The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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22 THE WOLVERINE MAY 2017 ready to remain there if need be and praised Kugler's efforts in the middle. "Wherever I do wind up, I'm ready for it and willing to do it," he said. "At this point, we're just trying to fig- ure out the best five. That's the biggest goal right now. "Kugs is an older guy who has played the game his whole life, and knows it inside and out. He's a tal- ented kid, a strong kid, and football just comes naturally to him." Meanwhile Ruiz and other younger players could certainly challenge, noted Mason, who played himself as a true freshman for the Wolverines. "I think anyone can," Cole said. "If you're committed to it and willing to put in the work to make it happen, you can." RUNNING BACKS With De'Veon Smith gone, sopho- more Chris Evans stands as Michi- gan's leading ground-gainer among the returners from last year. He bolted for 614 yards on the season, and was Michigan's go-to back in the Orange Bowl, with 49 yards on eight carries versus the Seminoles. Evans' 30-yard touchdown run gave the Wolverines an ill-fated lead with less than two minutes to play, and he wants to put Michigan over the top many times in 2017. He'll have to continue to fight for the right. The Wolverines feature no lack of candidates. Fifth-year senior Ty Isaac ran with some power this spring, prompting Harbaugh's enthusiasm, while junior Karan Higdon possesses good burst and is healthier than a year ago. Redshirt freshman Kareem Walker survived a year of adjustment to col- lege, then excelled in bowl practices. He's also ready to challenge for carries. In the spring game, all of the veteran backs had their moments. In the very first series for the Blue squad, Evans split out and caught a pass, making an elusive move for extra yardage. He then took a direct snap from center, making a first down and whispering Junior Karan Higdon rushed for a game-high 81 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per carry in the spring game April 15. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Five Spring Game Head-Turners On Offense Michigan's spring game featured a number of eye-open- ers on defense, with pick-sixes, serious speed rushers and strong coverage. The Wolverines still produced offensive fireworks in a 31-29 win by the Maize squad, led by the top attention-getter on offense. 1. Brandon Peters, R-Fr., QB — Peters stole the spring show, firing strong-armed and accurate passes, for the most part. He did put a ball into the hands of redshirt junior cor- nerback Brandon Watson, who returned it for a touchdown. Other than that mistake, Peters tore it up, throwing for 160 yards on a 9-of-17 effort with a 55-yard touchdown pass and a dozen-yard scamper for a rushing touchdown. "I felt pretty good, except for that interception," Peters said afterward. "Overall, I felt like I had a good day. I was making good reads and getting what I could. Our offense executed." 2. Karan Higdon, Jr., RB — There was talk of Higdon be- ing a little nicked up, but he didn't show it in getting the most run of the spring game backs. A 27-yard touchdown burst highlighted his 12-carry, 81-yard, two-TD afternoon. Higdon finds himself in a fight for carries against a number of other talented backs. An effort such as he showed on April 15 can't hurt him, especially since he demonstrated the speed and explosiveness Michigan needs from him. 3. Ty Isaac, 5th-Sr., RB — Isaac is another tailback in the fight for carries, and his effort this spring has helped him. Running backs coach Jay Harbaugh identified him as stand- ing out as a blocker among the backs, and others have noticed his increased physicality. Isaac carried five times for 47 yards in the spring game, with a 28-yard TD burst. He should be looking at his most productive year in a Michigan uniform. 4. Tarik Black, Fr., WR — Certainly classmate Donovan Peoples-Jones drew the lion's share of attention among the early enrollees on offense, but Black reminded everyone in the spring game that Michigan brought in multiple rookie receivers with considerable talent. His four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown stood out. 5. John O'Korn, 5th-Sr., QB — O'Korn committed to stay- ing at Michigan for his final year of football, and he's also primed to do all he can to help this team. He proved very solid in the spring game, going 3-of-6 passing for 60 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed three times for 42 yards, showing his usual burst out of the pocket when pressured. — John Borton Redshirt freshman Brandon Peters threw for a game-best 160 yards and a touchdown while completing 9 of 17 passes in Michigan's spring game. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL