Texas A&M Football: What You Need to Know About Aggies RB Christine Michael

One of the most important players on the Texas A&M roster as they enter their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference is senior running back Christine Michael. Although Michael is one of the best running backs in the nation, he is relatively unknown on the national scene.

The SEC should provide Michael with more national exposure. If he has a big season during his senior year, he should be in contention for some national awards.

Michael is important to the Aggies because he will help take pressure off of A&M's new quarterback. If Michael is successful running the ball against SEC defenses, it will allow the Ags' new quarterback to grow into his role.

This is a look at some things you need to know about Michael.

He Is Coming off a Knee Injury

Michael tore his ACL against Oklahoma. It was the second year in a row that Michael had his season cut short by injury. In 2010 he broke his leg during the Ags win over Texas Tech.

It normally takes about two years for a player to completely recover from ACL surgery. Michael is ahead of schedule in his rehab and was able to participate in spring practices. He did not participate in any contract drills and did not do any cutting, but the fact that he was out there was a positive sign.

Michael may not have the same burst in 2012 that he had before the ACL tear, but he should still be a very effective runner.

Michael Has Rushed for over 500 Yards Three Years in a Row

Michael has been a consistent threat out of the backfield ever since he arrived in College Station.

Michael rushed for 844 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman to earn Big 12 Freshman of The Year honors. As a sophomore, he rushed for 631 yards and four touchdowns before ending his season with a broken leg against Tech.

As a junior, he rushed for 899 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging six yards per carry.

Michael has rushed for 2,374 yards in his career with 22 touchdowns.

Michael Has Had Success Against SEC Defenses Before

Much has been made of the fact that A&M has not beaten an SEC team since 1995. The Ags have faced five SEC teams in the past three years, and Michael has proven to be an effective running back in those games.

He carried the ball 32 times for 230 yards and three touchdowns against Arkansas in 2011. In 2010, Michael had 79 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown against Arkansas. He had 46 yards rushing on 11 carries against Arkansas in 2009. Against Georgia in the Independence Bowl, Michael rushed for 77 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown.

In four career games against SEC opponents, Michael has run the ball 76 times for 432 yards and five touchdowns. Michael has averaged 5.7 yards per carry against SEC defenses during his career.  

Michael Has Ideal Size

The average SEC running back weighs between 220 and 226 pounds. Michael is 5'11" and right around 220 lbs of muscle. His school-record 97-yard touchdown run against Baylor proved that he had breakaway speed.

Michael has the size and speed to succeed in the SEC. He also is a physical runner. He is a true between-the-tackles back. Michael is not going to try to juke a bunch of defenders. He is going to lower his shoulder and run them over.

His running style befits the conference that he is in. Michael should be a perfect fit in the SEC.

He Was a High School All-American

Michael started at running back in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was also named team captain for the game. As a senior in at Beaumont West Brook High School he rushed for 1,412 yards and 25 touchdowns.

He was ranked as one of the top running backs in the country coming out of high school, and he has not disappointed since he arrived in Aggieland.

How to Pronounce His Name

Michael's first name is pronounced "Christian" as in the religious denomination. His mother thought she was going to have a girl so had the name "Christine" (pronounced chris-TEEN) picked out. When she had a boy, she stuck with the name but changed the pronunciation.