Drake Johnson What the ?

Submitted by BornSinner on
It takes Green and Smith to both get injured for Johnson to even get significant snaps... Makes me think whether these coaches would even give him a shot if the other two were healthy.. Granted it is Indiana and it is great seeing some awesome running. Cheers.
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slappy09

November 1st, 2014 at 10:51 PM ^

Regardless of what we attribute this to (the real deal, porous D, IU, etc.,) that was fun to watch a Michigan RB run with so much 'hart'. It's been a while. Cheers to you!

Joined: 10/31/2009

MGoPoints: 733

ShariaLawFan

November 2nd, 2014 at 12:15 AM ^

This was pretty easy to project after looking at his bulbous stat line from last week (2-13, 1 td).  And I'm not even an expert!

Joined: 11/24/2012

MGoPoints: 102

PeteM

November 2nd, 2014 at 12:44 AM ^

This has all been said I suppose but how did the coaches put this guy so far down the depth. Also impressive how he overcame the misfortune of his high school alma mater

Joined: 09/15/2008

MGoPoints: 3471

CAwolverine

November 2nd, 2014 at 1:43 AM ^

It should come as NO surprise our coaches can't evaluate running back talent. Just look at Mike Cox, couldn't get significant playing time here, transfers out has an amazing year, gets drafted and is still playing in the NFL. Thomas Rawls can't get on the field, transfers out and is the nations 10th leading rusher DESPITE missing 2 full games and only have 3 carries in his last game. Most likely he would lead the nation in rushing had he played those 3 full games! Can't wait for this chapter of UM Football to be over.

Joined: 01/18/2010

MGoPoints: 923

Jevablue

November 2nd, 2014 at 7:48 AM ^

The guy does not look frail.  He's listed at 6' and 212.   His instincts, vision and burst were the best we've observed at any time this year.  No reason this guy can't be part of a manball scheme.

Joined: 11/05/2011

MGoPoints: 2978

JayMo4

November 2nd, 2014 at 7:54 AM ^

I think this is more an argument in favor of platooning guys than just plain saying the depth chart was in the wrong order.  If multiple backs are getting looks - and when no one is really separating himself, this is more than justified simply to keep guys fresh if nothing else - then Johnson would have had his opportunities by now.

Joined: 04/19/2013

MGoPoints: 12070

Blue in Time

November 2nd, 2014 at 9:35 AM ^

Brandon's gone and Michigan shows evidence of vital signs. They played with a sort of verve that has been sorely lacking, and Johnson's second TD run was a thing of great beauty. Next week will interesting indeed.

  

Joined: 08/17/2014

MGoPoints: 293

Ball Hawk

November 2nd, 2014 at 11:55 AM ^

I think that the coaches made promises to keep our highly ranked backs happy. When Drake got injured it was easier for the coaching staff to make those promises stick. Now that Drake is healthy and can run effectively, the coaches are in a bind again.

Joined: 11/28/2011

MGoPoints: 211

MGoUberBlue

November 2nd, 2014 at 2:31 PM ^

He got it and made the best of it.

It's hard to believe that all of a sudden the O-line blocking got very good and he was able to run.  The blocking was the same for the other backs and they did not hit the hole fast enough.

The kid has some legs.

Joined: 06/06/2011

MGoPoints: 4443

hennesbe

November 2nd, 2014 at 3:25 PM ^

I'm not just jumping on the Drake Johnson bandwagon.  i've been on it. I was pissed they ran him on kick teams last year unitl he got hurt.  He should have been playing then.

I've watched him throughout high school against my high school  The kid can flat out run the ball.  He always had good vision, good cuts and speed.

He wasn't recruited initially out of AAP.  Perhaps because he wasn't that big.  Michigan finally gave him a scholarship.  He has gained some weight and looks like a feature back.

Fire Hoke.

Joined: 09/11/2011

MGoPoints: 418

Levito

November 5th, 2014 at 9:07 PM ^

I've been waiting for this breakout performance by him since he was recruited. The kid's athleticism is seriously impressive.

I had been hoping to see him at least getting some reps at wideout to give the offense a solid vertical threat if he wasn't seeing reps at RB. I mean if this team will stick a QB in at wideout they can do the same with a RB.

In any case, I totally expect this guy to be the real thing, and I'm loving the chance to finally see him in action.

Joined: 11/02/2012

MGoPoints: 173