Minor Poised for Break-Out Season

There has been much talk about 2009 finally being the year that Brandon Minor breaks out of the pack of UM tailbacks and establishes himself as the feature back capable of consistently handling heavy loads. Ivan Maisel of ESPN reports that Minor is back without the nagging wrist injury that plagued him last year. Last year, Wolverine fans speculated as to why Minor played a limited role. Early in the season, he seemed healthy, only to receive fewer snaps than Sam McGuffie. Coach Rodriguez and others reported that he was banged up, and fans who watched closely saw a frustrated player. Some speculated that the frustration stemmed from losing carries to an underclassman. By the second-half of the season, however, Minor saw an increased role. Whether the increased carries directly resulted from Sam McGuffie's injuries - and the revelation of the extent of Minor's injury reveals that may not have been the case - it now appears that 2009 is Minor's to lose.

If healthy this year, I think Minor has the potential to be special. In his first full game back from injury last year, I thought his first half performance at Penn State was just spectacular. He ran like a man possessed, only to have his snaps limited in the second half as Michigan's first-half offensive momentum evaported. In the past, I have questioned his ability to hold on to the ball (6 fumbles in 257 all-purpose carries), but this year Minor will have his chance to prove these were due to inexperience or injury. Keep this in mind. Minor was the #1 back in 5 of the last 6 games in which UM played (4 of those were on the road, including PSU and OSU). During those games he averaged 18 carries, 90 yards, and 1.5 TDs per game. Not bad for a guy with a busted right wrist. Add to those recent numbers his upbeat attitude, an improved offensive line, and a willingness to lead, and 2009 could be special.