Spring Battles

Vincent Smith is out for the spring, and many are looking to take his place

Spring ball is right around the corner. Players have been working out in the weight room and conditioning three times a week, and very soon they'll be able to participate in the 15 (legal) spring practices.

Michigan's offense experienced a major jump in production in the 2009 season. Only.. it was against poor opponents. I don't expect another significant jump this season, but they will continue to improve. Since he got here Rich Rodriguez has stressed "competition" and "starting roles never being safe" and in his third year it's finally becoming a reality, at least on offense.

I'll start off by highlighting some major spring battles. I've already done quarterbacks, and I'll be sure to revisit them plenty during the spring and summer. So we'll start off with running backs.

The Incumbents: Sophomore Vincent Smith (out for spring), RS Sophomore Michael Cox, Junior Michael Shaw, RS Freshman Fitzgerald Toussaint

The Newbies: Freshman Stephen Hopkins, Freshman Austin White

Last season Michigan possessed a very talented backfield.. the only problem was, Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown were oft-injured and never 100%. Vincent Smith came in as a diminutive true-freshman, obliterated Delaware State, and played well against Wisconsin and Ohio State before tearing his ACL. Michael Cox finally saw the field (again, Delaware State) and showed flashes of both power and speed, scoring two touchdowns. Michael Shaw battled some injuries and inconsistencies once more, and it's a wonder whether he'll ever put it together. Fitzgerald Toussaint, on the other hand, received rave reviews from many players and coaches, and probably would've played if not for a freak-collarbone break.

Stephen Hopkins is a big, big back from Texas (225+ lbs), while Austin White is more of a slasher, slot-type with good speed and quick moves. Both are enrolled early, meaning with the exception of Smith, we have a little running back battle building in the spring.

The outcome: Shaw, Cox and Toussaint perform platoon-like duties in the spring until a true starter emerges in the fall. Hopkins provides some "bulk" at the superback position and plays a little fullback, while Austin White redshirts. The talent is certainly here for this to be a great group, they're just lacking in experience and performance right now.

Look out for: Michael Cox. People are already pegging Toussaint as the future, but Cox is an excellent athlete who should finally put it together this spring and fall.