Michaud shows versatility in ailing offense

Delaware's Kervin Michaud moves upfield in the first half Saturday against Northeastern. Michaud had 43 yards receiving and 48 yards rushing. (Buy photo) The News Journal/WILLIAM BRETZGER

BROOKLINE, Mass. -- The idea was hatched during preseason practice, when University of Delaware coach K.C. Keeler thought he might need more depth at running back.

So, he toyed with the idea of moving wide receiver Kervin Michaud, a running back in high school, back to his natural position.

Keeler quickly abandoned those plans when receiver Armand Cauthen was kicked off the team for academic reasons and Aaron Love was hurt early in the season.

But things changed after last Saturday's game, when Omar Cuff hurt his ankle against New Hampshire.

Michaud got some repetitions at running back in practice last week. Cuff, an All-American and UD's best player on offense, made the trip to Northeastern. He tested his ankle in warmups, but it was too sore.

Michaud got his chance, running for 48 yards on seven carries and catching six passes for 43 more yards in the Blue Hens' 27-24 loss to Northeastern.

"I had played running back my whole life, so this was very natural to me," said Michaud, who gained 1,130 yards as a senior at Pennsbury (Pa.) High. "Getting a chance to hit those holes and get hit was a nice feeling. It made the game fun, to get banged up a little."

The problem, however, was that Michaud has become one of UD's top receivers. That was especially true when Love had to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to an apparent rib injury.

So, while Michaud gave the Hens some depth at running back, he left UD weaker at wide receiver. He was back at receiver on UD's final scoring drive that tied the score 24-24 with one minute left.

By then, Love was out of the game. It's not known if he'll be able to play next Saturday against Hofstra.

Michaud showed he can play each position ably. On his first carry, early in the second quarter, he picked up five yards. His second carry went for 22 yards to start a 13-play drive that enabled UD to take a 17-10 lead with 4:20 left in the second quarter.

He quickly became the Hens' go-to running back. True freshman Jared Bradley started in Cuff's place, but gained just 14 yards on eight carries. Bradley did score two touchdowns, carrying the ball in from 1 yard out each time.

Michaud also hauled in a 26-yard pass in the third quarter, then caught an 11-yard pass on UD's final drive that took the ball to Northeastern's 9-yard line.

There's a chance Michaud will continue to get time at running back. Keeler said Cuff will be listed as questionable for the Hofstra game.

"[Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca] and I really think that Kervin can be a very good running back in this league if he's given a chance," Keeler said. "But it's difficult because we're so thin in the receiver corps."

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