2013 running back options
March, 12, 2012
Mar 12
11:33
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings
Michigan already signed its first running back in the 2013 class -- Wyatt Shallman (Detroit/Catholic Central). And with the Wolverines looking to get back to a power run game, it's important that they snag a few top running backs to aid that process. Shallman is a bruiser in the mold of former Purdue star Mike Alstott.
Here's a closer look at the other offers the Wolverines have put out to running backs.
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Justin DavisTom Hauck for ESPN.comStockton, Calif., running back Justin Davis has grabbed Michigan's attention, as well as most of the Pac-12.
Justin Davis (Stockton, Calif./Lincoln): Davis' first offer came from Oklahoma, but since then the 6-foot-1, 195-pound tailback has picked up more than 10 offers, with most coming from West Coast schools. During his junior year Davis rushed for 2,599 yards and 39 touchdowns. He was just one of two freshmen named to the ESPNHS California All-State Football first team on offense.
Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage): Green is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after running backs in the country, but in the next week he will be making his way around some Big Ten campuses. On Saturday Green will visit Wisconsin, on Sunday he'll be at Michigan and on Monday, he'll go down to Ohio State. His speed is what makes the 5-foot-11, 215-pound Green stand out. Currently, he boasts the fastest 40-yard dash time in the country for a running back (4.31).
Ty Isaac (Joliet, Ill./Joliet Catholic Academy): As a junior, Isaac rushed for 2,629 yards and 42 touchdowns. That was enough to pick up offers from 11 Big Ten schools (Minnesota is the only one that hasn't offered), but he also gained some attention from schools such as Auburn and Arkansas. Isaac is the tallest running back (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) on the board for the Wolverines (Shallman is taller at 6-3, though).
Deveon Smith (Warren, Ohio/Howland): Smith is one of the top backs in Ohio, and Hoke was the first to extend an offer. But then Urban Meyer did. Smith has only four other offers. For more on Smith, click here.
Jordan Wilkins (Cordova, Tenn./St. Benedict): As a sophomore, Wilkins rushed for 1,300 yards and 24 touchdowns. After his junior season he was named a Tennessee Mr. Football finalist. Now Wilkins has nine offers from the likes of Arkansas, Mississippi State and Tennessee. In February, Wilkins told WolverineNation, "I'm listed as a bigger back, but I like to get outside just as much as I like to go up the middle and run somebody over."
