The running back position has been a focal point at Michigan since 1879 when the Wolverines defeated Racine by a score of 1-0. Granted the forward pass hadn’t been popularized yet, that didn’t stop “rusher” Irving Kane Pond from sparking a tradition of power football that still exists in Ann Arbor today. Pond Forever.
Over the years, Michigan has had several memorable running backs and a few favorites from generation to generation, including Ron Johnson, Butch Woolfolk, Jamie Morris, Tyrone Wheatley, Tim Biakabatuka, Anthony Thomas, Chris Perry and Mike Hart.
With such a rich history, it’s hard to believe the Wolverines went from 2011-18 without a 1,000-yard rusher, but now things seem to be reverting back to the norm with almost two players eclipsing the 1,000 yards barrier in 2021.