[LightningRod]

I suppose that his group of Michigan men did not want to take a shot at a 20 year old.

Charles Woodson, other U-M alums talk about meeting Rich Rodriguez

U-M football coach Rich Rodriguez admitted he has a lot of people to meet in his role as the program?s new face.

Bit by bit, he?s trying. At the Saturday night gala dinner to raise money for the new Mott Children?s Hospital, Rodriguez tried to meet as many of the former Wolverines as he could.

A number of them played in the golf event Sunday and a few shared their thoughts on the new coach.
Jeff Backus, former offensive lineman

?I don?t have any first-hand impressions. My only impression is what I read in the media. Right now it?s a little bit different than what the University of Michigan and Michigan men are used to, so much attention in the media. But I?m sure the more he?s known, the more positive it will be. I always have (come to practices) and I still plan on doing that. I think it?s important, no matter who the coach is, for former players to show their face and support the program and be part of the tradition that?s so special here.?
Jay Riemersma, former tight end

?I met him last night. Favorable (impression.) I?m looking forward to seeing what he?s going to accomplish. He?s got a good resume and got new stuff... He did a great job (Saturday) night pulling us aside and saying hey, come down and see us anytime you want and I?m going to have to take him up on that. It?s the policy they?ve had for a number of years here, I expect it will continue and I?m looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish.?
Charles Woodson, former defensive back

?I met him a couple months ago and saw him again last night. I?m pulling for him. Our program has got to get back on top and we?ve got to beat Ohio State. That?s the main thing... People are excited. They really don?t know what to expect. It?s a new system and much different from what Michigan is used to, but people are welcoming the change and hopefully he?ll come in and get the people he needs to run his system and we?ll win ballgames. That?s all we?re worried about.?

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Apophis wrote:

5/20/2008 5:42:53 AM
Talk about lukewarm support at best. Do you think that maybe our former players have seen how RR has treated Braylon Edwards and others? Little or no respect for our traditions, our history our alums and former players. It now appears to be all about RR. We may as well forget all that talk about our helmets, uniforms, song, stadium etc. All the things that make us Michigan. It's clear that RR cares nothing about any of this. And when he is finished using us he will be on his way for that job he really wanted all along. Probably in the SEC. Probably in the south. Now we're having hog roasts. What's next? Half-time tractor pulls? Mud bogs? Tobacco spitting? by the women? We have sold our souls. Apophis
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