FOOTBALL

What the emergence of Jordan Marshall means for the future of Michigan’s backfield

The freshman made his capabilities clear

Published

5 months ago

January 3, 2025

Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Jordan Marshall (23) pushes off on Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jeremiah Alexander (35) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Several Michigan football players turned in memorable performances in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday. Both Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards opted to sit out of the contest, so freshman running back Jordan Marshall had an opportunity to show his potential against No. 11 Alabama. The Wolverines are expected to add Alabama transfer Justice Haynes to their backfield in 2025, but Marshall refused to enter the offseason as an afterthought.

Jordan Marshall and the future of Michigan’s backfield

Aside from Mullings and Edwards, it was mostly unclear what the Wolverines had in the backfield. Sophomore Benjamin Hall had talked about being a leader in the running back room going forward, but he had 13 carries on the season before Tuesday. Rather than Hall, it was Marshall that led the way in the absence of the seniors.

Hall had 16 carries for 28 yards against the Crimson Tide, whereas Marshall turned in 100 yards on 23 totes.

“Yeah, I think he’s got a bright future,” head coach Sherrone Moore said of Marshall after the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday. “Like I said, he reminds me so much of Blake (Corum) in the way he approaches his business and what he does off the field to take care of his body. You obviously saw how he runs. He’s a physical runner. He can make people miss. He can run you over. He obviously has that burst.

“… But Jordan Marshall, he’s going to be a special back. He’s got a lot of ability, but he works really hard, so I think that’s the piece that really makes him different.”

Even if Haynes ends up in a winged helmet, Marshall will likely be a featured back for the Wolverines for at least the next two seasons.

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