When Carlos Brown broke his hand in practice last week, it was yet another set
back in his goal to finally see extended time at tailback. An outstanding athlete,
Brown has been tried at quarterback and defensive back in addition to running
back. This year, with Kevin Grady likely done for the year with a knee injury,
Brown is concentrating on running back fulltime, providing key depth behind Mike Hart and Brandon Minor.
“[The early practices] will be very important for Carlos,” running
backs coach Fred Jackson said at media day. “There is a lot that goes
into being a running back, pass protection, catching the ball, all of that and
more are things he’ll have to continue to pick up.”
With Brown back in the fold at running back, the Wolverines now have a stable
of runners, each with their own talents. Minor showed a blend of power, speed
and cutback ability as a freshman. Brown is the speediest of the trio. Then
of course, there is the incomparable Hart, who rushed for 1455 yards last season.
”You’re going to see a bigger, faster, stronger Mike Hart,”
Jackson said. “And the thing about Mike is, I’ve never coached a
more confident player. He really believes he can do anything on the field and
no one can stop him.”
Hart is setting his goals high as a senior. He has yet to win a bowl game or
beat rival Ohio State. With all the minor nicks that have been pestered him
throughout his career, the senior leader is primed for a big season.
“"I'm excited,” Hart said. “It's my last year. I haven't
played football since January so I'm excited to get out there and get back after
it. I'm feeling healthy and ready to go."
As is the rest of the backfield; Brown and Minor are both slated to contribute
in the return game as well and Jackson says there is a possibility that Grady
could come back towards the end of the year depending on what he and his family
decide. But as it stands, he is certainly pleased with the group he is about
to put out on the field.
“We have good depth,” he said. “With the three backs that
we have, I feel really good about where we are.”
***(editor's note) By the way, don't count out the speedy Avery Horn, who
we're hearing has been impressive in practice thus far.