Michigan recruit Thomas Rawls hopes to compete for carries this fall
While the Michigan football team conducts early auditions for the role of No. 1 tailback at Saturday's spring game, one interested spectator will have more at stake than the others.
Incoming tailback recruit Thomas Rawls of Flint Northern High School told the Flint Journal that the Wolverines' lack of clear workhorse back has given him hope he can get into the mix this fall.
"It does kind of encourage me knowing they don't have a main back yet," Rawls told the newspaper.
File photo | The Bay City Times
Rawls said he will treat his trip to Michigan Stadium on Saturday as a study session.
"First thing I'm looking at are the running backs. I want to check everything out — the level of competition, the dos and the don'ts. I'm looking forward to it.
"I just want a visual — to see the speed of the game from high school to college, it's a huge changeover."
Flint Northern coach Fred Jackson Jr., the son of Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson, sees an opening for Rawls.
"I don't think he's going to redshirt," said Jackson Jr. "I do know if he doesn't redshirt, he will compete for a spot — but that's every year (with other players). It's no guarantee, but I see him competing."
Read the entire Flint Journal story here.
Comments
tater
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 10:24 p.m.
There aren't too many power backs who light it up as freshmen. I'm guessing he plays some, learns a lot, becomes a workout warrior, and has a big breakout year as a soph.
1st Down
Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 7:56 p.m.
I like his comments.. evaluate the situation and not make some stupid arrogant comment like a lot of these 18 year old kids come in with... Remember the movie "The Program" where the freshman comes in all cocky and introduces himself as "the running back" and the senior introduces himself as "the starting running back"... Thomas appears to be well grounded and wont come in with that type of tude.
Dusty
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 9:42 a.m.
You do know that was a movie, right? A work of fiction? Calm down.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
Everything I have read about this kid tells me that he has his head on straight. From the advance scouting of his teammates to understand just how much work it will take to go up the depth chart to the complete lack of a sense of entitlement, this kid has impressed me a lot. He seems to get it. He is anything but a primadonna. Very mature.
Terry Star21
Wed, Apr 13, 2011 : 12:48 a.m.
This kid certainly has potential, and love his verbal attitude - reminds me of a young Mike Hart. I sincerely hope he sees action, and hopefully be the next superstar for M. MgoBlue !
81wolverine
Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.
I think Rawls is going to be a good player for us, regardless of whether he sees the field this year. But you always want to see someone who feels like they can play right away. That's the right attitude.
PortageLkBlu
Tue, Apr 12, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
Probably wouldn't play at all in Coach Bo Schembechler's day as a freshman.