The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/480355
wouldn't say he's any different than any other guy. Once again, everyone has to prove who they are and what they are. I don't want to put the cart before the horse right now, but size does help." Those watching Isaac in practice last season were very impressed, with more than one "real deal" label as- signed to him by sources close to the situation. But with a new coaching staff, new first impressions are just beginning. Former Michigan offensive lineman Doug Skene — who once cleared the way for Wheatley in the Michigan run game — said there is a lot to like about Isaac. "I love his size," Skene said. "He's got the speed and the power. He re- minds me of Wheatley, years ago when I played. He's that kind of player. He's got all the potential in the world. "He's taller and longer than both [Derrick] Green and [De'Veon] Smith. He's got better open-field speed than Green. Isaac may be a better receiver out of the backfield, too." Wheatley already knows what his ideal back looks like. Now it's a mat- ter of seeing who comes the closest to it, not only in spring ball but also through players-only practices in the summer and on into fall camp. "He's a smart guy that can handle not only the ball, but the game, mean- ing the game never gets too big," Wheatley said of the back he's seek- ing. "He's basically a coach on the field, can make corrections, see the game, make the game slow down for himself. He understands the ebb and flow, and situations. "Sometimes a three-yard run is probably the best run you can have in a game. He's not always looking to make the home run. He can pass protect, is smart, a well-rounded back that's going to understand who he is, play within his talent level and man- age the game." With those criteria established, the race is on. THE COMPETITION RAMPS UP This much is certain: those who got a taste of the action at running back for the Wolverines the last two years aren't stepping aside. And if the in- juries of the past couple of years are any indication, Michigan will need an all-hands-on-deck approach anyway. Junior Derrick Green, the 5-11, 234-pound former Rivals.com five- star recruit himself, learned all about what it takes to perform at this level, after coming in overweight as a fresh- man and playing from behind all year. Last season, he arrived at fall camp far more sculpted, and got a good jump out of the gate. He reeled off a 62-yard run in Mich- igan's opener against Appalachian State, then ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries against Mi- ami (Ohio). His dozen carries for 74 yards at Rutgers pushed him to 471 — fifth best in the Big Ten at the time — with three touchdowns on 82 tries. But Green went down with a shoul- der injury, seeing a promising second season in a winged helmet end only halfway through. Now, he's out to prove a point, and Wheatley is watch- ing carefully.