Top running back target Green chooses Michigan over Tennessee

KNOXVILLE – Derrick Green, the top-ranked running back in the nation by Rivals.com, committed to Michigan on Saturday afternoon.

Green chose the Wolverines over Tennessee and Auburn after a lengthy recruiting battle that spanned several years and multiple coaching staffs for the different schools.

In the end, it was Green’s familiarity with Michigan’s staff that won him over. Both Tennessee and Auburn have new coaching staffs heading into 2013, while Michigan head coach Brady Hoke is heading into his third year in Ann Arbor.

Tennessee running backs coach Jay Graham was thought to be the Vols’ best chance at landing Green. Graham had been recruiting Green since he held the same position and South Carolina and Green was a freshman in high school.

The Vols’ search for a running back will continue on until National Signing Day (Feb. 6).

Johnathan Ford of New Hope, Ala., Peyton Barber of Alpharetta, Ga., JoJo Kemp of Deland Fla., and Keyante Green of McDonough, Ga., are other running backs who have shown some level of interest in the Vols.