The Michigan Wolverines have landed several of the nation’s best running back prospects since the turn of the century, but their careers have turned out drastically different. With five-star running back Savion Hiter stepping into the spotlight this year, let’s take a look back at how the former top running back recruits have performed as Michigan Wolverines.
Kelly Baraka (2001)
There aren’t many bigger “what ifs” in Michigan history than Kelly Baraka, who still stands as the highest-rated running back commit in program
history. Baraka was an explosive and versatile running back from Portage Northern High School, but he never appeared in a game at Michigan after being arrested for possession of marijuana twice before his freshman season. The 6-foot, 180-pounder was later kicked off the team, and his career was over before it even started.
Kevin Grady (2005)
Just a few years after Baraka’s dismissal, the Wolverines brought in East Grand Rapids High School star running back Kevin Grady. Due to Mike Hart missing multiple games with an injury, Grady burst onto the scene with 483 yards and five touchdowns on 121 carries as a freshman in 2005. Unfortunately, his career was derailed in the following years. The 5-foot-10, 225-pounder suffered injuries and was arrested for driving under the influence.
Derrick Green (2013)
Following a historic career at Hermitage High School, Green committed to the Wolverines over Auburn, Tennessee and others. He was expected to be Michigan’s next great running back, and he was successful at times, but Green never truly reached his full potential. In three seasons, Green recorded 898 yards and seven touchdowns. The 6-foot, 220-pounder transferred to TCU for his final year of eligibility.
Donovan Edwards (2021)
Helping lead the program to three straight Big Ten titles from 2021-23 and a national championship in 2023, Edwards had a phenomenal college career and is one of the best running backs in the school’s recent history. The Michigan native finished his illustrious career with 3,179 total yards and 25 touchdowns, including iconic performances against Ohio State in 2022 and Washington in 2023. Coming out of West Bloomfield High School, Edwards was the second highest-rated running back recruit in the country.
Savion Hiter (2026)
The most recent five-star running back to commit to Michigan was Hiter, who was one of the nation’s most highly sought after prospects and arrived in Ann Arbor with lofty expectations. He chose the Wolverines over Georgia, Ohio State and Tennessee, and was the ninth-highest-rated commit in Michigan history. The 6-foot, 210-pound running back showed off his impressive blend of physicality, speed and vision in the spring game and is expected to have a significant role as a freshman in 2026.
