Michigan football: Spring Preview, Part VI, RBs

(Note: This is the sixth in a series concerning potential starters for this fall’s Michigan football team. Here, we’ll look at the running backs. Below are the links to the previous articles).

Other than quarterback Denard Robinson, Fitz Toussaint is the only Michigan Wolverine to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season since Michael Hart in 2007.

Much of the blame has been placed on the offensive lines of Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke.

More from Michigan Wolverines

Ironically, Hoke was able to recruit some solid linemen from 2012 through 2014, but won’t begin to see the fruits of his labor.

Solid coaching staff

Instead, new head coach Jim Harbaugh vows to produce the type of smash-mouth football Hoke promised but was unable to provide.

So Harbaugh brought along Tim Drevno to coach the offensive line in addition to being Michigan’s offensive coordinator. Drevno knows Harbaugh well, spending four years with him at USD, four at Stanford and three at the NFL San Francisco 49ers.

No to be denied, Harbaugh then hired former Michigan standout Tyrone Wheatley to coach the running backs. Wheatley, who is 5th on the Wolverines all-time rushing list with 4,178 yards spent the last two seasons with the NFL Buffalo Bills.

“Having Tyrone back in the Maize and Blue will be very special for our program,” Harbaugh told College Football Talk. “He is a true leader, a dynamic coach and will make a profound impact on the young men who play for Michigan.”

Ohio’s No. 1 back

“Michigan holds a special place in my heart and the chance to return here and help guide this program is truly a dream homecoming,” Wheatley told scout.com.

Junior DeVeon Smith, who was a 4-star prospect and Ohio’s No. 1 running back in 2013, is the only Wolverine who hasn’t missed a great deal of time.

Redshirt sophomore Drake Johnson, who played his high school ball at Ann Arbor Pioneer, is recovering from his second acl tear since he’s been a Wolverine. Johnson injured the leg after his second touchdown against Ohio State.

Always a crowd favorite, Johnson gained 74 yards on 15 carries before the injury in Columbus, gained 94 yards against Maryland and had his best game of the season with a 122-yard performance with Indiana.

Johnson started against Buckeyes

After Michigan lost junior Derrick Green with a broken clavicle in the 26-24 loss to Rutgers, Smith took over but eventually lost the starting job to Johnson down the stretch.

It’s unclear if Johnson will be 100% when fall drills begin, so chances are Green will get the nod, since redshirt sophomore Ty Isaac may be slightly behind because he was forced to sit out the 2014 season due to his transfer from the USC Trojans.

Green, who had a shaky freshman season as the result of carrying some extra weight, came into camp last year in much better shape and rushed for 741 yards with a 4.5 ypc average.

Isaac up to 240 lbs

Smith finished with 636 yards and a 4.7 average, while Johnson ran for 361 yards and a 5.9 clip.

Isaac, now up to 240 lbs at 6-3, gained 236 yards (5.9 ypc) during his 2013 season at Southern Cal.

Green and Isaac are similar-type power runners, while Smith is a little more versatile. Johnson, not only breaks tackles, he is shifty enough to make defenders miss. He also has more than adequate straight-line speed, which comes from his high school track background.

Here’s how the 2015 running back battle may shape up:

1. Derrick Green, JR, 5-11, 234

2. Ty Isaac, RS SO, 6-3, 240

3. De’Veon Smith, JR, 5-11, 228

4. Drake Johnson, RS JR, 6-0, 207*

*If recovered, Drake would make an excellent third-down back, or possibly the starter. My guess is Green will win the job until Isaac gets in top game-shape.

Next: Part VII, receivers

To voice your opinion, scroll down to the comment section below.

Home/Michigan Wolverines

Michigan football: Spring Preview, Part VI, running backs

By Joel Greer | Mar 7, 2015