Versatility with Evans and Turner
While Charbonnet and Haskins are closer to being straightforward running backs, Evans and Turner can be more holistic threats, getting involved in the passing game and other elements of the offense.
When Evans arrived in Ann Arbor in 2016, it wasn’t known if he was going to be a tailback, and H-back or a wide receiver — he’s capable in all areas. Turner’s path was obviously at tailback, but he can be utilized as deeper threats, because he can bring different things to the table, given his speed.
Each of the aforementioned aren’t typical for the position, Harbaugh notes, given their various capabilities. In 2020, you can expect to see them stretch the field, and line up in different positions, because of their skillsets.
“Both those guys give us the ability to do that,” Harbaugh said. “They’re both a little bit different than your prototype Big Ten running back. And that’s an exciting thing for us. They do it in their own way, where CT is a little bit more of a straight-line, burst, long-speed type of guy, where Chris Evans really, really excels moving laterally. Very natural lateral mover, can drop his weight, move side-to-side very easily. They’re different, but like what you’re saying, in terms of the conflict they put on a defense, particularly linebacker or safety, the bottom line is they’ll be hard to cover and they’re effective in space. They both can be weapons for us in that regard.”