Let's take a look at the running backs:
Derrick Green - The former #1 RB in the country came to Fall camp last year as a freshman over weight. He had 83 carries for 270 yards and two TD's as a freshman. He ran hard but I really don't remember any real memorable runs. He has dropped a ton of weight this off season and added some muscle. I expect a nice year from this young RB.
De'Von Smith - De'Von looked to be heading for a redshirt last year when he all of sudden started to get playing time. He had 26 carries for 117 yards in 4 games last year. In most of his carries he looked to be a very good back and maybe should have been getting Green's snaps has he got in D1 shape. It's a shame neither redshirted last year.
Drake Johnson is a redshirt sophomore who we have seen very little from as an ACL injury ended his season in the first game last year. Drake seems to be a coaches favorite and maybe the #1 RB going into fall camp. Is he fully healed? Does he trust his knee? Those are all question marks going into the season. I think we all saw Fitz struggle last year because he didn't trust his leg after his serious injury the year before.
Justice Hayes is a RS Junior and I guy I want to see get some more snaps. I like that Justice has speed to get to the corner and if he got a few more snaps could really hit a couple big plays. He is my choice as the third down back. He started the bowl game and caught 3 passes. He wears #5 which could conflict with Peppers if he gets any offensive snaps.
Ty Isaac is a the question mark going into the season. Will he have to sit out a year or will the NCAA grant him a waiver for his transfer from USC? I think this guy has a ton of talent and could take snaps from Justice. As you know, I wouldn't mind a redshirt year for Ty as he learns the offense but we also need "all hands on deck" as Michigan turns this aircraft carrier. Ty could be a huge part of this offense if he gets his waiver but maybe not until the Big Ten season. If Ty plays a lot, I see it later in the year.
My eyes told me that Smith looked like the best RB on the team last year as my heart was with Green. I think it will play out like this: Smith starts against App. State and Johnson and Green get plenty of snaps as well. We know Coach Nuss likes to play a number of RB's in a game as he wears down the defense. I like Justice as a RB who catches the ball out of the backfield in screens and third downs. The back that has the "hot hand" will get the most snaps in the second half of a close game.
I really liked Isaac coming out of HS and very happy he is finally in Ann Arbor. Whether he plays or not this year, I am expecting a number of big plays from him in the future!
Big House Blog RB Depth Chart:
Starter = Smith
Back ups that will get a ton of snaps = Green and Johnson
Third Down Back and Speed Back = Hayes
TBD = Isaac
Improved offensive line play will help this group succeed, but the backs also need to get better at picking up blitzes and open rushers. Michigan needs a thousand yard rusher and I know the Michigan coaches hope they have 2 next season. I would love for Hayes to have 3-5 catches for like 60 yards a game. Bottom Line is we need one of this guys to step up and have a big year. I believe it will be Smith.
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