Michigan running on young talent, not experience, in backfield

With Karan Higdon's graduation, and a few other recent departures at running back, Christian Turner could see his role grow for the Wolverines. (Photo: David Guralnick, Detroit News)

Shoved to the back-burner in all the discussion about Michigan’s new offense — a no-huddle, hurry-up installed by new coordinator Josh Gattis — is the lack of experience at running back.

While the focus has been on the quarterbacks and receivers — they made for an explosive combination at Alabama last season where Gattis was co-offensive coordinator — running backs coach Jay Harbaugh assured during the spring that the running backs will play a vital role in how this offense operates.

“We’re still a run-first team…