Michigan Football: Wolverines Must Feed Drake Johnson More Carries

All Drake Johnson needed was a chance—a real chance—to prove that he was worthy of a more significant role in Michigan’s backfield.

And while the redshirt sophomore has several miles to go, he launched himself onto the fast track Saturday with 16 carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns during the Wolverines' 34-10 homecoming win over Indiana—and it couldn’t have been a more fitting debut for the former Ann Arbor Pioneer star who used to dream, from across the street, of running wild at The Big House.

"That was just a complete rush of emotion," Johnson said, recalling his 10-yard score, according to MLive.com’s Brendan F. Quinn. "I jumped up there and was like, wait, wait, I need to get down. I don't want to do anything dumb. I think the first touchdown was...I can't think of any word but magical."

After the game, coach Brady Hoke said that Johnson’s “always been very motivated and a hard worker.” Not long ago, an ACL injury derailed the hometown product’s progress. But going back to 2013, Johnson has been a constant topic of conversation and a contender for more snaps.

However, the subtle emergence of Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith put him on the backburner.

But on Oct. 4, Green was lost for the season after breaking his clavicle against Rutgers. That opened the door for Smith, who’s shown glimpses of power but has lacked consistency—and that, in turn, cracked the window for Johnson, who had five carries (two versus Appalachian State; three against Michigan State) for 41 yards entering homecoming.

Today, everyone is wondering what took the Wolverines so long to incorporate the kid who once occupied the bottom of the depth chart.  

“He took an advantage of an opportunity and did a heck of a job,” Hoke said, later taking a moment to acknowledge Johnson’s skill set by saying, “He's more of a slasher than the others (team RBs) and I think the one thing he does have is, he has a very good burst, you know, when you look at the gears. He's got the ability to take it the distance, also.”

What to do with De’Veon?

With exception to Week 1’s rumble for 115 yards and two touchdowns, Smith, an ideal-size bruiser at 5’11” and 223 pounds, has been hit or miss. Actually, a better comparison would be bunt or miss. Since his season-opening eruption, he’s been good for five to 50 yards per game with an occasional touchdown.

That’s not close to No. 2 production, let alone No. 1.

Smith has been caught in a web of indecision. When warmed up, he’s an aggressive runner who breaks tackles and picks up a few yards after contact. But when he’s idle, or barely running—which is usually due to being sidelined by coaches—he’s prone to running into his own linemen and gaining very little.

Again, he’s a good back. But until further notice, it’s time for him to move over for Johnson, who showed much more on 16 carries than Smith has with 77 attempts.

It’d Be Justice for Drake

Green’s injury also opened the door for Hayes. But Hayes hasn’t taken full advantage of opportunities, not like Johnson did Saturday, anyway.

Like Smith, Hayes has flashed his hand every now and then. But he’s either trump tight, or he’s on the verge of busting. There is no in between for the 5’10”, 190-pound junior who carried the ball six times for 21 yards versus the Hoosiers.

Fifteen of those yards came at once.

And like Smith, Hayes should prepare to make way for Johnson.

Due to his great hands, Hayes is more suited for the slot, not the backfield. He can endure hits, but he doesn’t always successfully absorb and advance.

Like Johnson, he has cut moves upon cut moves, but the lack of durability is a serious concern. That’s what has kept him off the field for three years—well, that and injury, which is a byproduct of his lack of mass.

More Clock!

The so-called experts can lobby all they want—writers, TV analysts and radio personalities have all praised Johnson's breakout versus Indiana. 

But the props carry a little more weight when they come from a guy who's been there, done that. Roy Roundtree, one of Michigan's recent standouts, fought hard to get his shot. While he didn't didn't sit as much as Johnson or play running back, the former receiver certainly recognizes when it's the next guy's turn. 

Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references to were obtained firsthand by the writer