The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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AUGUST 2020 THE WOLVERINE 23 11. HASSAN HASKINS, R-SO., RB Haskins stepped up in a big way in 2019, forging an effective combo with Charbonnet. Haskins wound up second on the team in carries (121), net rushing yards (622) and rushing touchdowns by a running back (four), while leading the Wolverines' backs with a 5.1 yards-per-carry average. He'll be looking to take it up a notch in the second year of Gattis' offense in Ann Arbor. The Michigan OC noted he's looking for more explosive plays out of both Haskins and Charbonnet, and that means breaking away more often after first contact. Haskins could also line up with Charbon- net in some looks this year. 12. JALEN MAYFIELD, R-SO., OT Mayfield is drawing plenty of attention as the lone re- turning full-time starter from the 2019 Michigan offensive line. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. even listed him No. 14 in his early 2021 NFL Draft rankings in May. "There is some projection here be- cause Mayfield has started only 13 college games at right tackle," Kiper noted. "But I really liked what I saw from him in the biggest games, including when he was lined up against No. 2 overall pick Chase Young in the Wolverines' loss to Ohio State in the regular-season finale. "Mayfield has some upside, and I'll be watching closely this season." 13. BRAD HAWKINS, SR., S Hawkins earned the team's tag of Defensive Most Improved Player last year, and he's looking to finish strong as a senior leader. In 11 games, Hawkins finished sixth on the team in tackles with 53 and broke up one pass. He's excited about what's to come. He's also one of many Wolverines ready to turn things around against Ohio State. Although he doesn't want to talk about it much, he did say this: "When that game comes, you're going to know that we're in that game." 14. VINCENT GRAY, R-SO., CB Gray earned one start among his 13 game appearances in 2019, groom- ing to take over one of the full-time cornerback jobs in 2020. He managed five passes broken up and made 20 tackles (1.5 for loss) along the way. The lanky (6-2, 185) cover man could wind up drawing some very big assignments if he nails down the starting spot across from Thomas. He'll be looked on to play Michigan's man-to-man defense against some of the Big Ten's best receivers. 16. CHRIS HINTON, SO., DT The videos that emerged of Hin- ton working out this summer fueled hopes for a strengthened middle of the Michigan defensive line. He looked both ripped and quick, quali- ties that could help him build signifi- cantly on his freshman season last fall. Hinton — a top contender for the defensive tackle spot beside Kemp — made 10 tackles (0.5 for loss) in his dozen game appearances as a rookie. 17. MICHAEL BARRETT, R-SO., LB Somebody has to step up and take over the viper role manned by Khaleke Hudson the past three seasons. The 6-0, 227-pound Barrett has been named a top contender by Brown, and that makes him one to watch. Barrett saw the field in 12 games last year, securing seven tackles. He also ran a fake punt 14 yards for a first down and threw a 25-yard pass to Hill off another fake punt, dem- 15. NICK EUBANKS, 5TH-SR., TE Eubanks should play a major role in Gattis' attack as a massive (6-5, 256) and mo- bile fifth-year senior tight end. He's already gained national atten- tion, making the watch list for the Mackey Award, which is given to the nation's top player at his position. Eubanks led Michigan's tight ends in 2019 with 25 catches for 243 yards (9.7 yards per recep- tion) and four touchdown grabs, including one against Alabama in the Citrus Bowl. He's U-M's third-leading receiver among the re- turnees, including wideouts. If Eubanks enjoys the sort of season he hopes, he could become Michigan's second performer to earn the Mackey Award since its creation in 2000. Former Michigan All- American tight end Jake Butt captured the honor as a senior in 2016. The fifth-year Wolverine continually works on his blocking, and knows how important it will be to hone the run-pass option (RPO) attack in the days to come. "Running RPO schemes is very im- portant in terms of running and throw- ing the ball, especially on the outside," Eubanks noted. "You're going to have receivers blocking, not only tight ends. It becomes a key factor when the receivers block as well." Eubanks didn't make known his decision to remain a Wolverine in 2020 until the end of De- cember. He took most of the month to assess the pros and cons of a jump to the pros, before putting out an Instagram post confirming his choice to stay put. "I have decided to return to Michigan for my fifth year!" he wrote. "There's noth- ing more exciting than running it back one more time with my brothers!" PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN