New Michigan Man: Transfer RB Ty Isaac

In 2013, Michigan had one of the worst rushing seasons in program history. And Brady Hoke knew he had to do something about it. So, along with the addition of new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, Hoke has now also added former 2012 Michigan recruiting target, 5* recruit, and USC commit/running back Ty Isaac!

I will be attending the University of Michigan this year

— Ty Isaac (@TyIsaac) June 5, 2014

One of the best running backs in the 2012 class, Isaac was the #1 guy on the Wolverine coaching staff\’s big board and was being heavily recruited to Ann Arbor but chose the Trojans instead in a bit of a shocking decision. However, it\’s not like Michigan skipped a beat, they went on to add 5* RB Derrick Green and 4* RB DeVeon Smith to the class. But now they have their top three targets from that class on the same roster after Isaac decided to transfer from USC to be closer to his mother in the Chicago area.

Here is what Ty told The Wolverine\’s @EdgyTim about his commitment:

\”I decided that I\’m going to transfer to Michigan,\” Isaac said moments ago. \”I had a good visit there and it\’s just the place where I feel the most comfortable. I didn\’t want to drag all of this out and see a ton of schools. Michigan was in my final three when I committed to USC and the reasons I liked Michigan are still very much in place.\”

Not many people thought Michigan stood a chance for his services for many reason, but clearly Hoke and company wanted to sure up the ground game even more. Isaac is a big, strong, home run threat that will help create a dream three headed monster in the backfield. When he would be available is on a TBD as his mother is already arguing the \”100-mile rule\” for Ty\’s hardship waiver. If successful, he will be able to play this fall.

Height: 6\’3\’\’

Weight: 225lbs

2013 Stats: 40 Attempts, 236 Yards, 2 Touchdowns

Highlights

As for the Impact on Future Classes

Isaac\’s addition clearly makes taking two running backs in 2015 more of a luxury than a need. Because of the numbers and depth chart, it is likely they only take one. It will likely be the first come, first serve between their top running back options: Harris, Patrick, Weber, Frasier, Lands-Smith and McCloud). But if I had to guess, I think Harris will be that guy. For more, we went into detail about How Ty Isaac Would Affect Team 136.

Projected 2015 Running Back Depth Chart 

  1. DeVeon Smith, Junior
  2. Derrick Green, Junior
  3. Ty Isaac, RS Sophomore/Junior
  4. Justice Hayes, RS Senior
  5. Drake Johnson, RS Junior
  6. Ross Douglas, RS Sophomore
  7. 2015 Commit

It would be tough to miss out on either Weber or Harris but the depth chart would be stacked either way and landing a talent like Isaac is something you do not pass up on as a head coach. Smith, Green, and Isaac have the talent and offensive system to become the next great running back trio in college football. If they all end up playing at their talent levels, they could be similar to Auburn\’s Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown and Brandon Jacobs.

Garrett Fishaw