I'm intrigued, please tell me more about this great player sir
Ann Arbor – Six players are listed on Michigan's depth chart at tailback with fifth-year senior Fitz Toussaint, not surprisingly, leading the way.
Redshirt freshman Drake Johnson is second and sophomore Justice Hayes is third with junior Thomas Rawls fourth, and freshmen Derrick Green and De'Veon Smith in an "or" situation at the bottom of the position chart.
Expect all of them to play when the season opens Saturday against Central Michigan, but don't expect them all to line up at tailback.
"If six travel, six will play," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Monday at his weekly news conference. "Special teams, whatever it might be. I don't think all six will carry the football, but if they're going to travel, they're going to contribute."
Hoke had spoken highly of Johnson throughout preseason camp.
"We're fortunate enough last year to redshirt him," Hoke said. "The job he did on the look team, the job he did during bowl practice, we thought this guy's got a great chance."
Toussaint is coming off a broken leg suffered in the final home game last November. He was nearly ready to compete during spring practice but was held out. He was full-go during camp and, from all accounts, driven to regain his hold as lead back. Toussaint was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2011.
"Fitz is back and you can see it," Hoke said. "On Friday (in practice), he looked very good and he feels good."
Hoke was asked Monday to identify the ideal number of carries for Toussaint. Hoke responded in general terms.
"I think if we can get 18-25, 30 runs, I think that would be productive," Hoke said.
