Michigan Football: Running backs, this year and beyond

The departure of Karan Higdon has left a big hole at the running back position that is, unfortunately, going unfilled due to injury and off-the-field issues. Let’s take an in-depth look at the current and future running back situation.

Chris Evans is in academic limbo and Michigan football hasn’t provided any updates. O’Maury Samuels was dismissed by the team and has entered the transfer portal, ensuring he will not be returning to the team.

The current line up, well, they’re a little beat up.

Outside of the backs, all the other positions on both sides of the ball have been solidified. The O-line was missing one and returning four. Andrew Stueber has stepped in as the fifth.

The receivers have been solid every year; however, it’s a different combination year after year, made up of the few guys who manage to remain unbroken. This year might be Tarik Black‘s with DPJ sidelined.

Veterans are going to blocking the edges at tight end.

And while the defense is only returning five starters, coach Don Brown believes in them and speaks very highly of the starters and the backups.

Everything is coming together, well almost.

Last year the stage was set for Karan Higdon to have a record-setting season. In 2017, he rushed for 994 yards which fired him up and motivated him to have a breakout year. In 2018, he battled it out on the ground for 1,178 yards and averaged 5.3 yards-per-carry.

Karan left the school with a clear successor, Chris Evans. Without Evans, the running back situation was as clear as mud.

The good news is there are a plethora of talented veterans around the backfield that can help the Higdon replacement and foster a successful season. Who are the candidates for the starting running back? Let’s take a look at those guys and the running backs of the future for Michigan football.