Toussaint tabbed as Michigan's starting RB

Published Apr. 6, 2012 9:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Spring football isn't designed to answer a lot of questions.

April is when college coaches assess the talent they have, give players a refresher course in the offensive and defensive schemes and make sure everyone is in shape. Position battles won't be decided until the freshmen show up and two-a-days start in the fall.

This goes far enough that even Brady Hoke and Denard Robinson swear that Michigan's quarterback position is up for grabs.

The one exception? Fitz Toussaint has locked his starting job.

"Fitz is our tailback," offensive coordinator Al Borges said. "If he isn't, I'm not very smart."

Last season as a sophomore, Toussaint rushed for 1,041 yards – only 135 fewer than Robinson – and nine touchdowns. That and his performance this spring has meant that sophomore Thomas Rawls and redshirt freshman Justice Hayes are battling for the No. 2 spot.

"Fitz is going to be out there this fall," Borges said. "I'm not saying he's going to be out there for every play – we'll give him a breather – but he's going to be our featured back."

Borges is happy with the way Toussaint has become a more complete back, both as a blocker and a receiver. Last season, he caught just six passes for 28 yards.

"He's getting better in every area," Borges said. "That was our goal coming in."

Now that Toussaint has earned the top spot, he's getting a break in spring workouts.

"We're trying to be careful with him, because he's proven himself," Borges said. "He's been good, very good. He's had an outstanding spring, so we're going to be careful for him. We don't want him to get banged up."