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Michigan’s running backs room is loaded, returning nearly everyone from the 2019 roster — at least that we know of.
Starters Zach Charbonnet and Hassan Haskins return, as do fullbacks/h-backs Ben Mason and Ben VanSumeren — though the latter was working with the tight ends during bowl prep in December. Christian Turner didn’t make the trip to Orlando, with a team spokesman citing injury as the reason, but there’s yet to be any indication that he won’t be on the roster in 2020. The only departure at this juncture is Tru Wilson, who announced he would be transferring for his fifth-year.
But the Wolverines get something of a boon at the position, with one player returning with 1,722 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns under his belt.
Running back Chris Evans.
Evans was suspended for academic issues in 2019, but he’s made his way back to school and the team. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, speaking to reporters at a coaches clinic in Lansing on Thursday night, shared his excitement at getting Evans back into the fold after a solid three-year start.
Per The Detroit News’ Angelique Chengelis:
“He looked like he was in good shape,” Harbaugh said. “He was a busy guy working two jobs and coaching football and working out and coaching at Huron. Coaching some kids, too. He stayed busy. He stayed active. High level of activity.”
Evans is now fully back with the team, and even got three practices under his belt, joining those early-enrollees who were able to participate in the team’s bowl prep.
Harbaugh said he liked what he saw from the senior running back in his return.
“He looked good in the three days he was able to practice for bowl practice,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a good story. Stuck with it. Can be destroyed but you can’t be defeated. Only if you quit. He did not do that. Optimistic and excited about that.”
The biggest hurdle for Evans will be continuing to improve, battling for a position on the depth chart with players who didn’t take a year off of football.
But given that he kept himself in shape while honing his football knowledge, all bets are that Evans will be ready to go once the season arrives.