The running game the past few season has been somewhat of a question mark the past few seasons after Denard Robinson. However this season the running game appears to be a little more organized.
According to Kyle Meinke of AnnArbor.com, Michigan will feature a third-down back this season that has already been named but not revealed. However, running backs coach Fred Jackson said that it would be apparent who that back is on third-down once Michigan takes on Western Michigan in the season opener on September 3rd.
“I got a guy who’s going to be a great third-down back for us,” Jackson said. “I don’t want to say right now who that guy is because I’m still trying to develop depth at the position.
“But the first game, you’ll see who that is. I promise you, you’ll see who that is.”
Michigan head coach Brady Hoke also had a revelation of his own. Hoke announced that QB Denard Robinson, who set NCAA quarterback rushing records last season will be getting about 10 to 15 designated carries per game.
This will be less carries than Robinson had last season as the offense looks to develop into a pro-style rather than a spread.
There’s still the question though on who will be the lead tail back this season?
Offensive coordinator Al Borges indicated that there are seven candidates still competing for the job. Borges said that the winner of that battle won’t be notified until a few days before the opener and it might take a couple of games before the team finds its long-term back.
The lead back is expected to get around 25 carries per game.
Source: AnnArbor.com
