Michigan’s Junior Hemingway ‘Doubtbul’

Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez announced on his weekly radio show that junior wide receiver is doubtful for this weekend’s game against Notre Dame due to a sprained ankle according to AnnArbor.com.

Hemingway was Michigan’s leading receiver last week with five catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns including a 43 yard scoring strike from Tate Forcier.  According to the AnnArbor.com report, though, the big play receiver is doubtful for Saturday’s game.

“He’s a big big-play guy for us, so we’re hoping he can come back,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t know if he’ll be ready this game. If not, hopefully the next game.”

Hemingway was listed as questionable on the Michigan injury report so there is always the chance that this is just a little bit of gamesmanship by Rodriguez.  Should Hemingway not be able to go, Michigan will be without their best big play threat and would be left without much experience at the wide receiver position.

Michigan’s top backups at wide receiver are senior LaTerryal Savoy, sophomore Darryl Stonnum, and redshirt sophomore Kelvin Grady.

Hemingway is the wide receiver who can give the Irish secondary the most fits on Saturday.  If he is unable to play, it could allow Jon Tenuta to be even more aggressive in his blitz calls with one of the deepest and most talented secondaries in the country.  As we’ve seen in past games against Michigan though, young wide receivers have a way of making their marks against the Irish – see Mario manningham in 2005 & 2006.

Rodriguez also announced that senior running back Brandon Minor will likely play Saturday.  Minor is listed as probable on Michigan’s official injury report.  He said earlier in the week that Minor would likely play, but that Carlos Brown was still going to start the game.