The Michigan Wolverines were dealt another transfer portal blow on Tuesday as running back Benjamin Hall announced his decision to leave Ann Arbor.
The loss of Hall looms large for Michigan heading into its April 19 spring game this Saturday, adding to the intrigue surrounding the situation.
Hall has received tons of hype in practice in recent years, but his fate appears to have been sealed by the offseason addition of former Alabama Crimson Tide five-star running back Justice Haynes, who may have forced Hall's hand in transferring.
Now, Michigan may have to rely on a pair of freshmen and an underrated upperclassman to take the carries, particularly in goal-line and short-yardage situations that may have been previously slotted for Hall.
Here are three players who could fill in for Hall this season and provide depth behind Haynes and projected starting running back Jordan Marshall:
1. Jasper Parker
A 6-foot-1, 200-pound runner from Archbishop High in Marrero, Louisiana, Parker has the type of burst Moore and offensive line coach Grant Newsome have been looking for in a running back.
Parker has a powerful and low-to-the-ground running style that could net him immediate game reps in 2025.
2. Micah Ka'apana
Ka'apana is a class of 2024 holdover who did not rush for a single yard last season and caught just one pass for four yards.
Rated as a three-star recruit out of Las Vegas, Nevada following his high school days, Ka'apana has versatility and toughness.
Time will tell if he has what it takes to crack Michigan's running back rotation in terms of the talents and skills he brings to the field.
3. Donovan Johnson
The Wolverines have had success with running backs named Donovan, as evidenced by the career of three-time Big Ten champion and national champion Donovan Edwards, who is headed for the NFL.
Johnson could become the Wolverines' next player to greatly surpass expectations. A three-star recruit, Johnson may deserve extra consideration after playing at IMG Academy, one of the nation's top football powerhouses.
Johnson has looked every part of a starting caliber running back heading into his freshman season making him a sleeper pick to get some carries in coach Moore's revamped running back rotation this season.
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