Michigan Football: 5 Toughest RBs Wolverines Will Face in 2016
Michigan football should boast a premier defense in 2016, but the Wolverines must contain a handful of talented running backs throughout the regular season.
Last year, the unit ranked No. 16 nationally against the run and only surrendered more than 150 yards twice. Additionally, seven of Michigan's 13 opponents didn't even reach 100.
That previous success is the primary reason the Wolverines are expected to dominate. However, they haven't faced two of the five players highlighted, so it's not simply a matter of repeating what happened in 2015.
While the list is ordered subjectively, factors include a player's past contributions, his potential this season and the projected performance of a team's offensive line.
5. Mike Weber, Ohio State
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Mike Weber gets the benefit of the doubt because of the jersey he wears. The 4-star recruit redshirted last year while the Buckeyes absolutely pummeled Michigan on the ground.
Ezekiel Elliott shredded the Wolverines for 214 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback J.T. Barrett added 139 and three scores during a 42-13 stomping.
Though Ohio State needs to replenish its offensive line, this matchup doesn't happen until the final week of the regular season. The unit's transition period will simply be a memory at that point.
And Weber should be an established force alongside Barrett.
4. Devine Redding, Indiana
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The only other team to overpower Michigan up front last season, Indiana called nothing but running plays during its go-ahead touchdown drive. Yes, the Wolverines stole a win, but the Hoosiers racked up 307 rushing yards.
Jordan Howard was healthy for the contest, relegating Devine Redding to backup duty. So, Michigan has minimal first-hand experience against the 5'10", 205-pounder.
Although he appeared in all 13 games, Redding amassed 502 of his 1,012 season yards during four starts. In the Pinstripe Bowl against Duke, he totaled a career-best 227.
The Wolverines should benefit from both a healthier defense and home-field advantage this time around, but Redding will present a challenging task on Nov. 19.
3. Corey Clement, Wisconsin
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As a freshman, Corey Clement tallied 8.2 yards per carry. In 2014, he averaged 6.5 yards, posting a total of 949 yards and nine touchdowns. Clement's success as a backup led to attention as an under-the-radar Heisman contender last season.
But his junior campaign didn't go as planned. Clement missed nine games due to injury and logged just 48 total attempts.
Consider this delayed hype.
Wisconsin's offensive line must improve after a brutal season, but 2015 was the first time in nine years the Badgers didn't have a top-25 rushing attack. Both the blockers and Clement should bounce back from the ugly outlier.
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2. LJ Scott, Michigan State
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LJ Scott managed just 16 yards on eight carries against Michigan in 2015, but he also notched two touchdowns. If you're not going to put up yards, you may as well score.
The 6'0", 238-pound bulldozer is an absolute load to tackle. Just ask Iowa. Scott has drawn comparisons to a former Michigan State great.
"He reminds me in so many ways, even mannerisms, of [Le'Veon] Bell," offensive line coach Mark Staten said, per ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg. "It's uncanny. It's strange."
Scott didn't overwhelm the Wolverines last year, but they won't face a more physical, punishing runner this season.
1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State
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When Michigan traveled to Penn State last season, Saquon Barkley put a scare into the Maize and Blue fanbase. He scampered 56 yards on his first carry of the game.
Since the Wolverines had just allowed 307 yards to Indiana, panicked thoughts of "oh no, not again" surely arose. But the defense settled in and clamped down on Barkley, ceding 12 yards on 14 more carries.
Why might 2016 be different? In addition to Barkley's offseason development, the Nittany Lions hired Joe Moorhead as the offensive coordinator. His uptempo spread will help minimize the struggles of the offensive line, but the unit returns four starters anyway.
The combination of experience up front and an upgraded offensive system makes Barkley the toughest runner Michigan will face in 2016.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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