The next Hassan Haskins? Michigan football freshman shines in spring game

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — On Saturday the Maize and Blue football team returned to the field for the first time since New Year’s Eve for the annual UM spring football game. There, the Wolverines saw many faces — new ones and old — shine. With running back depth at a premium in Ann Arbor right now (due to injury), a new Michigan football freshman, Benjamin Hall, got his chance and shinned — he runs like Hassan Haskins, and could see a similar role with the Wolverines in the coming years.

Michigan football freshman reminding UM fans of Hassan Haskins

From 2019-2021, Hassan Haskins roamed in the Wolverines’ offensive backfield. While Haskins was not the most impactful running back on Michigan’s roster during his first two seasons, he still managed to make a name for himself heading into the iconic 2021 season. During his final season in the Maize and Blue, Haskins shinned brighter than any back in recent history (to that point), helping carry the Wolverines to a memorable 12-2 finish with a Big Ten Championship game win and a College Football Playoff berth — both firsts for the program.

Haskins is known best for his incredible 2021 performance against the Ohio State Buckeyes, in which he ran for over 160 yards and five rushing touchdowns during Michigan’s 42-27 victory. He was known for his bruising style of play and running over everything in his path — at many times, it appeared as if the only way to tackle Hassan was for 3-5 defenders to climb onto him and hope he eventually fell down.

Benjamin Hall shines during spring game

With Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and more still battling some injuries, Benjamin Hall — a Michigan football freshman running back — stepped up and had some great plays. Hall stands at 5-foot-11, though he weighs in at 235-pounds, and is every bit of the bruiser that Hassan was. Like Haskins, Hall appears to be little threat in open space, though if you line up five defenders in front of him with 10 yards to gain, there is a good chance he is getting that first down.

On multiple occasions, Hall was seen dragging defenders and pounding his way during the Michigan spring game — it may be April 1st, but this Michigan football freshman running back is no joke.

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