New recruit Thomas Rawls could make impact in deep backfield for Michigan football team
Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson is impressed with what he's seen so far from incoming freshman Thomas Rawls.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Fred Jackson had no intentions of making comparisons when he started watching decade-old game film late Tuesday night.
The Michigan running backs coach originally wanted to study film of the early 2000s because the Wolverines plan a similar style rushing attack under new coach Brady Hoke.
But when Jackson saw old film of running back Chris Perry, he couldn’t help but note the resemblance between the former Wolverines stalwart and new recruit Thomas Rawls.
“Thomas Rawls can lift you - I call it the ‘hit and lift’ - and keep on going,” Jackson said. “That, to me, is a special talent. Chris Perry had that. Chris Perry had the ability to hit you and keep on moving, and this kid can move the pile.”
Rawls, a 5-foot-10, 220-pound back from Flint Northern, was a late addition to Michigan’s 20-member recruiting class announced Wednesday.
With Grand Blanc’s Justice Hayes joining Rawls in the recruiting class, running back is perhaps the deepest-stocked position on the roster.
The Wolverines return last year’s starters, Vincent Smith and Michael Shaw, promising backups Stephen Hopkins and Fitzgerald Toussaint - not to mention 1,700-yard quarterback Denard Robinson.
There won’t be as many opportunities for all to contribute next year - Jackson said one will start, one will back up and a third will be ready if needed.
But as the offense shifts away from the spread and toward an I-formation in the backfield, it’s clear they plan to pound the football at opposing defenses, a plan that Jackson relishes.
“The running backs now are part of the game again, and that’s what I like,” he said. “I guess it’s not a surprise I’m saying that. I’m a running backs coach. I love it when the backs have something to do with the outcome of the game.”
Offensive coordinator Al Borges said that Robinson’s rushing numbers will most likely decline to approximately 1,000 to 1,200 yards - offset by a rise in his passing numbers as well as more carries for the running backs.
Beyond that, it’s uncertain how the depth chart will evolve.
Smith is Michigan’s top returning running back, with 601 net yards last year, but at 5-foot-7, might not be suited for the power offense. Shaw may be the most experienced back.
Hopkins showed promise in a limited role, and perhaps is the holdover best suited to play fullback.
“They’re going to fight to get those three spots,” Jackson said. “I think this will make a lot of guys look and say, ‘OK, I can do it or I can’t. Some of the guys aren’t necessarily suited for this offense. They’re going to find that out in two or three days when we put pads on.”
If they no longer fit at running back, they might find homes elsewhere on the Michigan roster.
During the recruiting press conference, Hoke said he always plans to recruit multiple running backs because they are typically excellent athletes that can fit at other positions.
“They make outstanding safeties or outstanding corners or slots or linebackers, depending on those backs,” Hoke said.
That possibility probably does not exist for Rawls, who broke the high school records of Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and runs the 100-yard dash in 10.6 seconds.
Jackson, whose son Fred Jackson Jr., is the head coach at Flint Northern, has seen his share of both.
“I know Mark and I know Thomas,” the Michigan running backs coach said. “They’re a lot a like. … My son is telling me he’s O.J. Simpson. He’s not that, but he’s the real deal.”
Pete Bigelow covers the Michigan football team for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2551, via e-mail at petebigelow@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Comments
PortageLkBlu
Mon, Feb 7, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
Funny thing, back when Jim Tressell took the rains at ohio state and started whipping Mich. butt everyyear I didn't hear a lot of talk about how those losses were acceptable because Michigan under LLoyd Carr had Character. What a bunch of hypocrites. Character is fine and it might spell Brady for 2-3 yrs we'll see after that if he keeps losing to ohio state.
D21
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : midnight
To A2.com, Hope you will interview RR in an article titled, "RR, why can't you stop making all those excuses and just MAN UP?" I guarantee that it will easily propel you to #1 readership ranking ahead of ESPN. GO BLUE!
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 11:26 p.m.
Now don't get me wrong, I like character and dignity to but as much as some of you might slight me, I want wins to and not only do I want wins I want to consistantly well at least more often than not to beat ohio state and Nebraska and Michigan state and Notre Dame and Iowa etc. etc.. and I think it's going to take great character to accomplish that really great character.
missionbrazil
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
Come on Portage, whatshisname is doing the exact opposite of what all of us want. His weak character and his blaming others and making excuses may be satisfactory for you and a couple of others, but for most UM fans it is not at all satisfactory. We want a leader and developer of quality young men who takes responsibility for everything and who sets a good example to follow, not someone who blames everyone else and makes excuses. And after 3 years we finally have a real leader again.
