2015 Michigan Running Back Competition

Sep 20, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Derrick Green (27) rushes against the Utah Utes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh is known as a quarterback guru, but the running game has been just as important to his offenses’ throughout his coaching career. Michigan’s offensive coordinator, Tim Drevno, is a former offensive line coach who is a big fan of the power run game. The Michigan running back competition should be a great one as they have multiple backs who will be competing for carries.

Derrick Green is the front runner for the starting running back spot. He was the starter last year for the first six games of the season before an injury caused him to miss the rest of the year. It was a good start to the season for Green, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Green was the 38th ranked overall recruit in the 2013 class according to ESPN, and has all the skills necessary to be an elite back. He will have a chance to thrive in Harbaugh’s system.

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De’Veon Smith has the most game experience of any running back on the roster, next to Green. Smith started the season as the backup in 2014, but also started a few games. He had mixed results as a starter, and at one point was replaced by Drake Johnson. Smith has a good combination of power and speed, but will need to be more consistent if he wants to be the lead back in 2015.

Drake Johnson is a hometown kid who was one of the better stories last season for Michigan. He was coming off an ACL injury and wasn’t expected to play much in 2014. He got his chance to show what he could do in the Homecoming game against Indiana, and he didn’t disappoint. Johnson ran for 122 yards on 16 carries, and scored a pair of touchdowns. He also had great games against Maryland and Ohio State. In the latter of those two games, however, he once again tore his ACL. Johnson likely won’t be ready to come back until close to the start of the season which puts him behind the eight ball in the running back competition.

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Ty Issac is the most unknown of the Michigan running backs, but he may very well win the competition. He was a four star recruit in the 2013 class, according to ESPN, and is a transfer from USC. As a freshman at USC he had a solid season as a backup. Issac appeared in 10 games and ran for 236 on 40 carries, with two touchdowns. He is a big back at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds and is built like a linebacker. He is a powerful runner with solid speed for his size and has also shown the ability to catch out of the backfield, and to be a solid pass protector.

Spring practice is right around the corner and it will be a lot of fun to see which of these running backs stands out above the rest. There may even be a dark horse or two that weren’t mentioned here who could step up. One thing is for sure; Michigan’s running game will be more consistent in 2015.

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