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The Michigan Wolverines greatest running backs

By Ash Thompson

Michigan's Mike Hart (20) runs the ball past the Nebraska defense during the 2005 MasterCard Alamo Bowl game game between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, December 28, 2005, at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas. Nebraska won 32 - 28. (Photo by Darren Abate/Getty Images)
Michigan's Mike Hart (20) runs the ball past the Nebraska defense during the 2005 MasterCard Alamo Bowl game game between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, December 28, 2005, at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas. Nebraska won 32 - 28. (Photo by Darren Abate/Getty Images) /
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1 Jan 1987: Jamie Morris of Michigan runs through the players during their 22-15 loss to Arizona State at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
1 Jan 1987: Jamie Morris of Michigan runs through the players during their 22-15 loss to Arizona State at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport /

Jamie Morris

Jamie Morris was born in the wrong era for his skill set. He was recruited with the intent that he would be a kick return specialist. He was promised an opportunity to try for a running back spot though. Morris stood 5’7″ and weighed 185 pounds. He was far from the archetype associated with Bo Schembechler’s running backs. Morris’ talent was undeniable. He was one of the players who spoke at the 2006 memorial service after coach Schembechler’s death.

As a freshman, Morris ran for 573 yards. It was the only time he would fail to reach the 1000 yard plateau. When he graduated Morris held the following Michigan records:

  • Career rushing yards
  • Single season rushing yards
  • Career yards from scrimmage
  • Single season yards from scrimmage
  • Career all-purpose yards
  • Single season all-purpose yards
  • Career 100-yard games
  • Single season 100-yard games
  • Career receptions for a running back
  • Career receiving yards for a running back

Morris was a dynamo with the ball in his hands. He was a threat to break a long run on every play. What he lacked in size, he more than made up for with his staccato quick feet and his ability to change direction at speed. Morris did not shirk contact, or break every play to the outside. He took advantage of holes, wherever they were to be found. Among his greatest gifts was the ability to find the shortest route to the line of scrimmage.

Morris was not a powerful runner, but he forced opponents to tackle him. He made it incredibly difficult for them to do so. His unequaled balance and explosiveness punished any defender for even the slightest mistake. With just a sliver of daylight, Morris could put a quick six points on the board.

in 1988 Morris set an NFL record with 41 carries in a single game for the Washington Redskins. He gained 152 yards in the final game of his rookie season. After three years as an NFL backup, Morris played a single season in the CFL before retiring. He spent 1998-2010 as a development manager for the University of Michigan athletic department. He is currently the co-host of “The M Zone” on 1050 WTKA Sunday mornings, a talk radio show about University of Michigan athletics. His co-host is former Wolverine Marcus Ray.

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