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Posted on Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.

Toussaint still in thick of starting tailback battle and more notes from Michigan football practice

By Kyle Meinke

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Michigan football coach Brady Hoke said last week Michael Shaw was the leader to become the Wolverines’ lead tailback.

On Monday, he placed Shaw on the first line of his initial depth chart -- but offered the caveat that sophomore Fitzgerald Toussaint also was on the first team and could still overtake the senior before Saturday’s opener against Western Michigan (3:30 p.m., ABC).

Now -- and take this for what you will -- Toussaint received the first carry of Tuesday’s practice with the starting offense, the only play the media was allowed to see before being ushered away from the practice fields. (See slideshow)

He busted it for a touchdown around the right side, hardly touched by Michigan’s defense.

Nothing can be taken from a single practice carry, no matter when or to whom it’s given. But one thing is perfectly clear: The tailback competition certainly isn’t over.

“Sure, sure,” Hoke said Monday when asked if Toussaint could start against the Broncos. “No question.”

Both could see time, although coaches have said they would like to settle on one featured back to rush about 25 times per game.

One guy who seems to have fallen off the pace is junior Vincent Smith, who had been mentioned as one of the leaders for all of fall camp. However, he still is believed to be a favorite to become the team's third-down back.

Sophomore Stephen Hopkins also is a candidate for that role, although he and freshman Thomas Rawls need to become more consistent, Hoke said earlier Tuesday during the Big Ten coaches teleconference.

Hoke said Rawls is further behind of the two and that Hopkins, a big-bodied, downhill runner, could be used in short-yardage situations of “6-18 inches.”

Senior Michael Cox and freshman Justice Hayes also entered fall camp as tailback candidates, but have not mentioned lately and likely are not in contention for significant roles.

The coaching staff said last week it was possible either Hayes or Rawls could be redshirted this year.


OTHER PRACTICE NOTES

Odoms still wearing protective device

Receiver Martavious Odoms was back to wearing what appeared to be a bulkier pad -- or maybe even a full cast -- on his left forearm at Tuesday’s practice.

The 5-foot-8, 173-pound senior suffered an undisclosed injury during the summer and began fall camp with a cast. It was expected to be removed about two weeks into camp, and indeed he wasn’t wearing one last week, when he featured just a pad on his arm.

Odoms was back to wearing bulkier protection Tuesday, though, with the opener looming this weekend. He is listed behind Junior Hemingway and Jeremy Gallon at one receiver spot on the depth chart, but is expected to see some time at slot receiver.

The Pahokee, Fla., native also is a punt return candidate, a role he has filled in the past. He was seen fielding punts with Hemingway, Gallon and freshman Blake Countess during Tuesday’s practice availability.

Countess, who primarily is a cornerback, is not listed among the four candidates for that position on the depth chart. Meanwhile, sophomore receiver Drew Dileo, who is listed there, was not among the returners getting reps during the media’s 20-minute window at the workout.


A cast of a different color

Freshman tight end Nate Allspach switched to wearing No. 11 at Tuesday’s practice, but still is wearing a cast on his right hand. It is much smaller than the one he’s worn in past weeks, however -- and also bright blue.


Special teams work out

Freshman Matt Wile and sophomore Will Hagerup worked out at punter during media availability at practice while sophomores Brendan Gibbons and Kris Pauloski kicked field goals. They all looked strong at their respective spots, although Hagerup shanked a couple punts.

Hoke has said Wile will start Saturday at punter for Hagerup, who is suspended for four games, and will kick field goals of a bout 43 yards or longer. Gibbons, who was 1-for-5 last year, will handle all other field-goal kicking duties.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.

Comments

Jarhead

Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:22 a.m.

Blu in Tpa Ya i'm not sure but I seem to remember after his first game he came back with leg brace for a couple more games then (if memory serves) he suffered a shoulder separation or fracture during practice. Didn't see him after that. Suer liked the way he ran though. Gotta admitt I'm getting geeked this week. Just like a kid.

Blu n Tpa

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.

Jarhead, although I wasn't as disappointed with Coach Carr as some were, (or have become since), I did have great hope for the WCiMFH until the UMass game, which my son and I attended. Standing there right before halftime wondering if this was going to be worse than the Toledo game was an eye opener. After that I started looking for improvement in all aspect of the team and saw nada. By halftime of the Penn State game I was ready to make a change and nothing after that changed my mind. And, Jarhead, again. I remember that carry by FT and wondered what might have been had he not been out for so many games. BTW how much did he play last year and is he able to redshirt or did the WCiMFH burn that too on his way out? I swear if that guy ever thought past the last play I would be amazed.

MRunner73

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.

Good to see Troussaint is healthy to start the season. I think we are solid in the running game with Fitz along with Micheal Shaw and big Stephen Hopkins, one kid I really like watching. Don't forget Denard! It looks like one heck of an offense. AM hoping the O-line can step up as well and create some holes for these guys to blow through.

Jarhead

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.

By the way. This article started out about the runnung backs. I liked Fitz Toussaint last year. I think it was his first carry and he ran half the distance of the field for a touchdown. later was wearing a knee brace and had a 60 yard scamper to the one yard line. Later had a shoulder injury, so we didn't see him much. Hope he stays healthy this year. He's fun to watch.

