Michigan Football: Mentality Key for Wolverines Offense
There will always be roadblocks.
Whether it’s scheduling, head coaching conundrums or pure lack of talent, college football clubs endure a share of roadblocks each season.
For the Michigan Wolverines, they can willingly check off each of those potential problems, as the most daunting task lies within the offense, and its ability to regroup for the 2015 campaign. Here are a couple of numbers to consider along the way.
596 – Days since running back Ty Isaac played a collegiate football game
It’s been a taxing adventure for Isaac as he will hope to burst onto the scene for the Maize and Blue in 2015. A transfer from Southern California and a former Under Armour All-American out of Joliet Catholic High School (Joliet, Ill.), the 6’2″ dynamo has patiently bided his time as he was ruled ineligible to compete for the Wolverines in 2014.
Isaac spoke at Michigan’s media day, primarily weighing in on his absence from the gridiron.
“I’ve never sat out a season before,” stated Isaac. “But you just try to stay the course, and know that things will take care of themselves.”
Duking it out amid a fierce running back duel, it would be highly surprising to not see the ex-Trojan as a factor on offense, even if he ultimately fails to punch the clock as the Wolverines regular tailback. Given his versatility, he possesses the athleticism and shiftiness to line up in the backfield or perhaps even at the X or Z-Slot for the offense in 2015.
“I’ve never sat out a season before. But you just try to stay the course, and know that things will take care of themselves.” – Ty Isaac
As a close friend and former high school teammate of Isaac, I speak for a vast majority of Wolverine diehards when I preach my unending wait for the playmaking ability to finally carry over to official play in 2015.
2 – Number of ACL injuries that Drake Johnson is overcoming
Similar to Isaac’s situation, running back Drake Johnson was hindered an entire season-in 2013-due to an ACL injury.
Upon rehabbing and mending his knee for 2014, the latter part of the season looked all too familiar for Johnson, as he had suffered yet another tear versus Ohio State.
With surgery all but culminated, Johnson’s in search of a monster year as perhaps the Wolverines’ starting tailback, given he can regroup from a couplet of setbacks.
And while there may not be a genuine digit to whip up for the quarterback position, it’ll potentially be up to Jake Ruddock to lead the offense in 2015. If not, Shane Morris will grab the reins.
Nov 9, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end
(88) is forced out of bounds by Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback
(16) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Nebraska won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sauntering over from the Iowa Hawkeyes, Ruddock doesn’t reflect the string of previous Michigan quarterbacks in Denard Robinson and Devin Gardner–guys that could stretch plays with their scrambling abilities–but appears poised, and could have some nice targets to possibly make life easier.
On the outside he’ll be complemented by upperclassmen wide receivers Amara Dorbah and Jehu Chesson, along with standout tight end Jake Butt.
We can only hope Ruddock, if he nabs the starting job, can land on the same page as his counterparts as he breaks into the fresh system.
Next: 3 Michigan takeaways from Media Day