The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/716367
34 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2016 No. 25 — Ty Isaac, RB Isaac might harbor the highest ceiling of anyone on the list, in terms of an opportunity to move up from his preseason spot. He's someone who could enjoy a breakout year by bursting from the Michigan backfield early and often. Isaac learned some tough lessons in 2015, the former five-star recruit buried on the depth chart behind others. He rushed for 115 yards — highlighted by a 76-yard touchdown run — versus UNLV in mid-September, but managed just 39 yards the rest of the season. He redoubled his efforts and enjoyed an excellent spring ball according to multiple reports, including a standout performance in the spring game. Now it's a matter of making it happen in the fall. According to some who have been watching him closely the past few months, it very well could happen. "My personal prediction is that I think Ty Isaac is going to have a breakout year," fifth-year senior offensive lineman Kyle Kalis noted. "When he first got here, he was a little heavy, but this past year, he's really dedicated himself to eating right, doing the right stuff on and off the field. "He's looking super trim, he's looking a lot faster. He's dedicated himself in the weight room and the film room. He's ready to go." The 6-3, 230-pound Isaac was good enough to go for 5,305 yards at Joliet (Ill.) Catholic Academy as a senior, scoring 67 touchdowns his final two seasons. In the 2011 Illinois Class 5A state championship game, he rushed for 515 yards and six touchdowns. He'd be the first to tell you, that means nothing at this level. It's time to take things up a notch, and Isaac intends to prove he's ready to roll. — John Borton Photo by Per Kjeldsen