Michigan Football: Why Wolverines Should Use Denard Robinson in More Trick Plays

Fans seemed to have mixed feelings last year when Devin Gardner would line up at quarterback, causing Denard Robinson to split out wide. Was this a brilliant formation that would allow the offense to become even more dangerous? Or is it incredibly stupid any time the ball is taken out of Denard's hands?

Again, that is up for debate, but I think when it is done the right way it can be very effective. When I say "done the right way," I mean that Denard should never be taken off the field, just as he was at times last year. Anybody who watched the games on TV remembers Chris Spielman heavily criticizing this move, and understandably so.

I guess I don't have a problem with Gardner lining up at quarterback once in a while, but only if it means Denard is still on the field. When you have that scenario, there are many more options on offense. Denard was put in motion a lot last year in this formation, and was either handed the ball or used as a decoy.

These are obviously creative ideas, but there's no reason they can't be expanded on even more. For example, why not hand him the ball and give him the option to throw it? We saw a play very similar to this against Minnesota, when Vincent Smith was handed the ball and then proceeded to throw a touchdown pass to Drew Dileo.

Imagine how confused defenses would be if Denard could do this effectively. I've been very critical of his decision-making and throwing ability in the past, but in this situation, the receivers should be wide open. I guess some of the best defenses might not bite, or may be able to sniff it out, but it should definitely work against most teams.

Another positive to this idea is that it would get Gardner more playing time and experience. There is a decent chance that he will be the starter in 2013, and the more reps he can get this year will only help.

This is Denard's final season in college, and it would be great to literally utilize him to the fullest.