Michigan running back becomes first opt-out of 2020 season for program

Michigan Wolverines soon-to-be junior running back Christian Turner announced on Tuesday afternoon that he would be opting out of the 2020 football season should it take place due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

Turner was expected to battle for time on the running back depth chart in fall camp with Zach Charbonnet, Hassan Haskins, Chris Evans and Blake Corum. Big Ten players have been given the option to opt out of the season with no penalties against them and maintain their scholarships with the program.

Turner appeared in six games last year in Ann Arbor, rushing 44 times for 171 yards and a touchdown and also was a special teams contributor.

As of this posting, Turner is the first known Michigan player to opt out of the season, which is still in flux as the conferences debate the best move forward and if a fall campaign can take place.