is something Michigan has successfully employed in the past with RBs like Chris Howard, Askew, Williams..etc. (Too many to list. We all know them anyway).
Here’s how things could breakdown next season...
RB 1: Chris Evans.
He has a tremendous opportunity in front of him. This off season is critical. Chris needs to come in a bit angry. He should feel disrespected that all the talk has Charbonnet already anointed by many as the starter as soon as he sets foot on campus. He has the talent to hold off Zach, Wilson, Turner, and whomever they add in February or by a grad transfer. (I think they’ll make it a priority to bring one in for depth.)
I’m expecting a re-emphasis of getting Evans involved in the screen game. He’s dangerous in the open field and lethal on the wheel route. Getting Evans out on the edges is crucial..he’s a long strider and sending him up the A gap for 2 yards is a misuse of his skills. I expect him to make a big jump in production in both the run and passing games.
Projection:
850 yards rushing - 3 TDs
375 yards receiving - 4 TDs
RB 2: Zach Charbonnet
I really wanted to put Tru Wilson here. Even entertained the idea of a 2a/2b scenario..
that’s how much I like Wilson.
However, after much highlight watching I came to the conclusion that this kid will not be denied and will battle Evans for touches all year. That can only be good for the team looking for some explosiveness from the tailback position.
Projection:
675 yards rushing - 7 TDs
250 yds receiving - 1 TD
RB 3: Tru Wilson
Confession - I have a huge mancrush on Tru. I love the way he plays the game. He reminds you of Mike Hart with those on the dime cuts made possible by his short choppy steps. Hell..just give him the 20 jersey already.
I’d love to say that Tru will break out this year and nearly match Evans for yards rushing. But that would be disingenuous.
Fact is Tru is not going to beat out Zach for RB 2. He’ll get anywhere from 5 to 10 touches a game and that’s fine. He’ll continue to be effective in limited duty.
Projection:
425 yards rushing - 4 TDs
125 yards receiving- 0 TDs
RB 4: Ben Mason
Wait.. but he’s a fullback?!?!
Yes, that is true. He will always be primarily used as a traditional FB. However, we did see a little glimpse late this year of how they plan to utilize him as a single back on first and second downs in both the running and passing games. Wouldn’t hurt to drop some pounds to gain agility.
Projection:
275 rushing yards - 8 TDs
150 receiving yards - 2 TDs
RB 5: Christian Turner
Honestly don’t know much about him other than he fits Jim’s prototypical “one cut” back along the lines of Higdon. Maybe he’ll surprise us all and grabs playing time..
Considering that Michigan will do it’s best to sign another RB in this class, and most likely will consider grad transfers, I think he’s got a long climb to daylight.
Projection:
110 rushing yards 0 TDs
N/A passing yards
While we are thin at RB I think we’ll be just fine if they sign another in February.
Here’s how things could breakdown next season...
RB 1: Chris Evans.
He has a tremendous opportunity in front of him. This off season is critical. Chris needs to come in a bit angry. He should feel disrespected that all the talk has Charbonnet already anointed by many as the starter as soon as he sets foot on campus. He has the talent to hold off Zach, Wilson, Turner, and whomever they add in February or by a grad transfer. (I think they’ll make it a priority to bring one in for depth.)
I’m expecting a re-emphasis of getting Evans involved in the screen game. He’s dangerous in the open field and lethal on the wheel route. Getting Evans out on the edges is crucial..he’s a long strider and sending him up the A gap for 2 yards is a misuse of his skills. I expect him to make a big jump in production in both the run and passing games.
Projection:
850 yards rushing - 3 TDs
375 yards receiving - 4 TDs
RB 2: Zach Charbonnet
I really wanted to put Tru Wilson here. Even entertained the idea of a 2a/2b scenario..
that’s how much I like Wilson.
However, after much highlight watching I came to the conclusion that this kid will not be denied and will battle Evans for touches all year. That can only be good for the team looking for some explosiveness from the tailback position.
Projection:
675 yards rushing - 7 TDs
250 yds receiving - 1 TD
RB 3: Tru Wilson
Confession - I have a huge mancrush on Tru. I love the way he plays the game. He reminds you of Mike Hart with those on the dime cuts made possible by his short choppy steps. Hell..just give him the 20 jersey already.
I’d love to say that Tru will break out this year and nearly match Evans for yards rushing. But that would be disingenuous.
Fact is Tru is not going to beat out Zach for RB 2. He’ll get anywhere from 5 to 10 touches a game and that’s fine. He’ll continue to be effective in limited duty.
Projection:
425 yards rushing - 4 TDs
125 yards receiving- 0 TDs
RB 4: Ben Mason
Wait.. but he’s a fullback?!?!
Yes, that is true. He will always be primarily used as a traditional FB. However, we did see a little glimpse late this year of how they plan to utilize him as a single back on first and second downs in both the running and passing games. Wouldn’t hurt to drop some pounds to gain agility.
Projection:
275 rushing yards - 8 TDs
150 receiving yards - 2 TDs
RB 5: Christian Turner
Honestly don’t know much about him other than he fits Jim’s prototypical “one cut” back along the lines of Higdon. Maybe he’ll surprise us all and grabs playing time..
Considering that Michigan will do it’s best to sign another RB in this class, and most likely will consider grad transfers, I think he’s got a long climb to daylight.
Projection:
110 rushing yards 0 TDs
N/A passing yards
While we are thin at RB I think we’ll be just fine if they sign another in February.
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