Michigan running back Vincent Smith will miss spring with torn ACL

Posted on Thu, Dec 3, 2009 : 7:34 p.m.

Freshman running back Vincent Smith will miss spring practice with a torn ACL, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said.

"He'll miss spring ball, but he should be ready for next fall," Rodriguez said Thursday at Michigan's annual football bust.

Smith suffered the injury in Michigan's season-ending 21-10 loss to Ohio State, when he led the Wolverines with 32 yards rushing on 8 carries.

He was expected to compete with Michael Shaw and Fitzgerald Toussaint for the starting tailback job next year.

Center David Molk also will miss spring practice with a torn ACL he suffered in October.

"He'll be fine for everything in the summer," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also was asked Thursday if he expected any changes on his coaching staff.

"No, we’re good right now," he said. "If there’s anything to come up, major announcements, I’ll make sure to inform all of you guys."

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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