The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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M According to fifth-year senior Fitzgerald Toussaint, junior running back Thomas Rawls (above) has improved his speed compared to the year before and he can really get going once he hits the open field. photo by lon horwedel Veterans Impressed By Emerging Youngsters Fifth-year senior running back Fitzgerald Toussaint knows his teammates want his job, but that didn't stop him, as the elder statesman, from mentoring his fellow ball carriers in the spring. And Toussaint came away impressed with the gains they made. "[Redshirt sophomore] Justice Hayes has incorporated some power into his running game and he's always had the speed element," said Toussaint. "And then [junior] Thomas Rawls is even faster than he was last year. When he gets into the open field, he can really get going. [Redshirt freshman] Drake Johnson really has it all. He's big, strong and fast. I watched him this spring and he did really well. "I feel like all three of them really made some big gains in the spring, and when we get into fall practices, they're going to be good competition, plus the guys we have coming in." Meanwhile, at receiver, fifth-year senior Jeremy Gallon knows how important it is that younger wideouts prove their worth this season, taking some of the attention off of him. He is convinced 22 ■ The Wolverine 2013 Football Preview that both sophomore Amara Darboh and redshirt freshman Jehu Chesson will blossom. "They're very competitive — they hate losing more than they love to win, and that's something special," Gallon said. "They're willing to listen. If they make a mistake, they'll come back and ask what to do. They're coachable. They're willing to put in the time to get better, and get on board with the seniors. "It's a blessing to have two guys like that to do everything for their team and not think about themselves at that age. If they keep working hard and listening to their coaches and teammates, they're going to have really good seasons and careers." Redshirt junior quarterback Devin Gardner also believes the two young receivers will contribute this fall. "Darboh is turning into the type of player that I look at and think, 'That's a big Gallon,' and Gallon thinks he's really good, too," Gardner said. "Chesson has a lot of skill as well, and he is working and getting better and better every day."