Big Ten rivals battling for Sibley

It has been a year since Akron (Ohio) Hoban 2017 running back Todd Sibley visited Michigan, but he returned to Ann Arbor Saturday and this time it was with an offer from the Wolverines in-hand.

"I was really looking forward to it because I hadn't been up since my freshman year," Sibley said. "I really wanted to get up and see the new staff, get familiarized with the environment again and introduce myself to everyone.

"It definitely exceeded (expectations). I didn't think it would be as good as it was as far as intensity and atmosphere of the stadium because of the fact that it was a spring game. It was really good and I really enjoyed it."

The Wolverines held their annual spring game in Michigan Stadium on Saturday, but Sibley was able to get face time with the coaching staff during his time on campus.

"Surprisingly, I talked a lot with Coach (Chris) Partridge, Coach (Tyrone) Wheatley and Coach (Jim) Harbaugh," Sibley said. "We talked about how Michigan is in need of a running back. Everyone knows Michigan is a power football team. They base how they play on running the ball. They feel like I could be the man to step up and take on that position."

The spring game gave Sibley an opportunity to get a first-hand look at the offense Michigan's new staff is putting together.

"I liked the offensive line," Sibley said. "I really liked watching them block and the quarterbacks had a lot of time to look for a man open. The running backs were getting a lot of touches, and I really enjoyed that."

The offer from Michigan was Sibley's second out of the Big Ten, following rival Ohio State. Those two programs are in a tight race following this past weekend's visit.

"After my Ohio State visit I thought I was pretty sure with making a decision to commit to Ohio State," Sibley said. "But, after today's visit to Michigan I am back to the same position where I started and can't decide which school is best for me.

"I plan on visiting Michigan and Ohio State a lot in the future and try to get a feel for both universities to figure out which spot is the best fit for me. It is going to be a tough decision and hopefully my parents and my coaches help me make the decision because I know this is going to take a lot out of me."

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Sibley is coming off a sophomore season in which he rushed for 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns.