For nearly a year now, De’Veon Smith has been Michigan's starter at tailback.
He had the most carries (180) last year, more than the next four U-M running backs combined (174).
Though it wasn’t a consistent season – three games over 100 yards but also eight under 60 yards, during the off-season, the U-M coaches, especially running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley, have insisted Smith was still on top.
Ten days into fall camp, Smith knows he’s being challenged.
“I feel like it’s my job to lose,” Smith said Wednesday. “But the other guys in the room, they’re competing.