Coach Rodriguez,
Yesterday, you signed an excellent recruiting class, a class which perfectly fits your current team’s needs. Once again, despite what the media wishes to believe, you performed your job admirably.
See, I understand that there’s only so much you can do to build this program. You were left without any legitimate quarterbacks and very little upperclassmen talent. Your critics will call that an excuse. I call it the truth. Unlike most upset Michigan fans, I still have as much faith in you as I have ever had.
Last year, Michigan had no upperclassmen in the secondary. Considering you got here two years ago, there’s no possible way that is your fault. To make up for it, you have brought in JT Tuner, Marvin Robinson, Cullen Christian, and Demar Dorsey. The secondary is going to be scary again in a few years… but for different reasons than last year.
On the topic of Demar Dorsey, I commend you in how you have handled and continue to handle the media. It is very clear for anyone who cares about the truth, that Demar was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ignore the Free Press, they’re still looking for how they can avoid writing about the MSU debacle. Their agenda against you is clear, and you have handled the situation admirably.
Honestly, it’s time to start fighting back. Ban them from practice and your press conferences. They’ve earned the right to no longer be invited. Talk to Bill Martin, David Brandon, whoever… you need all the public support you can get. You have plenty of faithful alumni who would be willing to back up you very publicly. I know it’s not your style, but at a certain point, enough is enough.
There is one way to take care all of this: win. I’m confident you will, and I don’t blame you for the lack of winning in the last two years. Anyone who chooses to look at the last two years of Michigan football with an open mind can clearly see the incredible improvement that you have helped foster.
There is no doubt in my mind that those wins are coming. Please, for your sanity, win a lot of games next year. It won’t shut up the people with agendas, but it will make life a lot easier on you. You deserve an easy year or twenty. I know it hasn’t been easy. Hell, I wouldn’t have blamed you for leaving at any time. It will all be worth it, though. Soon, your critics, including the Detroit Free Press, will be choking on crow. And I’ll be sitting there smiling.
In Rod We Trust,
Matthew Way
2009 University of Michigan graduate
