The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
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Saline draws raves for U-M spring game; Sheridan gets his shot
By Greg Dooley, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: April 17, 2008
University of Michigan Associate Athletic Director Bruce Madej was patrolling the south end of Saline High School's field after U of M's spring game.
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"He'll be out soon, just wait here," he announced to the local and national media on hand.
They were waiting for Nick Sheridan.
Typically folks from ESPN and Sports Illustrated wouldn't be concerned with a walk-on quarterback, but that changed a few weeks ago. Recently, new U of M coach Rich Rodriguez disclosed that Saline High School's Nick Sheridan, along with sophomore Steven Threet, were the front-runners for the open quarterback position next season.
They waited because the college football world is watching.
A recent ESPN SportsNation poll asked fans to name the top college football story this spring. After more than 8,000 opinions were registered, fans from across the country made the "Michigan QB battle" their top choice.
Members of the media weren't alone in wanting to see the sophomore quarterback. Although the game was closed to the general public, there were about 1,000 spectators, many there to cheer for hometown players Sheridan and fullback Vince Helmuth.
Brett Parachek, one of Sheridan's former coaches at Saline High School, was at Saturday's game and said he wasn't surprised by the quarterback's success.
"Knowing Nick and the kind of kid that he is, I knew he was going to be successful no matter what he chose to do," Parachek said.
"It's hard for a kid to come as a walk-on and be a starter at Michigan," he said, "but if anyone can do it, Nick can. He's got the work ethic and the ability to do it."
Many hoped that the results from Saturday's action would solidify a front runner for the critical quarterback position. Neither player demonstrated a clear edge on Saturday as Threet threw the ball more consistently and Sheridan was more proficient on the ground.
Rodriguez quickly dismissed any thoughts to defining depth charts at this stage, saying, "I didn't get any answers. Steve Threet and Nick Sheridan are competing for the spot right now."
Sheridan emerged from the locker room and onto the familiar turf. Within minutes, the Big Ten Network aimed its cameras at his damp head and a dozen journalists proceeded to fire questions as they scribbled notes. The young quarterback confidently addressed them one by one.
Many wanted to know if he enjoyed the competition.
"That's what you come to Michigan for; you don't want to shy away from competition," said the 6-foot-1 sophomore. "I think everyone's having a good time with it. Having competition makes you better."
Sheridan mentioned that his father, an assistant with the New York Giants, advises him "to be a competitor," and to "always go out there every day and compete."
Sheridan said returning to Saline High School brought back memories.
"It was pretty cool," he said about coming back. "(During) my senior year, I only started two games here before I got hurt. I had some good memories here, some nice plays and it feels good to be back."
Sheridan said he wasn't frustrated that Rodriguez hadn't yet named a starter.
"It doesn't bother me at all," he said. "I'd hope they wouldn't name a starter after 15 practices. We've got a long way to go."
That kind of patience will serve him as many of these questions are answered through the summer up until kick-off against Utah Aug. 30.
Judging by how he handled the media on Saturday, Sheridan will be ready.
Greg Dooley is a guest contributor to The Saline Reporter. He can be reached at gregdooley@yahoo.com. Dooley also contributes to MVictors.com, a Michigan football blog.
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