I think both of them could do well in the new system, RichRod’s offense does feature a strong running game. Here is how I would break down all of UM’s RB’s for this year
Minor – starter, plays 60-70% of snaps
Brown – may not “start” but he will see action at RB, Slot, and maybe even QB. Needs to stay healthy and stop breaking fingers and wrists.
Grady – plays the big RB role, I guess the best comparison would be Owen Schmitt from WVU last year, probably won’t see the field until ND game or after
Sam McGuffie – incoming frosh, youtube legend, probably gets 10-12 carries a game by the end of the year
Mike Shaw – incoming frosh, listed as a WR (slot receiver), but I think he will get a few rushes per game

This offense is all about getting the ball to players “in space”, so guys like Brown and McGuffie will probably become the new standard for a UM RB. the bigger guys like Grady and Minor serve a role but I am not sure if RichRod will continue to bring in that type of RB as much in the future. The biggest key to the running game for UM this year, getting something of a downfield passing attack with a new QB, because there is absolutely no rush threat from either of the two probable starters. Otherwise everyone will play 8-9 up near the line and slow down the RB’s. This offense works well, if you have either a good passing game to go with the rush or a good running QB who can keep LB’s and safties honest.

Mike Hart, although a great talent and one of my favority all time UM players, was also Mike Debord and Lloyd Carr’s security blanket.

Also, remember, I did say I was in favor of the featured back, it can come with a big downside. Hart is a perfect example of this, when he was hurt watching UM run the ball was painful.

Then why the dependency on Hart?

Also, the Broncos always have a feature back. They just change it every year so they don’t have to pay anyone. Seasonal interchangeability is different from in-game interchangeability.

When I watch ND play, specifically when Weis was calling plays, I got the sense that he did not have a lot of patience with the running game.

Domer,

Actually the UM zone scheme was supposed to remove that dependancy on a featured back, it was supposed to be like the Denver Broncos’ running scheme. The RB’s would have to fit a certain mould: quick feet, good vision, strong cutback ability to play within the system.