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Actually, RR is not saying or doing anything differently than all you RR complainers and haters are doing which as you complainers say is making excuses and complaining. Same difference just a differant tone.
Blu-dogg97
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
the following copy/paste from a Detroit News Bleacher report ..interesting the Blue team keeps building.. Michigan coach Brady Hoke said he will officially finalize his staff Monday, but several sources have indicated he is expected to hire defensive coaches Curt Mallory and Jerry Montgomery. Mallory, a former Michigan player who graduated in 1992 and most recently was defensive coordinator at Akron, will coach defensive backs. Montgomery, a defensive tackle at Iowa from 1998-2001, will coach the defensive line. Montgomery had been hired by new Indiana coach Kevin Wilson last month. From The Detroit News: <a href="http://detnews.com/article/20110203/SPORTS0201/102030398/Brady-Hoke-expected-to-add-Curt-Mallory-and-Jerry-Montgomery-to-defensive-staff#ixzz1D6d9QeA5" rel='nofollow'>http://detnews.com/article/20110203/SPORTS0201/102030398/Brady-Hoke-expected-to-add-Curt-Mallory-and-Jerry-Montgomery-to-defensive-staff#ixzz1D6d9QeA5</a> TiM.. Go Blue..
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 4:36 p.m.
portlylakeBlu wrote: "Eddie you've let your self get confused somewhere god knows where come on son catch up this is 2011. Go back to when Bo started tangling with USC his first year and then go forward now ya got it Eddie thank you. All those fans ever talked about is winning the National championship, probably the most talented program since it's [sic] conception [sic],(beginning). Nick Sabin recruits for a National Championship. Why do you think Les stayed at LSU, now ya got it the great recruiting equall [sic] National contender year in and year out." Ahhhh, Portly. It's what you said--USC won NCs because it declared the NC to be its goal. Don't like the logic that follows from that absurd statement? Tough. Nick Sabin is, indeed, a great example. A mediocre coach in a conference that has academic standards higher and that does not allow greyshirting and other questionable practices became a genius in a conference where EVERY program but Vanderbilt and Kentucky has been on probation in the last 20 years, where "academic standards" for football players is a non sequitur, and where greyshirting and other such questionable practices are de rigueur. The same is true of Les Miles. I was NOT disappointed that he did not come to Ann Arbor. All that I had heard and read about his recruiting practices and academic standards led me to believe that he would be problematic. And this is what you want the Wolverine program to become? This is the "standard" to which you aspire? Then become a fan of 'Bama or of LSU. Michigan's standards are higher. You worshipers of crystal who are willing to do anything to achieve that false idol should read the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Vince Lombardi, "When Pride Still Mattered." It puts winning in its proper context, and it especially explains Lombardi's oft-quoted but almost always misunderstood statement, "Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing." Good Night and Good Luck
D21
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 12:02 a.m.
Ditto about Les. It got my vote.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
Time to saddle up, portly, and become an SEC fan. I think its brand of football, one that emphasizes cheating and recruiting athletes who couldn't get into a community college, is more to your liking. Good Night and Good Luck
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.
Oh not me Ed Ghost, I like losing games. Isn't that what some of you Rich Rodriguez fans said? Excuse me I meant complainers.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
For some people, apparently, winning IS the only thing. How sad. Good Night and Good Luck
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
Oki doki!
azwolverine
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 4:47 p.m.
Amen, brother.
Joe
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
Ghost...you absolutely NAILED it!!! Even the fans of the liar, loser, cheater have to admit that is funny...AND TRUE!!!!!!!!!! LOL
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
So Joe, it's good to hear from another Rich Rodriquez fan I guess there were a lot more Rich Rodriguez fans than I realized. Go Blue, good luck Rich Rodriguez and lots of luck to Brady Hoke, see boys and girls I just love everyone even D Hart and Tate Forcier and the 4star linebacker we just lost to that little Florida schoo, what the heck is the name of that school?
Blu-dogg97
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.
