The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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"We were able to double-team guys and run the ball. All of our run- ning backs had success." Hutchinson proved to be one of the best offensive linemen the NFL has ever known, a seven-time Pro Bowl participant. So that might be a bit of an unfair standard. That said, Ray stands ready to see some of Michigan's younger offen- sive linemen step forward. "I'm tired of everyone talking about youth," he offered. "Steve Hutchinson and Jeff Backus were redshirt freshmen when we won the national championship. "That's about as young as you can get on the offensive line without be- ing a true freshman, and they had success. Steve was All-Big Ten. Now, I'm not saying those young kids up front are as good as Steve Hutchin- son and Jeff Backus, but what I am saying is, youth is not an excuse, es- pecially when you're bringing in all of these five-star or four-star line- men." The stars need to align for one or more of Michigan's emerging tail- backs to enjoy a big year. In Ray's estimation, they all have plenty to prove. BATTLE OF BIGGER BACKS The fight for the top spot likely starts with a pair of sophomores: 5-11, 220-pound Derrick Green and 5-11, 223-pound De'Veon Smith. Green represents Michigan's leading returning ball carrier (not counting quarterback Devin Gardner), with 270 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 83 attempts. That's 3.3 yards per carry, shy of the 4.5 Smith averaged in rushing for 117 yards on 26 tries. Green came in with more fanfare, a Rivals.com five-star performer out of Virginia, and didn't make the kind of splash of a Wheat- ley or Ricky Powers, Ray noted. "Number one, he's more of a Ron Dayne-type of running back," Ray said. "He's shorter, more compact. He's in between the tackles, can't take it the distance or hit the home run. "To his credit, I don't think Derrick played behind an offensive line that now. It's similar to last year, in my role and responsibilities. And it is just really nice. I love all the new movements and everything, just being able to lead block." Houma caught one pass for nine yards, and Ray says he likes his unselfish at- titude. But in terms of versatility, Shallman might provide the most, Ray noted. "I expect to see Wyatt win the most reps in Nussmeier's offense, because he can do more as a fullback, and a true H-back," Ray said. "At 6-3, he has the frame to block and get up the field. He can run some underneath routes. "He reminds me of what Aaron Shea did for Michigan throughout his career. I don't think he's as good as Aaron Shea, but his body type and skill set give him the ability to help Michigan's offense the most." — John Borton