Michigan Football: How Should Brady Hoke Handle Fitz Toussaint in Fall Practice?

One of the most intriguing story lines surrounding this Michigan team is Fitz Toussaint's return from a leg injury, and its impact on the running back situation.

His overall health will play a huge factor in determining how successful this offense is. With that being said, many have wondered how Brady Hoke should handle the veteran running back throughout fall practice.

That question has now become a reality, as fall camp kicked off yesterday. If Toussaint is fully healthy, then there is no reason to hold him back. That statement may stir up some controversy, but I don't see why.

He can easily re-injure his leg (or anything else) in non-contact drills in which he is being fully protected; we see freak injuries like that all the time.

My point is that there is nothing you can do to avoid injuries, and no matter how careful you try and be, they still can get you. Sure, limiting him will reduce the odds, but the possibility is still very much there.

Plus, having him go full strength will only make the competition at the position better. I don't think it'd be fair to guys like Derrick Green and Thomas Rawls if they bust their butts while Toussaint is being held back for cautionary reasons.

If the injury is still lingering a bit, then he definitely should be watched. However, that doesn't seem to be the case at all, as his recovery and rehab process went magnificently.

Toussaint was expected to be fully ready for this moment all the way back in spring ball, when we first learned of how well the rehab was going.

There's no doubt he wants to be the clear-cut starter come August 31, and there is only one way for him to do that: earn it fair and square.