A strong, reliable, hard-working running back has been a staple of all good Michigan teams in the past. When you think of Michigan running backs you think of athletes with the complete package.

You think of Tyrone Wheatley sprinting down the field, Mike Hart breaking tackles he never should have been able to break, or Tim Biakabutuka rushing for 313 yards against Ohio State. Whichever back comes to mind, he undoubtedly was a large part of Michigan's past success. "You had to be a tough guy, because everything at Michigan was black and white," former Michigan running back Ricky Powers said. "You had to know that Michigan was recruiting the best running backs, and if you didn't believe you were the best, there was someone else there that thought they were."

The current team has a stable of backs, but only recently was Fitzgerald Toussaint named the outright No. 1 guy by coach Brady Hoke. There hasn't really been a true No. 1 guy going on three seasons now.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Already an Insider? Sign in below:

• Username
• Password
• Sign In with Facebook

• ESPN The Magazine subscribers

  Activate your Insider account »

• Need more information?

  View Insider Benefits »

... or become an today

• 1 Year Membership - $3.33 a month

  Includes a 1 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine - Over 62% off the monthly price!

• 2 Year Membership - $2.50 a month

  Includes a 2 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine - Over 72% off the monthly price!

• Monthly Membership - $8.95 a month
• 

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email
• Subscribe

Tom VanHaaren | email

Reporter, WolverineNation

• Follow
• Archive

• Reporter for WolverineNation
• Covers Michigan Wolverines recruiting
• Joined ESPN in 2011