Michigan Football: Running backs, this year and beyond
The current roster
The collective depth charts come to the consensus of Tru Wilson and Ben VanSumeren as the starters or at least the starters for the spring scrimmage. Sophomore Julian Garrett is typically listed as the third man.
Hassan Haskins, Zach Charbonnet, and Christian Turner have been out with without a clear return date.
"“Hassan Haskins has also been limited this spring. He has a prior meniscus – trying to get through what he can in spring ball. So far, it’s been a couple practices. May make it back for some practices towards the end, but I think he’s gonna need a procedure when spring football practice is over.”"
Charbonnet is expected to be ready for the fall after having knee surgery earlier in the year. Zach was the No. 4 running back in the country for the 2019 class.
One of the unknowns prior to the season is Lucas Andrighetto, a converted safety. He was earning some of the same hype as Mike Sainristil right up until he suffered a torn ACL.
Coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t take the injury well.
"“Lucas Andrighetto unfortunately tore his ACL in our last practice. Makes me physically sick. He was doing so well. He switched positions from safety to running back, and was doing great. He was up high on the depth chart, there with VanSumeren. But he’ll be back. Have his surgery in a week or two, when the swelling goes down. Phenomenal young man, from my neck of the woods out in California. Went to St. Francis High School out there, won a state championship. Had an interception in the state championship game and also threw a two-point conversion on a muffed field goal. That was a tough break, but his attitude is great, and he’ll be back.”"
Christian Turner’s injury was relatively minor which means as we move closer to the season the running back situation is clearing itself up.
The starters – barring any setbacks – will be Turner, Wilson, and Charbonnet sharing the role. A trio of talent stepping in Higdon’s shoes with a veteran line and a new offensive scheme. Sounds like a successful mixture to me.