFL quarterback. Nevertheless, Vick also stands at just six-feet tall.

As a scrambling quarterback, Vick made a huge difference for the Atlanta Falcons as well as the Philadelphia Eagles.

Could Robinson possibly be the second coming of a Vick-type athlete who changes games with his feet while he works on improving his passing ability and football IQ?

If Robinson has another great year with Michigan this upcoming season he’ll continue improving his NFL draft stock.

So can Robinson be the next Vick at the NFL level? Numbers suggest that he may be just as good if not better.