Jarhead

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 11:07 a.m.

Rob Dicks Good Post. You aptly described what so many fans were feeling and I was one of them. I was bored in the 2000's with our offense. Loved Lloyd Carr but he got so conservitive and trimmed the offense down to about 7 plays. I would see other teams and wanted their excitment. Bad timing for Rich Rod and wrong school. (I'm sure he wishes he would have stayed at W.V.) RR lost me half way through last season and the bowl game was embarassing for U of M fans. Here's to Hoke and staff and better times ahead. I'm sure Borges will blend power and speed . "For three years we took a nap, now big brother is back."

ohiowolverine

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 10:27 a.m.

Theo, I also drank the RR kool-aid and thought the spread O was the greatest thing to happen to football, but after going 3-9 I stopped drinking the kool-aid and once the fog cleared I saw that our King was nothing more than a Joker. Let it go. The King has been exposed. Have you ever heard the saying, Beware the wolf in sheeps clothing? TiM Go Blue!!

XTR

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:57 a.m.

After seeing the Fitz Toussaint Youtube video, I am not surprised if he starts.

Rob Dicks

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.

I really enjoyed watching the Michigan offense last year, but ultimately it wasn't a good fit for the Big Ten. The high speed offense left our defense on the field too long. Too many teams love to wear you down in the Big Ten, and I think that was our biggest problem. It wasn't that Rich Rod didn't recruit defense, he had several busts. JT Turner and Boubacar Cissoko were supposed to be stellar corners. I was excited when Rich Rod was hired, but I'm glad to see a change in leadership. Their is no doubt that Rich Rod is a good coach! I don't think he was ready for the Big Ten yet. Don't forget, everyone was ready for a change after Loyd Carr. Although now, everyone was his biggest supporter. I was skeptical of the Brady Hoke hiring, but I now believe he is the right man for the job. I like the coaches he has hired, the recruiting, and the attitude. He hasn't made excuses nor do I believe he will. He says that they aren't ready, but I've never heard a coach say that they were ready a week prior to a game. I think that if we give Hoke a chance, he will deliver.

Mick

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.

Hey Burton, I think Hayes will red-shirt also. He could be another Desmond Howard, same size and DH played RB in High School too actually. He seems like a really exciting player on film.

Mick

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : midnight

Hey Theo, blah blah blah, same old tired stuff from you. Do you even realize how you sound to most of us? Do You? Like Nic pointed out, you can't win without Defense, I don't care how good your Offense is, and the Offense wasn't ALL that good,especially against good teams. What I find exciting is winning, I don't care if it's 10-7 or 21-17, a win is a win. 67-65 is not exciting, it's annoying.

Terry Star21

Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.

Kyle, that one play you were allowed to see - look for that one many, many times Saturday. Can't tell you how awesome it is to see Molk healthy and running. Good to see some healthy competition for tailback. Oh, and Hagerup - sorry buddy, we like you but you won't get back in the door for punting - Wile will be the man ! MgoBlueForTiM....Hoke and the Boys are getting ready for action....Michigan 42 - western 17.

BlueGator

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.

Terry, I hope we don't see that play run many, many times against us! "Hardly touched by Michigan's defense" doesn't sound very encouraging to me. In fact, it sounds eerily like last year. Especially since our D is supposed to be geared toward stopping the run, first and foremost. Of course, one can just hope that it was just a superb run, but...

burton163

Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 10:43 p.m.

My guess is they'll redshirt Hayes. He needs to bulk up anyways and they may want to see how Rawls develops this year in case the other backs fail to impress.

Theo212

Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 10:40 p.m.

Four days to go, In four days we'll sing: "Hail to The Victors; Long live The King!" On defense we focus; The pro set we'll run. Excitement in Big House? Little, or none. Forget about Crystal, Forget about speed. Let's win the Big 10, 'Tis all that we need. "Rubbish!", says Theo. "Rubbish!!", says he. We want it ALL. THAT'S Michigan, see? So root for your Borges, Root for your Hoke. We didn't need fixin', But we'll soon end up broke. Go Blue.

XTR

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 8:55 a.m.

lol I could not believe RR is still wanted at UM. But of course the post is welcome. It is kinda funny and amusing.

DonAZ

Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 3:25 a.m.

You know, I'm really growing tired of this schtick. If at the end of the season your predictions prove true ... THEN you can crow. But if at the end of the season Hoke succeeds in improving the trend and direction of Michigan football ... I hope you have the good sense and good grace to just go quietly into the night. Here's my prediction -- your "king" will NEVER be a successful coach again. He will NEVER win "crystal." He's simply a bad coach. Period.

Nic schweigert

Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 11:49 p.m.

Ya? Didn't need a fixing huh? Except the defense has gotten worse and worse every year under your queen. Sure he brought in some offense. Can't win with just offense. Unless you score every position and With the turn overs The past three years that ain't happening. Need to take your poem making talent and get on board with the rest of us true Michigan fans. Stop whining about your Queen getting himself fired and support the new regime. it's going to be a beautiful future with hoke and co at the helm. Tough hard nosed defense and our offense will be even better because our stud qb is gonna actually be healthy. Go blue

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