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Filling in for Jon Runyan, Ryan Hayes impressed Jim Harbaugh in Michigan’s opener
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Jon Runyan is arguably Michigan’s top offensive lineman in a group filled with skill, experience and talent. So, when the fifth-year senior wasn’t able to play in the opener against Middle Tennessee, there was some concern about how the unit up front would perform.
Reserve lineman Ryan Hayes filled in for Runyan, and did a good job doing so. He was so impressive, he was awarded the offensive player of the game by the coaching staff.
“(Hayes) was our offensive player of the game,” Jim Harbaugh said during his Monday press conference. “He graded out right there with Ben Bredeson and Cesar (Ruiz) and Mike Onwenu, which I thought was really impressive. Ben was a little higher, but considering it was Ryan’s first start, first game, seeing him and the effort that he gave, had some really fine blocks. Was good with his hands and sets.”
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That’s a great sign for Michigan. While it would obviously prefer to have Runyan start the game, it’s not uncommon to see guys up front need to miss a few snaps or even a game due to injury. Hayes stepping and making an immediate impact just shows how deep the Wolverines are along the offensive line.
Runyan is likely to be available this weekend as Michigan hosts Army. But, if Harbaugh wants to use a rotation, Hayes is more than capable of filling in.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB