There is no doubt Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes will be the go-to running backs for Michigan Football this season, but who will be RB3? Let’s examine the candidates:
There is no doubt Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes will be the go-to running backs for the Michigan Wolverines this season, but who will be RB3? Transfers C.J. Hester and John Volker, redshirt freshman Micah Ka’apana, and former walk-on Bryson Kuzdzal are the top candidates at the moment.
Let’s examine these candidates and see who could emerge as the go-to third option.
C.J. Hester (UMass transfer)
Hester is a Cincinnati native that spent one season at Western Michigan before playing at UMass last year. In his lone campaign with the Minutemen in 2024, Hester recorded 529 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 119 attempts.
His 4.4 yards per carry suggest Hester is a reliable, between-the-tackles running back who can handle volume if needed. Due to his edge in experience and physicality, Hester could be the early favorite to spell Marshall and Haynes.
John Volker (Princeton transfer)
Just two days after Hester joined the Wolverines in April, Volker also committed to transfer to Michigan. Volker was a team captain at Princeton last season and compiled 514 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 89 carries.
Volker adds efficiency and a leadership element to the Wolverines’ revamped running back room that should pay dividends. The former All-Ivy League honoree will attempt to carve out a consistent role in his final year of eligibility at Michigan.
Micah Ka’apana (redshirt freshman)
Ka’apana saw limited snaps as a true freshman last year, but coaches have raved about his upside and work ethic. During the spring game, he offered a glimpse into his potential by posting 34 rushing yards and a touchdown.
He may not have the experience of the guys that transferred in this offseason, but Ka’apana will have his opportunity to prove himself during fall camp. It’s a bit concerning the coaches felt the need to bring in two transfers during the spring portal, suggesting Ka’apana may not be ready for significant snaps. However, we aren’t counting him out until told otherwise.
Kalel Mullings explained why #Wolverines running back duo Jordan Marshall and Micah Ka’apana will excel next year.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen young guys come in with that much maturity and ability to adjust so quickly.”https://t.co/Mq4QVEm4aT pic.twitter.com/bJ9bF1WmGY
— Charles Post (@chas_post23) November 14, 2024
Bryson Kuzdzal (junior)
Lastly, there’s Kuzdzal — a name few expected to be in the mix until he burst onto the scene in April’s spring game. He racked up a game-high 105 rushing yards on 14 carries, playing his way into the conversation for RB3.
This is one of the most highly-contested races to track as Michigan opens camp in less than two weeks. The experience that Hester and Volker have will give them an early edge, but the competition is far from over as fall camp approaches.