Mailbag question: Rumors about Tate

Mailbag question: Rumors about Tate

GBMW,

I'm hearing rumors that Tate may transfer at the end of the year, is this true? Have you guys heard anything about this? Plus in my opinion, Tate is not a read option QB and may be a better fit in a pass first system that Brian Kelly runs at Cincinnati, your thoughts.

D. Phelps

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Thanks for the question.

We did hear that practice did not go well for young Tate and that he possible said some things that made people believe he might not be back. Normally after he can talk to other people, like family and friends, and cool down a bit, he is ready for practice the next day.

We are hearing the same rumors, but at this time that's all they are, RUMORS. Nobody really knows what will happen after the season. People are speculating on what happened to cause the rumors and what might happen after the season.

Could he possible leave? Yes, and it wouldn't be that big of a surprise (maybe not this year, but not sure he will last his whole career at Michigan), just look at his two older brothers who both transferred after trying to battle for a starting position at their respective schools. In fact, Jason tried to even come back to Michigan to play his final year, but was denied because of not getting his paperwork in on time.

It has been a rocky relationship from the start between Coach Rod and Forcier. Remember not that long ago that Jason Forcier made a statement that differed from Coach Rod's about the health of Tate.

We agree that Forcier is not an ideal fit for the read option offense of Coach Rod's. We posted this last year and took quite a bit of heat for it.

Forcier's strengths are in the short and intermediate passing game. This is better fit at Cincinnati or Purdue than at Michigan.

But remember he was Michigan's fallback guy after their top two choices, Beaver and Newsome, switched commitments.

Then you have a quarterback like Devin Gardner, who hopefully will come in early to learn the Michigan offense. A quarterback with the skill set of a Devin Gardner is ideal for running the read option.

A player, like Devin, with enough athletic ability to be a very good split end, running back, or defensive back will generally make a good read option quarterback.

With Gardner you add in a very strong arm, outstanding size, and the athletic ability of a basketball player, making him the ideal fit.

We are hearing rumors that Gardner may follow the Forcier route and enter school early. This is a big key, as witnessed by what is happening with Denard Robinson; it takes time and reps to perfect the zone read.

In August, with an opening game date looming there is just not enough time or reps to get really proficient at the zone read.

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Written by GBMW -- CoachBt and ErocWolverine