Michael Shaw leads Michigan football team's running back competition, Brady Hoke says
Michigan coach Brady Hoke says Michael Shaw, above, a standout at Saturday's scrimmage, would be the Wolverines' starting tailback if the season started tomorrow.
AnnArbor.com file photo
Michigan football coach Brady Hoke has yet to name a lead tailback — but if the season were to start tomorrow, he knows who would be his guy.
“Mike Shaw,” Hoke said after Tuesday's practice. “He’s been more consistent on a daily basis. He’s improved a little bit.
“Coming into (camp), I think (running backs coach) Fred (Jackson) would have told you he’s a little concerned about the passing game and the protections in the passing game, and I think he’s improved in that part.”
It is the first time a Michigan coach has named a leader in the battle to become the school's first lead back since 2007.
Hoke said the senior was one of the biggest standouts of Saturday’s scrimmage, as well as fellow running back candidates Vincent Smith and Fitzgerald Toussaint.
Michael Shaw rushed 12 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns against UMass last season.
AnnArbor.com file photo
Shaw said the first week of camp he thought his “down-hill” running style would fit well in the new pro-style offense, and he gained almost 10 pounds in the offseason to prepare for the power-running game that will be featured.
The new staff is searching for a tailback who will receive about 25 carries per game, taking some of the burden off quarterback Denard Robinson, who averaged almost 20 carries per game last year in the spread-option.
The Wolverines used a tailback-by-committee approach in that system.
“I don’t like rotating guys,” new offensive coordinator Al Borges said the first week of camp. “Never say never, but it’s never been my preference.”
Borges said he would use a third-down back, and it seems Hoke likes Smith for that role. He didn’t say the junior would be slotted there, but did say he would be ideal in that capacity.
“Vincent is a guy, on third downs, who can do an awful lot,” said Hoke, who is tanned and sporting a goatee after 20 practices of fall camp. “He is a tough, tough guy. I’d take 115 of him. He can do a lot of things with protection and catching the ball out of the backfield.”
Running backs coach Fred Jackson said earlier this month at the team’s media day he already has picked his third-down back, but declined to name him.
Hoke also said sophomore running back Stephen Hopkins had a good practice Tuesday.
Senior Mike Cox and freshmen Thomas Rawls and Justice Hayes also are candidates for the lead tailback job, but were not mentioned by Hoke at Tuesday's news conference.
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
GoblueinNE_PA
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
Maybe Shaw's style is a better fit for the a power running game, but we've certainly not seen any indication of that from Shaw to this point in his career. He's not met an arm tackle that wouldn't take him down. Maybe the additional weight and the scheme will take better advantage of his skills, but based upon what we've seen, this isn't the greatest of news IMO. As for Smith, I'm not surprised he's the 3rd down back. That's usually the role in a pro style offense for a small quick scat back type player. He'll be heck to cover on screens, draws, and swing passes. Can't wait for the season to start though!
Nic schweigert
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
I'm stoked for shaw. I know they are all capable backs, even the freshmen backs. But I've been a fan of shaw for a few years now. He isn't the huge bodied back hoke may want but anytime I've seen him run he runs hard for his size. He runs bigger than he is. To laurencelaundry I dont know what games you be watching but anytime shaw is healthy he runs hard and runs down hill. He don't dance. That's smith. I'm not worried about the running backs though, I think they'll do good, whoever it may be in the back field. But shaw runs hard and I love watching a guy who may not be all that big but he runs hard and I can't wait for the renewal of michigan football greatness. Go blue
umgoblue47
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
blu. . . rawls does have a shoulder injury but it is not serious. . . i don't remember where i read it. . . GO BLUE!!
Blu-dogg97
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
thanks umgoblue47...
Blu-dogg97
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 3:44 p.m.
I like Brady's approach here,only letting media 15 to 20 mins exposure to practices,and I watched the BTN Michigan football review the other night,and noticed they didn't allow them much either ,pretty much generic sets on offense and defense,mostly just showed drills the players were doing .. Sorta like the famous velvet painting of the dogs playing poker,Hoke the big dog at the table with the other B1G coaches,not showing his hand until the end !! He's sand bagging like someone else wrote here,and so is Mattison,he has separate defensive sets for different teams/offenses ,and also has several NFL blitz /stunt pkgs ,that he will bring out if he needs them,and if he doesn't need them he won't show that team his hand !! There is a big difference over the past 3 yrs ,when you could virtually watch almost every practice,and players interviewed etc... Reminds me of the old Kenny Rogers song ! "You gotta know hold em,and know when to fold them " should be fun to watch this season unfold !! P.S. Kyle maybe you could help us here? I heard Chris Balias from Wolverine .com on the radio yesterday mention that T.Rawls has a slight injury ? from the scrimmage ... Have you heard this ?? or is that classified information ? GO BLUE...
81wolverine
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
I think Michigan will need to rely on a group of RB's this season. Shaw has ability, but I can't see him carrying the ball 25 times on a consistent basis. He's not shown durability in his career thus far. It's great to hear Toussaint is doing well, as he has the most break-away potential among the backs we have. I'm sure any of these guys will do well IF the blocking is there. That's always the key. We need our O-line to really step up this season, which I think they'll do.
RJ12688
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
Good for Mike Shaw. I was kind of thinking he was going to get buried on the depth chart with hoke bringing in the power run scheme. But if Hoke likes him right now then thats good enough for me. Adding 10lbs is also nice to hear, i always thought he was a little small. Hopefully he comes in and runs hard and chews up some yards.. it sure would be refreshing to see someone besides Denard do that on the ground.
Chad Williams
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 6:09 a.m.
I think as a lot of teams are doing should use 3 RBs. I dont think they have a back that will carry the load and be effectie doing so. Any of those guys can carry the ball 25 times a game if you give it to them, but how effectie will they be. Especially as the season carries on with injuries and so forth. Being a bit too stubborn with this decision. I think smith should get carries as well. The last thing they want to do is make this offense predictable as it was last year in the second half of the season. Show some trust in more than one guy then the opponent wont know whats coming.
burton163
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 5:32 a.m.
Good grief...these guys are jacked up. U can read between the lines, it sounds to me like Hoke knows he's got some horses after all. This OL has the potential to be better than just good. If that happens, with DRob, and a bunch of talented targets, we could take the division. With DR, we are NEVER out of a game. It all revolves around protecting our most valuable weapon, to opening holes for the RB's to give the offense the balance it NEEDS, and we are no less than any other team we will face this year. Bring it. This is Michigan, Fer God's Sake...GO BLUE!!!
lawrencelaundry
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 4:30 a.m.
Great for Shaw, I just hope he hits the hole harder and faster instead of dancing. I really don't understand Smith as a third down back when he is so small. It seems on clips that cox seems to run harder then the rest. I can't wait for Rawls next yr when he packs on more good weight. Hell be a monster.
azwolverine
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 2:46 a.m.
I agree with both comments. First, starting game 1 doesn't ensure starting the rest...that role will be determined as Michigan finds it's way through the opening, non-conference games. Further, whoever that RB is will be fine, especially running behind a larger, stronger line. RB does not appear to be a position of concern, imo.
Commoncents
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
To me it doesn't matter who "starts" for the opener. For the first 5 games they will all get a lot of reps and by the Big 10 opener we'll have the final decision....
1st Down
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.
Good for Mike Shaw...Im really happy for him...its great that he added 10lbs to his frame which was always a bit slight...i think we will be OK at RB this year, maybe even a bit better than that.