Penn State wigs out in effort to simulate U-M’s Denard Robinson
Angelique S. Chengelis, DETROIT NEWS STAFF WRITER
How seriously is Penn State's Evan Lewis taking his scout-team assignment this week simulating Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson?
"They let him wear a wig with some dreads on it," Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti said with a chuckle Wednesday during a teleconference.
Robinson, who wears his hair in long dreads pulled back under his helmet, is second nationally in rushing, averaging 156.5 yards a game, and is second in total offense (345 yards).
The Wolverines, who were off last Saturday, play at Penn State on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Beaver Stadium.
Penn State linebacker Chris Colasanti said Lewis was given the wig on Tuesday for practice.
"I guess they want us to get the whole visual," Colasanti said.
Penn State is preparing for Robinson using a few scout-team players, including Lewis. But freshman quarterback Paul Jones is simulating Robinson's throwing, Mauti said.
"He does a real good job," Mauti said of Evans. "He's a real good athlete. He gives us a real good look. This kid is shifty and he's making guys miss all week. Obviously, he's not going to have the blazing 10.2 100-meter speed (of Robinson), but he's shifty and he's making guys miss. I have to give the kid credit. He's been doing well all week, as he has all season on the scout team."
Pete Massaro, a Penn State defensive end, was asked this week what stands out about Robinson.
"You name it — he's fast, quick," Massaro said. "He has a great burst when he runs through the line of scrimmage. He's deceptive, as well. He's a great player."
