In 2009, Will Brandon Minor be the Chris Perry of 2003?

I like to compare Michigan players at a similar time in their careers.

In a past article, Michigan's expected 2009 true freshman QB Tate Forcier was compared to true freshman Chad Henne and redshirt freshman Stephen Threet.

Today, we will take a look at what I consider similar players...Brandon Minor and Chris Perry. Both of these guys have a similar running style and had up and down Michigan careers.

As freshmen: Perry rushed 77 times for 429 with five touchdowns, long run 42 yards. Minor rushed 42 times for 238 yards and two touchdowns, long run 40 yards.

As sophomores: Perry rushed 129 times for 517 yards with two touchdowns. Minor rushed 90 times for 385 yards with one touchdown.

As juniors: Perry rushed 267 times for 1,154 yards with 14 touchdowns. Minor rushed 103 times for 533 yards and nine touchdowns.

As a senior: Perry rushed 338 times for 1,721 yards with 18 touchdowns. Brandon?

Both of these players struggled the first two years in the program, only to have break out years as juniors. Minor's break out didn't happen until later in the year, so his numbers aren't as impressive as Perry's. I also doubt that Minor will carry the ball 338 times in 2009 with the depth at running back for the Wolverines in 2009. Carlos Brown, Michael Shaw, and host of others will be getting snaps at running back this year.

Perry had a fantastic senior year, which included a trip to the Rose Bowl, finishing fourth in the Heisman voting, wining the Doak Walker Award for best running back in the country, and was the Big Ten MVP.

We don't expect the young 2009 Wolverines to be Big Ten Champions, but Minor could have a very productive year and get drafted in the NFL, if he stays healthy.

How can this happen?

• Michigan's offensive line must improve its run blocking and there were strong signs that it was happening late last year.
• Tate must hit open receivers to keep the opposing linebackers honest. Too many times last year, they just sat on the run.
• Minor has to stay healthy, which is difficult with his upright, power running style.

So, no, I don't expect Brandon Minor in 2009 to have a Chris Perry of 2003 type of year, but if Michigan is going to get to a Bowl game, he needs to carry the load and have a fantastic year.

I expect 200 carries and 1,000-plus yards in 2009. I also expect Brandon Minor to be a First Team All Big Ten running back and be the team's offensive captain at the year's end.