WHO WILL BE THE HORSE?

In a recent interview with Michigan OC Al Borges, he explains the importance of having one go to RB. This is something our Michigan fans have not seen in a few years. There were times in the Rodriguez years that a RB would start to heat up and get a rhythm going just to be taken out of the game after four or five carries. We found ourselves saying "why is he taking him out"? Michael Shaw showed glimpses of being the guy, so did V. Smith, Hopkins and when healthy, Fitz may have looked better than all of them.

When you think back to Michigans dominant running game over the years, names like Hart, Biakabutuka, Wheatley, Chris Howard, Powers, all come to mind. These were good RB's with great offensive lines. We all as Michigan fans catch highlights from games from the past and say "that's when Michigan was the best in the big-ten". It is time to get back to those times, and there is no better time than the present.

With all that said, the question is this....WHO IS THE HORSE?
Here are the options in no particular order

Michael Shaw- He is the senior, he has gained weight and is close to
200 lbs now. He is a bit injury prone. He has yet to gain 1,000yds in his career, but has never had the chance to either. He did have 414yds on 75 carries ( 5.4 yac ) and 9 td's last season, but only five starts. A go to RB carries 20 times a game atleast, if he stays healthy then he is a 1,000 yd back.

Vincent Smith- This JR. RB seemed to be Rrod's favorite. Why? Yes he was productive but somewhat slow. He wasn't a big tackle breaker or short yardage guy. He has quick feet and looks great in drills but is this the guy I want carrying 200 times? He's tiny. He carried 136 times for 612yds for an avg. of 4.4. He is a great third down back because he can catch the ball out of the backfield but wouldn't be surprised to see his carries dwindle down considerably.

Stephen Hopkins- The 6'0" 230lb SO. was the short yardage guy last season but only avg. 4.1 a carry. Not once did I feel as if Rod would give him a chance to be the feature back. He is big, moves well, and has that tough running ability Michigan needs and is looking for. He would have fit well with those OL's of the past. Coaches seem to like him and has a great chance to be the man this year.

Fitz Toussant- A 5'10" 200lb SO. showed glimpses of greatness last year but would get hurt and dissappear for a few games. I think fans agree and wouldn't mind seeing him behind a fullback with the ball in his hands 20 - 25 times a game. A healthy Fitz has a shot of being just that.

Michael Cox- Cox is the guy you see in the spring that has you shaking your head saying "where has he been all this time"? He's been in Michigan but can't get to the next level. A 6'0" 210lb JR will rip off a long run in garbage time to never be seen again. In his defense, he has never had a shot to show what he can do in a big game with a fullback and experienced line in front of him. My guess is he is a long shot to get the majority of the carries.

Thomas Rawls- Hype surrounds this 5'10" 220 lb bulldozer who was compared to Mark Ingram by his high school coach. There is no reason to believe that Rawls is not the back of the future at Michigan. He has the size and ability, and with these OL recruits Hoke has coming in next year, just might be the next great in a Wolverine uniform. I'm just skeptical about a FR. coming in and being the feature back immediately. He wasn't there in the spring and I think it will be hard to build that chemistry with the OL in such a short time. I hope I am wrong.

Justice Hayes- Another true Freshman coming in with hype but more of a slasher and wouldn't be surprised if they redshirt him. He was built for Rods spread offense but now things have changed. I can't see a 175lb RB ever being the horse at Michigan again.

That would lead me to believe that Shaw would be the leader. Now I would not be surprised to see Hopkins or Fitz run out on the field for the first offensive drive opening day. One thing is for sure , the running game will be different this year. One that Michigan fans will be proud of and appreciate. This is the year of the 1,000 yd back again. Whether it is Shaw, Hopkins or Fitz, Michigan football is BACK.