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| Sarasota (FL) Riverview running back Karan Higdon (image via 247Sports.com) |
Higdon is a 5'10", 190 lb. back who claims a 4.5 forty.
RATINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 78 grade, #70 RB
Rivals: 3-star, #45 RB
Scout: 3-star, #84 RB
247 Sports: 4-star, 90 grade, #29 RB
Higdon was not on Michigan's radar heavily until late in the process. Two highly touted running backs - Damien Harris and Michael Weber - had both decommitted from Michigan, and the Wolverines were uncertain in their pursuit of flipping Weber from Ohio State back to Michigan. Late in the process, they extended an offer to Hawkeye commit Higdon. He was offered on January 31, set up a flight for that afternoon, and took an official to Michigan that weekend. He intimated that he was fully committed to Iowa upon return, but that was either a smoke screen or he changed his mind over the last couple days. On Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m., he announced that he would be signing with the Wolverines.
The first thing that sticks out about Higdon is his physicality. Despite being under 200 lbs., he packs a wallop when he runs and does not shy away from contact. He also churns his legs after contact, which helps him break tackles and fall forward. Higdon shows nice vision and cutback ability, and he has the ability to make jump cuts similar to Fitzgerald Toussaint. Higdon also shows patience waiting for the line's blocks to develop, but he hits the hole hard when it opens.
The biggest concern I have with Higdon is his lack of top-end speed. Michigan has had success with backs like him before, like Michael Hart. But I keep waiting for Michigan to recruit a breakaway threat, and it has been a while since the Wolverines have had someone who could take it the distance on any given play. He also takes (and gives) a beating, so you wonder if his body is going to break down from so much punishment.
Ultimately, just like when Brady Hoke was the coach, I think a lot of the running backs in Michigan's stable can be successful because of the way the Wolverines have recruited the offensive line. The development up front was not where it needed to be under the direction of Darrell Funk, but there was some improvement in 2014. There should be even more with a better offensive line coach, more consistent schemes, and more experience in 2015 and beyond. That bodes well for all of the running backs, including Higdon. He has a chance to be a solid running back for the Wolverines, but he's probably not a superstar.
It looks as if Higdon will be the only running back in the 2015 class after Michael Weber went ahead and signed with Ohio State. Michigan will have several juniors at the position in 2015, plus redshirt sophomore Ty Isaac, and now Higdon as a true freshman. His contributions will probably not be needed this coming season, so he should be able to redshirt as long as the group remains mostly healthy. He is the first player to come to Michigan out of Riverview since offensive lineman David Baas in 2000.
TTB Rating: 73 (ratings explanation)
Sad to see Weber go, but Higdon is a nice consolation prize - especially at the wire in the recruiting world.
ReplyDeleteIn some recruiting videos/highlights (e.g. Damien Harris) holes are wide enough for a truck to run through and he's able to hit a top-end speed sooner. That doesn't seem to be the case with Higdon, with his OL consistently knocked back into the backfield. This forces Higdon to make quick decisions, even quicker cuts, and run over people rather than away from them. Although lacking top-end speed, he doesn't always get the opportunity to show it due to sub-par blocking (e.g 00:19 and 00:31).
With better blocking, I think he is a very promising back with good hands. Just my unprofessional .02.
Reading twitter on how Weber was mad because we got Higdon, but doesn't OSU have another RB besides Weber on board too? That part is confusing to me...
Deletewho knows. im sure weber was torn and really liked both schools. but its tough to turn down meyer and osu - harbaugh will be successful but meyer already has his machine in place and humming, churning out pros and winnings rings. likely weber just used the other RB situation to deflect some heat, nothing more - since im sure hes got grown men tweeting shit at him like tools
DeleteI am not sure how much credence to give to speculation on Twitter - especially after the Brady Hoke to ND stuff going around earlier today.
DeleteThat being said, he is walking into a stacked RB depth chart at OSU. So stacked, a former Five-Star also recruited by UM (Brionte' Dunn) was rumored to be considering a transfer.
OSU added a verbal commitment of a 2016 recruit, but Weber is the only RB in the 2015 class thus far. He could be banking on early departures by Ezekiel and/or others, attrition, or just that he outperforms the guys that are there. And it's a long way to signing day for 2016 - so worrying about the guy in the class behind you probably doesn't make the most sense.
@ Sin City Blue
DeleteI believe Weber is the only running back in Ohio State's 2015 class.
Weber has a legit shot at competing for the #2 RB next year. Elliot is definitely gone after 2015. I don't think Meyer is sold on Ball or Samuel as heir apparent yet. Weber will need to make his mark pretty early there though, because he is being followed by some serious talent.
DeleteYou talk about Michigan getting a back that could take it the distance on any given play. Are their any in the 2016 class that stick out to you and you would like to see Michigan pursue?
ReplyDeleteAlso, has Michigan recruited the home run type back in the last couple of years? If not then why would they prefer not to recruit that type of player?
Thanks.
The two running backs that have really stuck out to me as home run threats in 2016 are Tavien Feaster and Kareem Walker. Unfortunately, they are committed to Clemson and Ohio State, respectively. Otherwise, I see a lot of power backs in that class. I don't know that it's a strong running back class, but it's early and I haven't been concentrating on the 2016 class yet, other than the guys we've already offered.
DeleteMichigan has recruited some home run types, but for whatever reason, they just haven't been able to sign them.
Does this guy remind anyone else (at least vaguely) of DeVeon Smith?
ReplyDeleteHe really reminds me of Mike Hart, has that kind of hunched over thing going on. He looks pretty little too. But, when he decides to head north, he really scoots.
DeleteDeVeon Smith was the first guy I thought of when I watched Higdon's film, but I do think Higdon is a little quicker.
DeleteIsn't Ty Isaac a home run threat?
ReplyDeleteI think Isaac could be a home run threat, at least more so than what we currently have on the roster. I'm anxious to see him run the ball, hopefully in the spring.
DeleteDoesn't sound like half the prospect that Weber did, but I like the sounds of this guy. I've been griping about the height-obsession of Hoke's staff who seemed intent on finding the next Leroy Hoard or Anthoney Thomas.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm please that the first Harbaugh back is a short and powerful runner. You never know with running backs but the fact that the Arkansas and Arizona staffs offered him is pretty encouraging. That's two of the best run-game coaches in the country.