Michigan Football: Wolverines Wise to Focus on RB Depth

Denard Robinson is basically a running back playing quarterback. Fortunately for the Michigan Wolverines, they have a true running back to balance their rushing attack.

Fitzgerald Toussaint burst onto the scene last year and ripped off 1,041 yards rushing with a 5.6 yards per carry average and nine touchdowns.

He was not only a huge part of their success, but he helped keep Robinson from taking too many licks like he did in previous seasons.

Still, one running back and one running quarterback are not enough to carry an entire offense when said quarterback's arm is questionable at best.

Robinson added 2,173 yards passing and 20 touchdowns in 2011, but he also threw 15 interceptions. If not for an absolutely dominating defense, those numbers would have been a problem for Brady Hoke's team.

Alas, they were not, and they should be just as good if not better this season.

Robinson and Toussaint return and they're going to be used more than ever since the Wolverines lost their top wide receiver from a year ago.

The one thing they must find out is who they can trust behind Toussaint.

Out of Michigan's 560 carries, 408 of them were doled out to the starting QB and RB.

Chantel Jennings of WolverineNation says:

"

Some of the names that have come to the forefront are redshirt freshman Justice Hayes, sophomore Thomas Rawls and junior Stephen Hopkins.

"

Rawls and Hopkins combined for 24 carries and 122 yards last season. Hayes, obviously, was redshirting.

Hayes was a Rivals 4-star recruit out of high school and one of their top 100 players in the entire nation. He's listed as a running back, but has return ability and can make plays in the passing game.

That could be the thing that sets him apart.

Both Rawls and Hopkins are bigger and will even see time at fullback.

According to Jennings, Hayes has made a name for himself this spring with his ability to catch the football.

Two running backs are included in the incoming freshman class of 2012, but neither of them are expected to make a huge impact immediately.

So, Hayes, Rawls and Hopkins will certainly get a chance to make something happen, and it is one of the more intriguing battles on the roster.

It could also be one of the most important decisions of the season.