Michigan Football: Why Fitzgerald Toussaint Must Become Wolverines' Best Player

Everybody saw the effect that Fitz Toussaint had on Michigan's offense when he really stepped up his game about midway through last season.

Michigan's offense as a whole had a totally new look and feel to it. Defenses couldn't just focus in on Denard anymore, or Toussaint would burn them.

If he can step up his game even more in 2012, this offense will be that much better.

Denard Robinson's Durability

Robinson's durability has been a topic of discussion ever since he became the starter in 2010. He has never missed significant time because of injury, but some just feel that it is a hard tackle away.

If Toussaint can carry the ball 25 times a game and be effective doing it, that would make Robinson even more dangerous.

The roles would be reversed, as defenses would be focusing in on Toussaint and not Robinson.

A healthy Denard would be a faster and more effective Denard.

Going Up Against Great Defenses

Let's face it: there are going to be games where defenses shut down Robinson's running game and try to make him beat them with his arm.

I just don't know if he would be able to do that. In the past, the offense would be in a lot of trouble if that happened, but Toussaint brings a whole new element.

On days where defenses are playing great, Toussaint is a guy that you can give the ball to 25-30 times a game, and he'll help grind out the win.

The Passing Game Needs Time to Develop

As everybody knows, the passing game is a huge concern in 2012. Nobody seems to know what to expect out of the receiving core.

Having Toussaint become an elite back would take a lot of pressure off of the passing game.

It would also allow some of the inexperienced receivers, such as Jerald Robinson, Ricardo Miller, Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson to be eased into action, instead of thrown in right away.

The passing game needs all the help it can get, and Toussaint could really give them a boost if he can carry this offense.

Looking Ahead to 2013

Denard Robinson obviously won't be around in 2013, so whoever is playing quarterback for Michigan will be inexperienced.

If Toussaint can prove himself as an elite back in 2012, it will help whoever is playing quarterback in 2013, knowing that they have a proven commodity to carry this offense.

If Shane Morris is indeed the starter in 2013, having a guy like Fitz will help him ease into the position.

The same can be said if it is Devin Gardner or Russell Bellomy starting; having Toussaint around will help make whoever the starting quarterback is that much better.

Conclusion

This will be a different Michigan team if Toussaint emerges as the best player on offense.

For his sake, he will not only be better recognized in the Big Ten, but nationally as well. I could be wrong, but he seemed to receive absolutely no media attention last season.

If he becomes a workhorse and takes over this offense, I honestly don't see any reason he can't be a Heisman contender.