Michigan Football: 2014 Roster — Going Into Spring — Running Backs
Posted at 6:00am — 1/16/2014
Michigan Football: 2014 Roster — Going Into Spring — Running Backs
Going into spring football we are going to do our version of the roster breakdown and what we believe going into spring football might look like.
Michigan Football Spring practices start March 25th.
2014 Running Back Spring Roster
| Name | Number | Height | Weight | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Green | 27 | 5'11 | 240 | Sophomore |
| De'Veon Smith | 32 | 5'11 | 224 | Sophomore |
| Justice Hayes | 5 | 5'10 | 192 | Red-shirt Junior |
| Drake Johnson +++ | 20 | 6'0 | 213 | Red-shirt Sophomore |
| Thomas Rawls | 38 | 5'10 | 217 | Senior |
+++ Coming off of Injury
Aug 31, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Derrick Green (27) rushes with the ball in third quarter against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsWith losing long time starter Fitzgerald Toussaint the running back position is up for grabs this spring. With many options available for current long time running back coach Fred Jackson along with new OC/QB coach Doug Nussmeier this spring.
Hopefully with Coach Nussmeier we see a lot more rotation with the running backs (Hello Mr. Jackson do you hear us) along with using them into the passing scheme. Many programs around the country rotate many backs depending on situation along with the play call, formation, personnel,etc…
Aug 31, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Drake Johnson (20) lays on the turf clutching his left knee after getting injured in the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsWith having Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith as similar type of backs (size-wise) this spring could be very interesting to see how both will be used. Drake Johnson coming off of injury will be interesting to watch as well because from what we saw last spring he was doing quite well and probably our best back last spring. How will that effect Justice Hayes who saw a lot more playing time in the bowl game than we saw during the course of the regular season. Thomas Rawls seems like the odd man out with what he brings and who is in front of him, but with a new offensive coordinator he might find the right spot for him.
Sep 14, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Dennis Norfleet (23) runs the ball in the first half against the Akron Zips at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsNot bringing in a running back for the 2014 recruiting class (so far) could make this interesting and hopefully a healthy year for these backs. Seems like the coaches are interested in bring one in, but just haven’t found the right back yet or that back just isn’t ready to pull the trigger. Signing day for 2014 recruits begins on Wednesday, February 5th.
With depth a possible concern depending on recruiting could we see players like Wyatt Shallman who we have as a Fullback/H-Back roll or Dennis Norfleet might get a chance for a certain amount of plays depending on what Coach Nussmeier wants to do with the offense.
Speaking of 2014 commits, but could this possible be a position where we could see a Jabrill Peppers possible line up as well?
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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