@ Ed Murrow... now that's Funny!!... very creative I must say.. we need more humor around here.. One just has to go to the mspoo side,if you like to be a downer... Keep up the good work Sir... TiM..Go Blue..
missionbrazil
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
Rawls is built like a power back, but he has good speed and is elusive in the open field ... it looks like he can be a very good one.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
PortageLakeblue wrote: "Your[sic] right about one thing, USC was, is a dynasty. The reason is is that USC aims for the national championship trophy every year." The following phone conversation took place at the EMU football offices just the other day. Ring. Ring. Ring. "Hello. Coach Ron English here, head football coach of the EMU Eagles. How can I help you?" Caller: "Ron, you're struggling over there at EMU. Two wins in two seasons. Things are looking bad." RE: "You think I don't know this? Are you trying to give me a hard time?" C: "No, but I know how to turn it all around." RE: "So do I. I need to recruit some kids who are athletes, win some games, get some momentum, and build on that. But that's not easy." C: "No, no, no. You have it all wrong. It's much easier than that." RE: "Really?? If it's so simple, what do I ?" C: "The only thing you need to do is to declare that your goal is to win the Crystal. If you to that, 4- and 5- star recruits will flock to Rynearson Stadium to play for you." RE: "You must be kidding!" C: "No, seriously. It's all that USC does--nothing else. It was the secret to Pete Carroll's success. Well, that and the fact that he cheated his pants off. And I can help you with that, too." RE: "YOU can help me with THAT, too? Wait a second!!!! Is this Rich Rodriguez . . . AGAIN??? Are you still looking for a job?" Click
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
In your dreams, it might be common knowledge in your house but not the big house, just like it was common knowledge that either Les or Harbaugh were dying to get back to Mich. and coach, "common knowledge in your dreams".
D21
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.
Pffft PLB, It's pretty common knowledge around here that Hoke would have ripped Brutus Buckeye's head off and stomped on it if Hoke was offered the OSU job. Ghost, great posting.
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
Eddie you've let your self get confused somewhere god knows where come on son catch up this is 2011. Go back to when Bo started tangling with USC his first year and then go forward now ya got it Eddie thank you. All those fans ever talked about is winning the National championship, probably the most talented program since it's conception,(beginning). Nick Sabin recruits for a National Championship. Why do you think Les stayed at LSU, now ya got it the great recruiting equall National contender year in and year out. Of course Brady Hoke was thrilled to get the Mich. job but let me ask you something Eddie, would Brady Hoke have taken the Ohio State job if that job had opened first, say last year?
birch creek john
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
I get so tired of hearing you cynics day after day. This kid's going to be a good one.
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.
Ed Ghost, you see Ed Ghost the problem with your theory is that, that old style under Carr and yes even Bo meant you could at the very least break even with ohio state but, Ed Ghost you saw what happened to that theory when Jim Tressell took center stage right Ed Ghost? Of course, the theory of bringing in RR was to bring in a new style that could compete with Jim Tressell same reason Jim Tressell was brought into ohio state, beat LLoyd Carr and it worked but not with the old style of ohio state ball. Now we want to go back to the good ol days and Ed, it's going to take more than hype to beat Jim Tressell not to mention enter Rt stage Nebraska. Now Ed Ghost, you might be satisfied with the good ol days but how long before the average fan is satisfied with losing to Nebraska and ohio state. I do not believe the old style is going to beat those 2. Maybe once in awhile but not enough. Some of you boys and girls say, well Rich's style didn't work and your right Rich Rodriguez style did not work well enough(defense mostly) in the time frame he was allotted 3 years but we don't know if Rich's style would have worked if given more time which now is a moot point right Ed Ghost? So, we go back to the old style thinking it's safe and it will avoid us the humiliation of the past 3 years you know Ed Ghost,"better to be safe than sorry". When a young man or woman leaves home for the first time and faces all the difficulties of life and then returns home for the first time he or she thinks it' s a safe comfort zone but it turns out that it's never quite as great as he or she remembered it kind of like the old days at Mich. before Jim Tressell arrived at ohio state.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.
"Eat your wheaties cause your going to hear a lot of cynics if they are dumb enough to take us back to that old style lose 3 games a year and the bowl." Yes, much better to go back to the 7.3333 losses per year, 6-18 in the Big Ten, 0-12 against Big Ten teams with winning records, 1-13 against OSU/MSU/PSU/Iowa/Wisky, 2-11 against teams ranked in the top 25 at the time we played 'em, winless against teams that finished the season in the top 25, 110th best defense in the FBS, etc....... You know. The good old days under whatshisname. Good Night and Good Luck
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
Eat your wheaties cause your going to hear a lot of cynics if they are dumb enough to take us back to that old style lose 3 games a year and the bowl.
