Michigan will have a number of running backs vying for carries this year, including three guys who have plenty in their careers. Redshirt freshman Kareem Walker is starting to make his case for his.
There have been rumblings from camp of big runs from the 6-1, 207-pounder. It took some time for him to adjust to the college experience both on and off the field, but it appears the light is coming on.
“Kareem is one of my best friends,” sophomore running back Chris Evans said. “I stay on him every time I see him … ask him what do in this, what do in that just to make sure I know where his head is at, to make us all into what I’m all into. He’s starting to get it, understand the concepts.
“When we all got here, especially freshman year, it was ‘alright … this is just like high school. I’m just going to get the ball and go, just be me.’ It’s way more than that. Just being able to know what’s going on helps you a lot.”
Evans rushed for 614 yards last year, averaging 7.0 per carry. Higdon was at 425 and 5.9, Isaac 417 and 5.6, so there are capable backs competing.
Fifth-year senior center Pat Kugler believes Walker has a legit chance, though, to crack the lineup.
“He’s been having a hell of a spring,” Kugler said. “He’s come on, really. He runs really hard. Expect him to be in … but we’ll see. It’s a loaded backfield, so well see.”
A backfield of Evans and Walker sounds good, Evans said — but there are several possibilities.
“I like it, but everybody in the room … there’s so much competition in the room you don’t know who is going to be the next man up,” he said. “As soon as someone goes down, it’s next man up. No matter who it is, what coach Jay [Harbaugh] wants to roll with, that’s his choice.”
It appears Walker, though, will get his shot.
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