Marell Evans: One More Player To Leave Michigan

Michigan and coach Rich Rodriguez have been in the line of fire for the roster turnaround in the last two years.

But the most recent departing player wanted to make it clear that he still respects Rodriguez, calling him "a stand-up guy," but it just wasn't right for him. He thankfully didnt say anything harsh bout Rich Rod or the program which I thank him for.

"Me and Coach Rod are fine with the decison," linebacker Marell Evans told the Free Press tonight. "It was more than playing time or academics or anything like that. It was a lot of things. Coach Rod is a great coach and I wish him plenty of success. I wanted to finish my career at a different place."

Evans admitted he found himself in a spot a little different than he intended when he signed under Lloyd Carr, but said he respects both coaches.

He said Rodriguez was glad to help him figure out his place and help him leave if that's what Evans wanted.

"He's a great man and I respect the man," said Evans, a junior from Richmond, Va. "He wanted me to think about this decision and said I'm a big part of the program. But I respectfully wanted to leave the program."

Evans cited the difficulty of having three defensive coordinators in his three years, even though he said he thinks current coordinator Greg Robinson is one of the best in the country.

With Brandon Herron the likely starter at the spinner spot (hybrid defensive end/linebacker) Evans would still be likely in a backup role, at least to start the season.

He said he isan't sure where he is going to transfer. Hopefully not to a rival school or app state or something like tht.

Rodriguez said today that Evans and defensive lineman Vince Helmuth both asked to transfer and said playing time was the primary reason why there leaving, calling them both great kids.

Evans will surely be missed, but this is another case of him not wanting to put in the work and effort to continue his career at Michigan.

I certainly wish him the best of luck.