Green to backup Toussaint now
Contrary to popular opinion a couple days ago, Brady Hoke said that Derrick Green is now the number 2 back behind Toussaint.
"Fitz (is) No. 1," Hoke said. "Then it'd be Green No. 2, then (Thomas) Rawls and (De'Veon) Smith and then Justice Hayes."
Obviously a lot of this has to do with the injury to Drake Johnson. It is interesting to me that he moved up the depth chart quickly. Sure, he had that great run against Central, but that had more to do with great blocking. Overall, his running seemed pretty "meh" that game.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:08 PM ^
TL:DR
Instead I go to MLive and get all my information, then I go over to Mgoblog, source of all things M related and post a topic which since I trolled around MLive for a bit has already been posted and discussed.
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:55 AM ^
Yeah, this has been on the main page for a little while now.
http://mgoblog.com/content/monday-presser-transcript-9-02-13-brady-hoke
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:54 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:59 AM ^
It seems like it would be hard to take much from the CMU game and project it forward, but Toussaint and Green were the stars among the RBs statistically. Like others, I really did think Green looked alright out there even considering that it was his inaugural effort, and based on that, it seems to make sense that, right now, Fitz and Green are probably who the staff might turn to against ND for their best shot at a productive running game.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:02 PM ^
If they could do that against ND it would be pretty nice.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:05 PM ^
I'm sure Green will perform admirably, and he looked pretty good out there. Still, he looked a little bigger than he should. I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but he looked like he could stand to lose 10-20 lbs and be better off for it.
But knowing his backstory and how he dropped a ton of weight to become a RB, if the coaches tell him to lose weight, I don't think he'll have much of an issue doing that.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:17 PM ^
My favorite run from Green was on the touchdown, where he lowered his shoulder, bounced off a tackler, spun and fell forward into the endzone. I think that showed great natural running skills.
Also despite his size, Green is still faster than Smith.
Smith is fun to watch though, because he seems like the most violent runner on the team.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:26 PM ^
It is funny, given their relative sizes, that Green appears to be the faster one who would tend to go down on first contact (aside from that TD push), whereas Smith would plow right into the defense and push for a yard or two.
Both of these guys are pretty exciting. I think they both have a ways to go, but they are going to be an awesome tandem.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:33 PM ^
Smith reminds me a lot of Minor. Runs angry with a chip on his shoulder, looking for contact. Lacks top end speed and will probably miss some cut back lanes...but his violence will ensure you always know when he's in the game. Green and Smith will be a great tandem. Adding Harris to the mix next year will ensure a beastly running game.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:44 PM ^
I thought he looked like Minor, too - the #4, the way his jersey fit, the way he ran and churned his legs. I think Minor was faster, but there are some physical similarities.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:49 PM ^
To me, the most noteable thing about Smith is his balance and leg drive after contact. He also does a nice job of picking up his feet through tight spots to avoid ankle tackles. Green looks more explosive and looks to be a guy that will slam into the line for no gain a lot but when he breaks through the line, he's going go have some big runs.
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:00 PM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:31 PM ^
I assume he means Damien Harris, but he doesn't come in until the year after next.
September 3rd, 2013 at 2:26 PM ^
My mistake. Meant Damien. Jumped the gun...he is indeed not here until 2015.
September 3rd, 2013 at 4:22 PM ^
Exactly what I was thinking.. Plus rocking the #4
September 3rd, 2013 at 2:12 PM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:21 PM ^
that said Green should be the starter, not the #2. Green being the starter is not the current popular opinion. I don't think anyone has a problem with him being #2 right now.
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:56 PM ^
Clearly some people think Deveon Smith or Justice Hayes should be the #2.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:26 PM ^
a lot of people will be pissed off when we don't have a RB rush over 600 yards this year..
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:27 PM ^
Like Michigan Man 24 has noted, blocking is a big part of the running back position that dummies like me tend to overlook. I'm wondering if Green has shown an aptitude for it in practice that makes the coaches comfortable with him spelling Fitz.
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:23 PM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:48 PM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 2:11 PM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 3:30 PM ^
If we run EVERY time Green is in, instead of throwing every now and again, it won't be too hard for opposing defenders. So the question is, has Green developed the ability to recognize/take on a blitzer effectively, etc. I like to think that his status as number 2 indicates that the answer is yes, though your idea of having AJ or Kerridge pass protect seems reasonable.
September 3rd, 2013 at 2:57 PM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 3:53 PM ^
I can't wait until Green blows up so everyone shuts up about this!
September 3rd, 2013 at 10:05 PM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:54 PM ^
I don't know why so many people are against this. Green's redshirt is already burned, he's a five-star recruit who we all danced and sang about when he committed, and he looks like a clone of Eddie Lacy (those THIGHS!!!!1! and running style).