Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez held his season-ending media conference this morning. Among the highlights:
? He said he expects defensive lineman Brandon Graham to return, holding off going to the NFL.
? While confirming the departures of Zion Babb, Jason Kates and Artis Chambers,
Rodriguez said he expects tailback Sam McGuffie to return, even though it's a hardship for him to be so far away from his family in Texas.
? Rodriguez said U-M has three non-conference games scheduled for next year: Western Michigan, Notre Dame and Eastern Michigan. The Oct. 17 bye week remains open. U-M is trying to land a fourth non-conference game on that date.
? Though there are no scheduled/necessary surgeries, there is concern about McGuffie, who suffered another concussion against Ohio State. Rodriguez said multiple concussions for McGuffie would result in a further medical evaluation.
? He expects to possibly visit Oklahoma, whose coaches came to Michigan last spring, to discuss offense. He is close with their coordinator Kevin Wilson.
? He said he does not expect major attrition, but said if players don't want to buy in 100 percent, they can leave. If they buy in, as he said, he wants them.
? Rodriguez expects that injured lineman Cory Zirbel won't play anymore and could become a student assistant.
? Rodriguez said he has not evaluated his staff, but will. He said seven coaches are currently on the road recruiting and that next week he will begin a three-week swing during a contact period.
Trent in the picture.
