Michigan Football: The Most Underrated Player in Jim Harbaugh's Offense

Head coach Jim Harbaugh's hard-nosed, run-first scheme relies heavily on a strong offensive line, but fullback Joe Kerridge is poised to contribute as a critical part of the Michigan Wolverines offense in 2015.

Kerridge isn't exactly a household name. He arrived in Ann Arbor as a walk-on and eventually earned a scholarship. A 6'0", 249-pounder, the fifth-year senior has recorded only four carries for 59 yards and 12 receptions for 90 yards through 35 career appearances.

However, while many college football fans haven't heard of Kerridge, he's indirectly famous thanks to a highlight-reel play in 2013.

Remember when South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney obliterated Vincent Smith in the Outback Bowl? Kerridge—who insisted he made the proper block—sealed the cornerback while Clowney slipped into the backfield and destroyed Smith.

But Kerridge's freshman season was an awfully long time ago. Three years later, he's a physical player who has flashed versatility in a limited role.

Former Michigan coach Brady Hoke brought the I formation back to Michigan—sort of. Though Kerridge logged 10 starts in 2013 and 2014 combined, he wasn't a mainstay in the backfield. Hoke shuffled Kerridge around, sometimes even using him as a tight end, which wasn't ideal.

According to MLive's Nick Baumgardner, Kerridge is expecting a bigger, more consistent role under Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Tim Drevno.

"Over the years it's fluctuated from getting 40-some reps a game or just five or six," Kerridge said. "But now, it's been a big change (this spring) and it's been really good."

Power-focused football will return to Ann Arbor on a regular basis this season. The Wolverines are working to succeed on the ground against opponents that will be looking to stop the run.

Kerridge's fit in Harbaugh's philosophy is simple, but it's tremendously important.

Now, first and foremost, the offensive line must win at the line of scrimmage. Led by Graham Glasgow and Mason Cole, Michigan returns a plethora of experience up front.

But Kerridge will complement that grunting, pad-pounding symphony. He will serve as the final piece of it, giving the Wolverines' stable of running backs room to operate beyond the second level.

Depending on the type of play, Michigan will task Kerridge with blocking a variety of defenders. On an iso or draw, he'll hammer an inside linebacker. During an inside zone, Kerridge will seal the defensive end. Then, on an outside zone, he'll work toward the safety.

Blocking isn't the entirety of the job description, though. Kerridge will also have opportunities to showcase his pass-catching ability as a checkdown option in play action.

Kerridge isn't going to light up the box score. In fact, he'll record minimal numbers—maybe a catch or two—and bully his way onto film as a reliable blocker if all goes as planned.

Every time Derrick Green, Ty Isaac, De'Veon Smith or Drake Johnson breaks a carry for big yardage, it will likely be because Kerridge fulfilled his responsibility on the play. Fullbacks don't get the glory, but the running backs in Harbaugh's system will struggle to receive praise without someone like Kerridge leading the way.

If viewers don't catch his important blocks, it won't be anything out of the ordinary. Kerridge will remain the unheralded catalyst of the Michigan offense.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.