Examining University of Michigan's 2010 Roster: Running Back Edition

The University of Michigan has seen some pretty good backs come through the big house.

Running backs like Mike Hart, Anthony Thomas, Chris Perry, Jamie Morris, Tyrone Wheatley, and Tim Biakabutuka have been seen making a huge difference in many Michigan games. 

Not sure if any of the current runners are of the same caliber as these guys, but there is good potential and lots of talent on this depth chart. 

Lets look at the workhorses in the stable.  Here is the list of running backs currently enrolled at Michigan:

No. 2 Vincent Smith - 5’6” 158 lbs

No. 15 Michael Cox – 6’0” 203 lbs

No. 20 Michael Shaw – 6’1” 181 lbs

No. 23 Austin White – 6’0” 186 lbs

No. 28 Fitzgerald Toussaint – 5’10” 194 lbs

No. 32 O’Neil Swanson – 5’10”165 lbs

No. 33 Stephen Hopkins – 6’0” 235 lbs

No. 49 Benjamin Sutton – 5’11” 196 lbs

A strong running game can dictate the pace of the game. It helps a team have a balanced attack.  It also opens up the passing game and can set up huge plays through the air by use of play action or by making defenders step up in the box to help in run support. 

Michigan has a deep group of running backs, but there is really no clear-cut standout at the position.  However, there is still so much to like about this talented group of ball carriers. 

Michael Shaw

The junior from Trotwood, Ohio, showed that he could be a good back in Michigan’s future during his sophomore year.  With Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown gone, he could step in at the vacancy left by Minor and Brown. 

So far, however, he has not taken the reigns as the starting running back.  He did have a decent spring game, but he needed to do better than what he did. 

He is a good runner between the tackles.  He also has good size with a frame that can take on more weight.  He can be a productive back, if given the chance he deserves.

Vincent Smith

This guy is an explosive back with good field vision. He runs the ball with great determination and quickness, and he is a very serious threat whenever he gets the ball in the open field. 

The biggest knock on this guy is that he is such a small back.  With such small size how productive can he be running against much bigger competition? 

The good thing about being short is that he can hide behind his big blockers.  He will get an opportunity, but thanks to our “beloved” Ohio State we will have to wait and see. 

He tore his ACL and in the last game of the season. How far behind will he be with an injury like that? How long will we have to wait to see him again?

Mike Cox

No, not that Mike Cox.  Not the one who announces he will run for governor of Michigan on facebook and twitter.  Not the one who hates Al Sharpton. 

This Mike Cox is a running back for Michigan.  He is a big back with good potential. I am really high on this guy.  I believe that he can turn into a good back with a lot of work. 

At 6’0” 215 pounds he definitely has the size to be a bruising type of back.  He has surprisingly good speed for a back of his size.  He is a fast, downhill runner. 

He is a one cut and go type of runner.  He can hit the hole and leave behind many defenders. 

He is tough as nails and can either out run you or run you over.  Pick your poison, but please choose wisely. 

He could be the dark horse in the race to be the starting tailback at Michigan, heck maybe even the governor if he announces it on twitter.

Fitzgerald Toussaint

Very disappointed that we never got a change to see this guy play last year due to a broken collarbone that ended his season. 

He was an absolute beast coming out of High School.  In his High School career he had 455 carries, 4690 rush yards, and 65 touchdowns.  He is a very shifty, elusive running back with big play ability written all over him. 

He is a burner.  Very excited to finally see this guy in action.

Stephen Hopkins

He is a big guy with deceptive speed and agility.  He has great strength and balance.  You can see it when he breaks all of those tackles.  He is like a train when he runs through those arm tackles. 

He is already bigger than Brandon Minor ever was standing at 6’0” 235 pounds. 

Austin White

He is a pretty good back that is not very fast or very strong, but is very good.  He is an elusive back with decent speed and great catching abilities. 

He does have deceptive strength, good balance, good feet, and is a smart runner.  He is a Mike Hart-esque running back. 

Benjamin Sutton

The curious case of Benjamin Sutton.  Ended up on Michigan’s doorstep and left without ever showing anything. 

He is a red shirt senior who is a walk on.  He is 5’11” 194 pounds and there is no information on this guy anywhere. 

I would have looked harder, but how often do you find someone this young, but so old.  Only in the movies I would guess.  Pick up a copy of Benjamin Button and you will see why he fits that perfectly. 

Overall this is a very talented group.  They have potential to become a great group with great depth.  However, I am hoping that someone separates themselves from the pack.

So far, though, this is a big group with no leader. 

I would have to give this group a B.  Very solid group, but lets wait and see what happens when the season come around.