There are a lot of unknowns about Michigan football heading into 2021 but here are three Wolverines who are due for breakout seasons.
The 2021 Michigan football season is right around the corner and it’s one that Wolverine fans don’t seem overly excited about.
Sure, there is excitement about getting back to a normal season and the Big House getting back to full capacity, but it’s hard to blame Michigan football fans for being somewhat pessimistic about this team after it posted a 2-4 record in 2020.
Despite its struggles last season, Michigan football still has talent, at least according to the blue-chip ratio. The Wolverines are one of the 16 teams talented enough to contend for the national championship in 2021.
You can disagree with that or not, but it’s based on the 247 sports composite rankings. The question is whether or not Jim Harbaugh and the new staff can get the most out of these players?
On that front, here are three due for a breakout season in 2021 and if these guys can take that leap, it will go a long way to propelling Michigan to a better campaign.
We start our list of breakout candidates with a running back who’s been productive but needs more touches.
RB Hassan Haskins, RS Junior
Haskins has an extra year of eligibility due to last season and so he has multiple seasons left in Ann Arbor if he wants. However, if he wants to put together a breakout season, 2021 might be the best chance for Haskins, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound back with 997 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns to his credit.
Haskins is your classic power back. He doesn’t have brilliant speed and his college career has featured just four receptions. But he gets yards and he’s tough. He’s averaged 5.5 yards per attempt and even last season, he averaged 6.1 yards per rush and scored six times.
Haskins got 61 carries last season in six games and there’s no doubt he needs the ball more next season. Blake Corum and freshman Donovan Edwards are going to demand touches, due to their talent, but Haskins can be the workhorse.
The offensive lineman might be a strength for the Wolverines in 2021 and the best way to help the quarterback position is to establish a dominant running game.
Haskins has 1,000-yard potential and if he gets enough attempts, he’s a guy who could earn All-Big Ten recognition, in some shape or form next season.