Michigan Football: Could Sugar Bowl Be Denard Robinson's Farewell?

For years, the argument against leaving college football for the NFL was mostly about getting a degree. But as contracts became extremely lucrative, leaving early became the norm.

Why chance injury during your senior season if you can capitalize after your junior year?

Recently, Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson made it known to ESPN that he filed the necessary paperwork to learn if and where he might be selected in the 2012 NFL draft.

Robinson has spent a pair of tumultuous seasons as a dual-threat starting quarterback, battling minor injuries and inconsistency along the way. One could argue that he's not a prototypical NFL quarterback, but he certainly could make a living as a kick returner, receiver, running back or even a defensive back.

Others could still argue that Robinson can run the ball as effectively as Philadelphia's Michael Vick or throw it as accurately as Denver's Tim Tebow. 

"There are guys playing at the next level that have Denard’s skill set," notes Michigan head coach Brady Hoke. While it's not necessarily a fair comparison, Robinson completed 56 percent of his passes in 2011, while Tebow's mark is 48.6.

Something to seriously consider is how the new NFL collective bargaining agreement has affected the first wave of 2011 rookie contracts.  While there's far less money in the total pool, players were able to get their entire contract guaranteed.

Even if Robinson drops to a low first-round pick, he could sign a four-year contract in the neighborhood of $7.5 million, with all four years assured.

It probably wouldn't insure his family's financial independence, but it would go a long way in doing so.

How Michigan's offense continues to evolve would be another concern. When Brady Hoke took the job in January, he promised a transition to a more pro-style attack.

Sure, the emergence of running back Fitz Toussaint helped limit Robinson's carries, but when it came down to crunch time, Robinson carried the ball a total of 49 times in the wins over Nebraska and Ohio State.

Should Robinson take the leap, spring practice will provide an interesting battle for the quarterback spot. Sophomore Devin Gardner (6'4", 205 lbs) would be the favorite, but don't count out freshman Russell Bellomy (6'3", 189 lbs).

On the recruiting front, Michigan has recently taken an interest in quarterback Brian Cleary of Detroit Jesuit. The 6'3", 195-pounder is as comfortable in the pocket as he is rolling out.