Michigan Football: Keeping Denard on Campus Will Be Hoke's First Challenge

Brady Hoke was introduced as Michigan’s new football coach earlier today in Ann Arbor.

Hoke will undoubtedly face several challenges in the weeks ahead, but perhaps the most important battle has already begun.

Keeping Denard Robinson on campus is Hoke’s immediate goal, along with eliminating the possibility of other defections, hiring a staff and solidifying the 2011 recruiting class.

Unfortunately, Hoke is not exactly reputed to be a fan of the spread option. But fortunately, Hoke declared he’s a fan of Robinson.

“We’ve got a special guy in Denard,”  Hoke said earlier today. “He can do an awful lot for your football program, and I know he loves the University of Michigan. I’ve already spent about 15 minutes with him, and we’re going to spend a little more time together.”

Because of Hoke’s reputation as a proponent of a pro-style attack, early speculation had Robinson possibly moving to either a slot position on offense or cornerback on defense.

But everyone knows that Robinson wants to play quarterback. He began to get the word earlier today when it was learned that Hoke intends to keep portions of the spread in the offensive package.

“When you have a talented player, it’s your job as a coach to mold that into what’s best for your football team.” Hoke added, “Most of the time when you do that, it’s what’s best for that player.”

Robinson is a huge favorite among current Michigan players. If he leaves, Devin Gardner and Jack Kennedy would be the only quarterbacks on the roster.

Hoke has claimed that none of the upcoming challenges come with a great deal of pressure. But starting your first season at Michigan with two rather inexperienced quarterbacks wouldn’t exactly be loads of fun.