Michigan Football: Starting Lineup Beginning to Take Shape on Offense

Aug 30, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back De’Veon Smith (4) receives congratulations from offensive linesman Mason Cole (52) after scoring a touchdown against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Four of Michigan’s running backs arrived in Ann Arbor with great press clippings, while the fifth arrived from across the street at Pioneer High.

Depending on the situation, Michigan will begin the season with a three-man rotation, leaving Drake Johnson to completely recover from his ACL tear and true freshman Karan Higbon to redshirt.

The three-back rotation will most likely begin with 5-star junior Derrick Green (No. 1 running back nationally, class of 2012), 4-star junior De’Veon Smith (No. 1 running back in Ohio, class of 2012) and 5-star transfer Ty Isaac (No. 7 running back nationally, class of 2013).

Unfortunately, all of these backs have missed significant time.

Green, who gained 471 yards on 82 carries in 2014, missed the final six games with a broken clavicle.

Smith, despite gaining 519 yards on 108 carries, lost considerable playing time to Johnson late in the season.

Isaac, who originally committed to Southern Cal , transferred to Michigan before last season, but had to sit out the entire year due to NCAA transfer rules.

So who will start? Smith, who added eight pounds to 228 over the summer, ran with the first team in Saturday’s scrimmage and might be in the driver’s seat.

Next: Offensive Line