NCAA Heisman Race: Denard Robinson's Remarkable Start For Michigan Wolverines

Denard Robinson is off to one of the greatest starts as a college football quarterback at the University of Michigan.  While many expected Robinson to win the job over Devon Gardner and Tate Forcier, he didn't know officially until hours before the season opener against Connecticut.

Fast forward two weeks, and everywhere you turn, the name Denard Robinson is being brought up as the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.

Don't forget that this speedster from Florida is only a sophomore.  This is the year that people expected big things from Michigan football, and No.16 is making that a reality.

After leading Michigan to a blowout 30-10 win against UConn, there was doubt that Robinson could duplicate his performance against Notre Dame.

He didn't only match it, he shattered his numbers from Week 1 in South Bend during a come-from-behind victory against the Fighting Irish.

After throwing for 186 yards and rushing for a school-record 197 yards against UConn, Robinson picked up right where he left off.

He amassed 244 yards through the air at Notre Dame and an astounding 258 yards on the ground.  His dangers as a runner make his ability to throw the football that more important.

Through two games this season, he has gained almost 900 yards of offense.  Michigan also takes on UMASS in Ann Arbor this weekend.  Conventional wisdom says he is only going to add to his offensive output to go along with his amazing start.

Robinson has also thrown two touchdowns and rushed for three touchdowns in his first two collegiate starts.  What's equally as impressive is his accuracy with the football, considering he is yet to commit a turnover on offense.

For a duel-threat quarterback like himself, the mobility and accuracy are two of his strengths thus far.  Everybody said that Rich Rodriguez's spread offense would thrive in year three.  Thus far, it has lived up to the billing.

Many people also see the connection between Robinson and former West Virginia quarterback Pat White.

I believe that Robinson is faster than White and has a better arm.  That's pretty scary, knowing how bad White and Slaton carved up the rest of their Big East competitors.  It is way to early to anoint Robinson as the next Tebow or as a lock for this year's Heisman.

One can make the argument that he has sprinted out of the gates, and he only plans on racking up more yardage and touchdowns as Michigan's quarterback.  How Michigan competes against Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Ohio State will go a long way in determining where Robinson stands in the Heisman race.

He is going to need to continue to produce in order for the Wolverines to keep winning.  Rodriguez knows that, and understands the importance of Denard Robinson in the huddle.  Watching him play is a mirror image of what Michael Vick did under Frank Beamer a decade ago.

Robinson is known for taping his shoelaces around his cleats.  It is something he has always done, and will continue to leave them untied.  If he keeps up these numbers and success at Michigan, he will be wearing a suite and tie at the season's end when the Heisman winner is announced.

There's a lot of viewers on the Denard Robinson fan club.  Michigan could win nine games or more if the spectacular stats continue for this young man.  He was calm, cool, and collective when his team needed him the most, on the game-winning drive on the road.

Brian Kelly knew stopping him would be no easy task, yet either was the possibility that Robinson would gain over 500 total yards himself against Notre Dame's defense.

Michigan football and the outstanding play of Denard Robinson is something to keep an eye on, especially as the competition gets tougher and conference plays arrives.

It's a long season, but Robinson has silenced the Michigan critics and gained a lot of respect in the process.