How does everyone think the RB position is going to play out

I liked the way they used the RBs in the bowl game, frequent rotation between Johnson and Smith.  Some have speculated that Smith could move into the Houma position of RB/FB hybrid which he seems to have the skill to excell at.  If Isaac has bought in as has been indicated it could be Isaac and Johnson at RB with Smith as the short yardage/FB dive guy.

He will line up as QB and run wildcat keepers.
He will line up as fullback and run dive plays.
He will line up at wide receiver and replace Chesson on jet sweeps.

Every time a run play is dialed up, I personally guarantee that Smith will tote the rock.

If Deveon can run like he did againt Florida, I think he will be tough to beat out for the starting spot.

Deveon looked the part of a feature back in the bowl, I don't really see much doubt that'll continue. I think Isaac works himself out of the dog house and contributes, although it might be at H-back/Flex. Drake, Higdon, and Walker will probably split the rest evenly-ish.

To this year, but no Derrick Green in the rotation. Oh, that was this year, never mind. 

We will have an improved running game with a better Deveon (a la the Florida game), contributions from Ty Isaac, and improved run blocking.  Meanwhile, if the QB works out, we are going to throw the ball very effectively.  Walker will get a year of experience, whether he redshirts or not.

I'm putting in a crystal ball for Deveon Smith.  He will be spelled by Isaac (NTI).

In snap percentages:

Smith - 60

Walker - 20

Johnson - 15

Isaac - 5

I think Ty will get some play when we want another big pass catcher on the field. Walker will be given every opportunity to get PT, but if healthy no one can take the bulk of snaps away from Smith. We saw glimpses of his ability during the year while he was hurting (his run against BYU was one of the most fun moments I've had in the stands at the stadium in years), but what he did against Florida was indicative of how good he can be when he is near 100%. Give him an improved line and he can be a top 4 back in the conference. 

I admire Ty for sticking with it and trying to right his ship. He has transferred, made bad decisions, not been fully committed...but I think his persistence and maturation will get him some time. 

I love Drake, known him for a while, think he's a really good back...but I think his injury history will prevent him from ever being more than a change of pace guy. Which is fine because he comes in and gets 6 YPC and does well in the screen game. He just won't be in the league anytime soon. 

With 4 returning starters on the OL (5 if you want to count TE/Butt), no scheme change for the first time in 3 years, AND year 2 of Drevno, Michigan should have excellent RB productin.

with someone not fumbling the football and seeing the holes created in front of him by the experienced offensive line. Beyond that, I could care less who starts, who gets the most snaps or who rides the pine. 

1. Smith - When healthy and chooses the right hole gets positive yardage and punishes defenders.  Harbaugh obviously likes him and he's a good bloker.

2. Johnson - When healthy is the faster and better vision back, but hasn't been back to his old self yet so there hasn't been a fair comparison yet.  Looked great in the bowl.  If back to his old self may become #1 or #1A.

3. Isaac - Has the ability, heard some noise that he improved the last few weeks of the year, but was in the doghouse, didn't block that well, and had fumble issues.  May be the most talented and complete back if he ever puts it all together, but still has a lot of prove.

4. Walker - Highly rated back that will get an opportunity, especially if he shows something during the spring since he enrolled early, but will have to be better than the people ahead of him, it won't be given to him.

5. Everyone else has a lot of work to do to get meaningful snaps

***The bigger question is who plays FB

% of carries at RB:

Smith 50% Peppers 20% Isaac 10% Walker 10% others 10%

Before the  bowl game, my prediction was the Smith moves to FB and Walker becomes the #1 back, with Drake, Issac, and Higdon getting the bulk of the backup carries (in that order) with Peppers and Chesson getting a few handoffs a game each.  After seeing Smith's improved vision and cutting ability, I'm more inclined to think Deveon will hold onto that #1 job, with Walker taking the bulk of the backup carries and the others fighting for a few carries a game.  Although who steps up as our top fullback in that scenario, no idea.  I'm also not 100% sure that's actually better, because I kinda like the idea of maximizing the number of threats on field to make things harder on the D, and having Smith and Walker out there together does that best, but we'll see. 

Smith will get most of the carries.

Johnson, if healthy will get the 2nd most carries

(Why do most of you not mention Drake?  He is the quickest and best back on the roster when healthy.  Dont count out the Drake)

Issac, Higdon, and Peppers will get most of the rest

Kareem Walker is currently not ready to play college football.  He could use a good year to get stronger, and build up his legs. Red Shirt.

Give him some carries early on to soften up the defense and let some of our quicker guys work the middle quarters primarily.  Once it's time to close out the game, use him heavily to pound on a tired defense eat up yards and time.