Michigan's talented Robinson is hardly ever out of position(s)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Denard Robinson's position is a secret for the final game of his college career.

That fact provides a preview of his unclear future in football.

The three-year starting quarterback might not throw a pass for No. 19 Michigan against No. 11 South Carolina on New Year's Day in the Outback Bowl. He probably will catch some passes, lining up as a running back or wide receiver.

Robinson hopes showing that he can make plays without taking snaps will help NFL teams assess his value.

"If you're making plays on the field, you can't hide that," Robinson said. "You can't hide a playmaker."

Some project Robinson as a receiver in the pros. NFL draft consultant and former Dallas Cowboys general manager Gil Brandt has another idea.

"I'd draft him to be a cornerback," Brandt said. "A quarterback never wants to be told he's going to have to play another position, but I don't think he can play quarterback in the NFL. I do know teams are always looking for cornerbacks, and I think Robinson could do it because of his quickness and speed. But he'd have to want to do it to make it work."

Robinson has declined to say much about what position he wants to attempt to play at the next level, saying he just wants to enjoy his senior season. Nerve damage in his right elbow knocked him off the field Oct. 27 against Nebraska, keeping him out for the next two games and limiting his ability to throw in the final two games of the regular season.

Michigan moved him to running back and also had him take snaps without throwing a pass against Iowa and Ohio State, games in which he had 23 carries for 220 yards and a touchdown and two receptions for 24 yards.

In Robinson's career, which started as Tate Forcier's backup when they both were freshmen, he has thrown for 6,250 yards and 49 touchdowns, and run for 4,395 and 42. He had a school-record 502 yards of offense at Notre Dame two years ago in his breakout performance.

Robinson is confident his talents will translate one way or another in the NFL, but he's trying to put those thoughts on hold until his college career on the field is over.

"I'm soaking it in and having fun," he said. "This is my last game and I want to make the most of it. My last time probably wearing the winged helmet, having fun with the team and just enjoying it with my teammates, the coaches and the staff that's around us."

Cal – Chris Thomsen, who is serving as acting head coach at Texas Tech, will be Cal's new offensive line coach, according to multiple reports.

Thomsen, 42, was the Red Raiders' offensive-line coach this season, then was promoted to lead the team Friday against Minnesota in the Meineke Car Care Bowl after head coach Tommy Tuberville left to become coach at Cincinnati.

Thomsen spent seven seasons as head coach at Division II Abilene Christian, where he was 51-26, including the school's first undefeated regular season in 2008 since 1950.

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