Denard Robinson: Michigan's Use of Star at RB Brings Added Element to Offense

The week before Michigan's biggest game of the season, they decided to add another element to their offense by lining Denard Robinson up at tailback vs. Iowa.

Michigan didn't waste much time giving the ball to Robinson, as he carried the ball out of the backfield and caught a swing pass.

With Ohio State and their undefeated season on the line next weekend, forcing the Buckeyes to prepare for another possibility will pay dividends for the Wolverines. 

They have to prepare to see something like this or something else.

Robinson hasn't had the career people expected, but he is extremely versatile because of his overall athleticism. Showing glimpses of him at the running back position will force Ohio State to game plan for what they might see.

When Michigan travels to Ohio State—and when they play in a bowl game—they will need to bring their A-game. Showing that Robinson can line up at tailback proves that teams will need to plan for anything and everything.

With two games remaining in the career of Robinson at Michigan, why not use him as much as you can? Yes, you put him in more situations to get injured, but it's worth the risk with only two games left.

Also, Devin Gardner is more suited to play the quarterback position. So basically, the Wolverines are a better team when Robinson isn't under center because they instantly are stronger and more dynamic in two positions. 

With his talent and versatility, using Robinson in this fashion is the best strategy to take. It opens up doors that weren't previously there, including his ability to throw the ball from the tailback position as well as getting him in space with a screen.

There are so many options Michigan can look to with Robinson now that he's proved he can be successful at the position. 

While I think it would have been right for Robinson to start at quarterback then transition to running back for his final home game of his career, showing this added element will only haunt defensive coordinators in the next two games.