By: Dave Birkett
AnnArbor.com Staff
Posted: Dec 3, 2009 at 7:34 PM [Dec 3, 2009]
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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81wolverine
Posted Dec 3 2009
This is not good news. Michigan's running back situation doesn't look that good next season. A lot of inexperience and lack of size. Hopefully, some player(s) will step up to the next level.
michalllday
Posted Dec 3 2009
I was wondering where Fitzgerald Toussaint has been. This guy is a beast.He ran for over 2230 yards and had 28 TD's his Senior year in high school. He averaged 10 yards per carry. I hope he is at 100% to compete this spring.
Dave Birkett
AnnArbor.com Staff
Posted Dec 4 2009
Fitz hurt his shoulder in camp. If not for the injury, he would have seen the field. He'll be in the mix next fall for sure.
BroncoJoe
Posted Dec 5 2009
Dave - Does that mean Toussaint was a redshirt?
michalllday
Posted Dec 6 2009
Dave...yea I heard something about his collarbone...I just hope he is back and running like he did in high school. Pretty impressive.