Roy Roundtree could have taken the easy way out.
He could have sulked. He could have complained about a lack of work or having to accept a lesser role.
As a sophomore in 2010, Roundtree led Michigan in receiving with 72 catches for 935 yards and seven touchdowns. By the end of last season, Roundtree had all of 19 catches for 355 yards — a statistical hit that could have riled others in his position.
Not Roundtree.
“It would be natural to second-guess a lot of things, but he didn’t,” offensive coordinator Al Borges said. “And because he didn’t, he’s improving daily.”
Rather than focus on his diminished numbers, Roundtree sought other ways to fit in.
He worked to become a better downfield blocker, competing with his fellow receivers in how many defenders they laid out.
Although it wasn’t the kind of statistic found in the box score, Roundtree discovered satisfaction.
“We really weren’t worried about the ball because the quarterback’s got the ball in his hands,” Roundtree said. “He was the one that was making the right decisions.”
Roundtree put effort into his route running, knowing that at any time, the ball could be coming his way.
With the exception of a last-second, game-winning touchdown catch against Notre Dame, Roundtree remained out of the spotlight, understanding one day, his time would come again.
Even though his numbers didn’t stand out, his attitude did.
Borges became impressed with how Roundtree accepted sharing time with Jeremy Gallon at split end while the majority of Denard Robinson’s downfield completions went to flanker Junior Hemingway.
Quietly, Roundtree went about his business.
“I was just going out there competing,” Roundtree said. “Even though I probably had one catch a game, that one catch (was) a factor.”
This year, things could change, shifting Roundtree again back into (more visible) action. He will assume Hemingway’s spot at flanker — a move that should increase how much he sees the ball.
As a senior, he has become a mentor to younger receivers. Roundtree continues to play with a team-first attitude, finding gratification with winning, no matter the statistics next to his name.
Borges, for one, expects Roundtree’s work and willingness to take what comes his way, to pay off.
“I have no doubt Roy Roundtree is going to have a heck of a year,” Borges said.