Michigan Faces Decision on Trustworthy Running Back
As the Michigan Wolverines gear up for the upcoming college football season, the coaching staff finds themselves facing a dilemma – who can they trust to carry the burden as the team’s reliable running back? Ball security and the ability to make the right read and decision are crucial attributes for a successful running back.
Over the past two seasons, Michigan has only lost seven fumbles, ranking them third in the Big Ten behind Ohio State and Minnesota. This impressive track record highlights the importance of ball security, making the running back position a core component of the team’s success.
Luckily for Michigan, they boast the best running-back duo in college football with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, both of whom possess All-American caliber talent. However, injury woes have plagued both players in recent seasons, emphasizing the need for a dependable third option to emerge.
Several names have emerged as potential contenders for the role, but the question remains – who can Michigan trust the most?
One standout candidate is Benjamin Hall, who surprised everyone with an impressive performance during the spring game. As a former three-star recruit from Georgia, Hall has yet to display any issues with fumbling or missed blocks while donning the maize and blue. However, being a freshman, he may still be prone to adjustments and occasional mistakes as he acclimates to the college game. Nevertheless, if Hall can prove himself, Coach Harbaugh has demonstrated a willingness to trust talented freshmen like Donovan Edwards.
Another candidate for the third running back position is Kalel Mullings, who made a transition from linebacker to running back just before the crucial Ohio State game. Although Mullings had limited experience carrying the football during his time at Ann Arbor, he unquestionably rose to the challenge when given the opportunity. Mullings’ memorable jump pass to tight end Luke Schoonmaker showcased his versatility and ability to perform under pressure. However, his fumble against TCU in the College Football Playoff, specifically at the goal line, has left a lasting impression. Harbaugh’s trust in Mullings during critical moments could potentially outweigh the concern surrounding his previous fumble.
CJ Stokes, the third-leading rusher for Michigan last year, also remains in the running. As a freshman, Stokes displayed considerable potential with his speed and elusiveness. However, his debut season was marred by fumbles and confidence issues, ultimately resulting in him being surpassed by walk-on Isaiah Gash as RB-3. Unfortunately, an injury limited Stokes’ participation in the spring, necessitating a rebuilding of trust during the upcoming fall season. While it would be premature to write off Stokes based solely on his freshman struggles, another season marred by fumbles could lead to further setbacks in his playing time.
Ultimately, the Michigan coaching staff faces a crucial decision when determining who they can trust as the reliable third running back option. Each candidate brings their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Hall, with his clean track record, offers a fresh and untarnished perspective, while Mullings has demonstrated Harbaugh’s trust during high-stakes moments, albeit with a fumble tarnishing his image. Stokes, on the other hand, faces the challenge of regaining confidence after struggles during his freshman season.
As the Wolverines prepare for the upcoming season, Coach Harbaugh’s decision regarding the trustworthiness of their third running back could prove pivotal in their pursuit of success.
