Michigan Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Running Back

Starting running back: Chris Evans
Backup: Karan Higdon

Honestly, it’s been a while since Michigan truly had a dominant running back. The Wolverines have had decent backs over the years such as De’Veon Smith and Derrick Green, who transferred, but none have had as much promise as Chris Evans.

As a freshman in 2016, Evans had a breakout campaign, or close to it, rushing for 614 yards and four touchdowns. The crazy aspect of it all was that he wasn’t even considered the best back in the Wolverines 2016 recruiting class. It was four-star Kareem Walker who took the headlines from the borderline four-star.

Turns out, Evans was the more college-ready back. Walker is still working to be in that running back rotation while Evans is entering his sophomore season as the unquestioned lead back. His breakaway speed and burst through the hole led to a 7.0 yards per carry average.

Backing him up, in my opinion, will be junior Karan Higdon who showed promise in 2016. The former Iowa pledge rushed for 425 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per touch. Some believe USC-transfer Ty Isaac will be the No. 2 back, but the senior’s window has seemingly closed to be a crucial figure in the offense.

Starting fullback: Khalid Hill
Backup: Henry Poggi

Harbaugh loves utilizing the fullback position as that smash-mouth Big Ten football is showcased each week in Ann Arbor. Khalid Hill benefited from being the team’s starting fullback last season, rushing for 10 touchdowns on 25 carries. Scoring 40 percent of the time he touched the ball? Solid. Senior Henry Poggi will also get some snaps at fullback.