Michigan Football: Tru Wilson still in the lead at running back

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh spoke to the media Tuesday and updated the running back competition between Tru Wilson and Zach Charbonnet.

When Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh met the media on Tuesday, he offered up some key insights into how the Wolverines have been developing at key spots. But because of the Luke Fickell controversy, it didn’t seem to matter.

Fickell, of course, was quoted in an article put out by the Athletic Tuesday as saying that Harbaugh wasn’t on the side of James Hudson, the former Michigan football player that transferred to Cincinnati.

While the issue surrounding Hudson transfer and the NCAA denying his appeal has been well debated, Fickell and the Athletic brought it back to light Tuesday. The two coaches even spoke to each on the phone back in May, when Harbaugh said he told Fickell about Hudson’s switch to the offensive line. Michigan’s coach also told Fickell he would tell the truth.

At any rate, the quotes from Fickell in the Athletic caused a firestorm that stole the show at Harbaugh’s press conference to give an update on fall camp. And while many have focused on the spat between coaches, Harbaugh dished out some valuable info at the podium Tuesday.

One thing he addressed was the running back position and the three-way battle taking place there for the starting job between Tru Wilson, Zach Charbonnet and Christian Turner.

At Big Ten Media Days last month, Harbaugh said Wilson would be the starter and so far, it doesn’t seem like anything has happened that would change that. Here is what Harbaugh told reporters via Wolverines Wire:

"“Tru Wilson has been steady, has been really good. Talked about how in the spring, he really elevated his speed. Christian Turner has done a very nice job. Zach Charbonnet coming on like a freight train.”"

The line that most Michigan football fans have latched onto there is that Charbonnet is coming on like a freight train. The 6-foot-2 running back that was a top-50 recruit in 2019 and the top offensive signee for the Wolverines is expected to make a significant impact this season.

However, it seems like Wilson is doing enough to hold onto the top job. Charbonnet is likely the best pure runner on the roster at this stage, but with the transition to a spread offense, pass protection will be vital too and that’s where Wilson has the edge.

Even last season, Wilson may have been the best pass protector and that will be his ticket to being on the field. The veteran is also a solid ball carrier, as evidenced by his 5.9 yards per attempt on 62 carries in 2018.

Christian Turner also earned praise from Harbaugh as did Hassan Haskins and Ben VanSumeren. Josh Gattis talked about how the running back position went five deep also last week, so it seems the coaching staff is less worried about depth than the fanbase.

Now the debate turns into whether Wilson can actually be a starting-caliber back? Many seem to think he doesn’t have that ability. I do, however, I still see the Wolverines using a back-by-committee approach.

Charbonnet is coming on and his talent, along with Turner’s will shine through when they are given the opportunity. Yet, Wilson’s steady presence will be needed and with approximately two weeks to go before the season opener, it still feels like his job to lose. For now at least.