Michigan's Robinson to Jaguars as RB
Denard Robinson ran position drills for scouts and coaches at four different positions in the past four months, but the Michigan quarterback was drafted in the fifth round (135th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a running back.
Robinson started 35 games for the Wolverines at quarterback and spent most of the past three months concentrating on transitioning to wide receiver. Others viewed Robinson exclusively as a return specialist and some felt he was a candidate to convert to cornerback.
"They can put me in at receiver or running back or whatever," Robinson said Saturday. "There's a lot of different positions, so I'm excited about doing that."
Even though he lined up behind center at Michigan, Robinson (5-9, 199) started two games at running back at the end of the 2012 season and there's little doubt his best asset is his ability to run with the ball. He set the NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 4,495 yards.
"Whatever it takes to get on the field," Robinson said. "That's what I'm going to do."
Robinson grew up in Deerfield Beach, Fla., just a few hours from Jacksonville.
Jacksonville drafted South Carolina slot receiver Ace Sanders in the fourth round. He's small -- 5-7, 177 -- by NFL standards and durability is a concern with both players.
The Jaguars were determined to improve their offense and particularly find playmakers to help balance the field. Defenses were rarely forced to honor the Jaguars' passing game in the past and zeroed in on stopping running back Maurice Jones-Drew.
Jacksonville was 30th in points and rushing last season and 29th in total offense.