81wolverine
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
Rawls was a VERY underrated player this year in the state. He should have been ranked far higher than he was based on his talent. I didn't realize he was so fast - 10.6 is a pretty good time for the 100. I don't know if he'll play his first year or not, but he and Hayes will really provide a boost to our running game. Michigan will need to recruit a fullback probably next year. In the meantime, they'll have to use Hopkins or Cox in the role.
InsideTheHall
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.
Checkmate Tru2Blue! The RR Error is over. Hoke gets it. Power football wins in the Big Ten. With late November games against Nebraska and Ohio State it is imperative to muscle up on teams.
Blu n Tpa
Sun, Feb 6, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
Lakeman, have you even looked at the offense SDSU had last season? Did you EVER look at the defense and special teams that Michigan had the last 3 seasons? Instead of what you had the last three games, how about an offense that is multi-facetted, so their "D" can't just stop one guy and win the game? First every play will have a "run option" if DRob can't find anyone open or no one's guarding the front door. Second, the new offense will make DRob a better player, no matter what he wants to do in the future. Third, our "D" and special teams will improve our field position, thus helping the offense. I know, you want krystal, and I want to win the lottery. The odds were the same with the WCiMFH, 14,000,000 to ONE! TiM Go Blue!
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.
Power and lots of speed, a no brainer.
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
Oh boy, we can go back to winning some games in one of the worst divisions in college A ball, Ya hoo, Mich. is back in the big time with the Power I. Now even when we lose bowl games to the Pac 10 and the southern teams and big 12 at least we'll lose those bowl games close. If we have a chance he better run some spread and get speed unless your satisfied with Michigan tradition pre RR. If you are your putting a big smile on buckeye fans everywhere oh, probably corn husker fans to.
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 7:42 a.m.
Re: " I like these coaches, but the more I read the more it sounds like we're going right back where we started with 9 or 10 wins and no NC." As others point out: Michigan got to be the winingest football program with coaches who had only a 75%+ win record. That translates to 9 -10 wins per season in the current season length. Besides: what's your inference? Is it that some other scheme and coach produced LOTS of evidence we'd be having 11-12-13 win seasons lately?? Or are you saying that a "proper scheme" doesn't need great running backs like Rawls promises to be? Lets see the math. Of the 132 seasons Michigan fielded a football team, 129 of them featured running backs and only three did not. Now, which three seasons produced the worst loss record, any of those WITH emphasis on running backs? No NC? What evidence do you have that shows Michigan was about to win a national championship? Was Michigan poised for that as of last season? Please do tell.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.
"Well we will have men of character and faith the problem is though, now our fans don't show character and faith in us if we don't win every game." Indeed!! You have described EXACTLY how the lovers of whatshisname treated Lloyd Carr for the decade before they ran out of town. You, of course, could not be talking about whatshishame's critics, since whatshisname was the least honorable and most unsuccessful coach in modern Michigan history. Good Night and Good Luck
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.
A bed time story, there once was this team called the Wolverines that were the most winning team in college history, they never had violations, and were men of great character and a winning attitude year in and year out and year in and year out until now. Now we have a new coach that is going to return us to the days of yesteryear only problem is is that schools all over the country have been progressing their programs and have surpassed our traditional style in many ways like speed and talent. Well we will have men of character and faith the problem is though, now our fans don't show character and faith in us if we don't win every game.
emcgoblue
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 2:58 a.m.
Definitely going to loose some kids. I like these coaches, but the more I read the more it sounds like we're going right back where we started with 9 or 10 wins and no NC. I'm glad they are recruiting the midwest, but if they want to seriously compete they're going to HAVE to go into Florida and Texas.
missionbrazil
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.
we landed 3 guys from TX, 1 from FLA, and 1 from CA ... who said BH and his staff aren't recruiting in these states ?
81wolverine
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 1:22 p.m.
I think Michigan definitely WILL recruit nationally too, including Florida and Texas. But, "locking up" our home state and getting good players out of Ohio is critically important for several reasons. First, it's much easier to find players who already like Michigan and will be committed to staying here. Second, we're not constantly going up against slimy SEC recruiters who use every dirty trick they can to convince players to attend their school. Third, many players like to stay relatively close to home so their families can watch them play. I don't think signing a lot of players from the midwest limits us to 9 or 10 wins as you say. Hoke has also said that he will go elsewhere to get players that Michigan needs.
