The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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led, you have to get up and run 40 more yards. You have to finish. You have to learn to finish." Both bigger backs, meanwhile, appreciate Nussmeier 's insistence about attacking overland. "Coach [Al] Borges, to me, was more of a pass-first, run-second guy," Smith said. "Coach Nussmeier has a run-first mentality." "This is a lot more downhill," Green added. "That's what I like. That would be the biggest thing. Also, he is real fundamental in pass protection." COMPETITION STILL EMERGING Many took note of redshirt junior Justice Hayes' start in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, although he didn't carry the football. He did snag three passes for 22 yards, to go with his one carry for seven yards on the sea- son. The 5-10, 190-pounder appears to be a situational player, the Big Ten analyst observed. "It seems like he's more of a third- down back," Ray said. "He has some speed, and he can make plays in space. I think he's more of an out- side runner — reverses, toss sweeps, maybe an outside zone. He's a guy you can utilize in the option, if Nuss- meier has that in the package. "He can help Michigan as a switch- up from the two bigger backs, who are thunder. He can be more light- ning, and have some draws, screens and maybe some bubble screens outside. He's more of a perimeter player." Hayes insists how he's used doesn't matter. He's just ready to go. "I always knew I had the talent," he said. "I just had to be patient. When I got that opportunity, I took it and ran with it. Going into this season, the confidence is there, and I am ready to ball out." Redshirt sophomore Drake John- son, meanwhile, saw his 2013 season last less than a game, going out of the opener with an ACL tear. The 6-0, 212-pounder is still making his way back, being limited in spring practice. "I like Drake," Ray noted. "He's tough. He's smart. He seems to un- derstand the offensive game plan. Be- fore he got injured last year, he was getting ready to make a move at that position. "Because he can play special teams, he's the most complete football player of all of those running backs. He can do more. He's one of the better ath- letes in that entire group. I like his speed. He's the one guy that can hit the home run." Ross Douglas, a 5-10, 186-pound redshirt freshman out of Ohio, moved from defensive back to running back this spring. He wants to be a coach someday, and Ray insisted that bodes well for him. "He's going to work hard every game to prove himself," Ray said. "With that kind of attitude, the only thing he can do is help that unit. I like that." Michigan's running game has plenty to prove, period, come Sep- tember. That's when the proof of both the plan and the contestants comes into focus. ❑