The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/603303
INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS De'Veon Smith By John Borton This one's a simple potential-versus-production argument. Redshirt junior run- ning back Drake Johnson has the potential to be Michigan's best back, evidenced by his efforts at the end of last season, but junior De'Veon Smith is Michigan's best this season — a point that's tough to reasonably argue. Smith has played through various dings this season, and there's no doubt he's Michigan's most durable back. He's also the Wolverines' leading rusher, with 582 yards on 132 carries (4.4 yards per attempt) and five touchdowns through 10 games. The third-year Wolverine isn't going to out-run anyone, even when bursting into the secondary. But he can remain upright while punishing a defensive back down- field 20 yards (or more), like he's demonstrated on multiple occasions. Smith runs with a tough, contact-inviting attitude, and Michigan coaches appreci- ate that aspect. He also happens to be the Wolverines' best pass protector, a hugely important piece of the puzzle. He began the season as Michigan's No. 1 back, and the questions swirled about which Wolverine would inevitably topple him from that standing. None have, and Smith just keeps bulling his way through. Drake Johnson By Michael Spath On the surface, this is an easy choice for Smith, who leads Michigan in rushing and is the top receiver among running backs with 13 catches through 10 games. However, this question is really a tale of two seasons. Smith was, undoubtedly, more valuable in the non-conference slate, rushing for 126 yards and three touchdowns against Oregon State, and 125 yards and a score against BYU. But during Big Ten play, he has averaged only 50.2 yards per game. Johnson has averaged just 31.0 yards per game (with 27 fewer carries) during conference action, but he's made some of U-M's key plays. In Michigan's win over Maryland, Johnson jump-started the offense with his 31- yard screen pass touchdown midway through the third quarter, providing momen- tum in a game U-M led 6-0. In the second half, Johnson rushed for 65 yards and a TD on eight attempts (8.1-yard average). He also had rushing touchdowns against both Northwestern and Rutgers, and he alone experienced success on the ground at Minnesota, providing a spark — 55 yards on 10 carries — for an offense that otherwise averaged 3.0 yards per rush. Hitting the edge of the defense, Johnson has been the only consistent rusher the Wolverines have been able to count on in Big Ten play, and considering the magni- tude of league contests compared to the non-conference, he's been more valuable. POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT WHO HAS BEEN THE MORE VALUABLE RUNNING BACK, DE'VEON SMITH OR DRAKE JOHNSON?