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.
And California!
Blu-dogg97
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 2:38 a.m.
Fred does know his running backs..Rawls seems like a good fit for a M tailback after watching his vids.. V.Smith probably a slot rec,or probably a transfer.. Brady and coaches have made great strides to this point,I certainly look forward to the spring game.. Think Spring .. TiM.. Go Blue..
michboy40
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
I smell a couple transfers.
Keith
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:59 a.m.
Looks like Fred is not going to have his hands tied but full. There seems to be allot of trust and experience going into nexts years offense. We need a "POWER BACK" when we hit the conference games next season. I wonder if there will be a run option in every QB play next season?
sportyridr
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:34 a.m.
nice response AZ...the guy just does not get it, I think he should become an SEC fan and get it over with...I am all for a great M team this year...so much hype so soon though...
tulsatom
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:31 a.m.
If Rawls is like Chris Perry like Coach Jackson indicated, he will a nice blend of power and speed and a welcome addition to the team. Perry could run by you or run you over and catch passes out of the backfield, too. I remember the time he carried the ball against MSU in East Lansing around 50 times for around 220 yards in a hard-fought U-M win when both teams were ranked and very good.
azwolverine
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.
Couldn't agree more, Murrow. The focus should be, and now is, on winning the B10. That is a focus within a team's control. Once you win the B10, other things may follow...but if you can't win the B10, 'Crystal' is completely out of reach anyway. Further, ALL programs would be considered failures if 'Crystal' were the yearly definition of success, because NO ONE wins it yearly. The great dynasties of college football win it at most 3 times in a 10 year span (Miami, Nebraska). Heck, USC was a dynasty under Carrol and they only won 'Crystal' ONCE!!! (their other title was shared and didn't come with the crystal). 'Crystal' does not and should not define a program...and if it does for some fans, then you will find happiness in your team only once every 20 or so years...IF you're lucky. I prefer to shoot for beating the likes of MSU and OSU, winning the B10, and letting the chips fall where they may after that.
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.
Your right about one thing, USC was, is a dynasty. The reason is is that USC aims for the national championship trophy every year. If USC just plays a big 10 school in the Rose bowl they, USC don't consider that a successful year.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Feb 4, 2011 : 11:36 p.m.
There are adults in the room who realize that crystal is a crapshoot--depends on factors out of any team's control--and that defining success in terms of crystal means virtually every season will be a failure. Children can hope for Santa Claus. Adults understand reality. Good Night and Good Luck
GettingBluer
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 3:23 a.m.
And, when you're #7 in the Big Ten, crystal is in another galaxy, far, far, away. If you can't win your conference, any talk about "crystal" better be referring to one's fine Koolaid serving glasses.
Theo212
Fri, Feb 4, 2011 : 11:22 p.m.
Really, kids, it comes down to 3 simple principals. (Please memorize these). 1. We're not interested in anything other than Crystal. 2. We will be patient with Coach Hoke (new concept for many of you). 3. A return to yesteryear = no Crystal. You're welcome.
Chilltime
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.
Crystal or bust Young Theo!
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
Good point Theo, a fact is a fact!
GettingBluer
Fri, Feb 4, 2011 : 11:35 p.m.
Theo post #1 for the 9 millionth time. Do post back when you have a new thought. We anxiously await...
clarklaker
Fri, Feb 4, 2011 : 11:05 p.m.
Tater Rawls doesnt look like a bowling ball and after the last three years of grief i for 1 am ready for some good old smash mouth football. Not to mention seeing someone on defense actually make a textbook tackle.
PortageLkBlu
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
Well clarklaker, with Nebraska and the bucs coming to town your going to get some smashmouth you can count on that.
GettingBluer
Fri, Feb 4, 2011 : 11:31 p.m.
Or, even knows that he is supposed to be on the field...
tater
Fri, Feb 4, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
Rawls sounds like a bowling ball. Sometimes they translate very well to college, and sometimes they don't. If he can still push defenders around at the college level, he will be a great addition. If you can get a "Thunder and Lightning" duo at the TB position, it can work out really, really well. One of Bo's old trademarks was to have backs of different styles, give them all carries, and "bet on the hot horse" in the second half. Now that there will be some upperclassmen on the team, maybe something like this can happen. However, I think that Rawls may have to wait a season or two before he starts pushing people around in college.