Michigan Builds Early Edge for No. 1 Running Back

What Happened

Michigan has positioned itself in the recruitment of Kevin Hartsfield, the No. 1 running back and No. 35 overall prospect in the 2028 class in both the 247Sports Composite and Rivals Industry Ranking. Hartsfield, a four-star prospect from Newton High School in Georgia, has developed a strong relationship with Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford, who regularly checks on him beyond football. Hartsfield has visited Ann Arbor and wants to return for a Michigan game. He said Michigan is “definitely up there” among his leading schools. Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Miami, Texas and Tennessee are also pursuing him. No commitment has been announced.

Why It Matters

• Michigan is trying to extend its running-back identity into the 2028 class, with Tyson Robinson already committed for 2027.
• Alford’s personal relationship gives Michigan a clear recruiting angle against programs with comparable national reach.
• Hartsfield’s planned return visit would give Michigan another chance to turn early interest into a firmer position before the recruitment narrows.

THE PATE STATE READ

THE PATE STATE READ: Michigan deserves credit for getting into this race early and making the relationship about more than football. That matters with a prospect drawing pursuit from Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Miami, Texas and Tennessee. The task now isn’t proving Michigan can recruit running backs. It’s separating a genuine Ann Arbor connection from the noise that surrounds a 2028 recruitment. Hartsfield’s return visit is the next useful test. If Michigan gets that visit and keeps Alford central to the process, this moves from promising contact to a measurable recruiting advantage. It hasn’t become a commitment, and treating it like one would be bad film study.(Josh has not yet commented.)

What's Next

• Date not supplied: Hartsfield’s planned return visit to Michigan for a game.
• During the 2028 recruiting cycle: Hartsfield’s next school decision or public ranking update.
• Date not supplied: Michigan’s continued recruiting contact with Hartsfield through running backs coach Tony Alford.