DaytonDailyNews.com

Writing for Tuesday's editions, Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press summed up the big picture of quarterback Steven Threet's decision to transfer away from Michigan.

"But with (Nick) Sheridan the only returning QB with significant experience — and his early-season decision making did not inspire confidence — (Rich) Rodriguez and quarterbacks coach Rod Smith basically will have to start over, making last year a major loss," Snyder wrote.

Many thought, frankly, it was already considered a major loss. But now the Michigan staff, including head coach Rodriguez, is at Square 1, or is it Square 0?

With Threet gone, the former walk-on Sheridan has the only game experience, which doesn't provide a very bright light at the end of the dark offseason tunnel.

But there is hope for Michigan fans, as Rodriguez was able to recruit two quarterbacks to (theoretically) fit his offense, Tate Forcier from San Diego and Denard Robinson from Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Forcier's respect is increased by his personal Web site (www.qbforce.com), where he posted scanned copies of all of his scholarship offers. Robinson seems to be the more respected of the two, as he received visits from Florida coach Urban Meyer and Georgia coach Mark Richt, among others, in the final week before signing day.

Forcier and Robinson have to be at the top of Michigan fans' list of uncertainty for next season. It's already a long list.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com