Michigan running backs Shaw and Toussaint listed as co-starters

University of Michigan running back Michael Shaw #20 gets by Western Michigan University linebacker Austin Pritchard #35 during a game in 2009.

ANN ARBOR -- Michigan running backs Michael Shaw and Fitzgerald Toussaint are listed as co-starters on the team's depth chart released Monday. The Wolverines open coach Brady Hoke's first season Saturday at home against Western Michigan.

Shaw, a senior, has been the presumed starter for the past week, but Toussaint has been productive. Junior Vincent Smith will be used primarily on third down.

Among those prevailing in tightly-contested position battles were: Free safety Thomas Gordon, who is listed ahead of Carvin Johnson; defensive end Will Heininger, who beat out walk-on Nathan Brink; and Mike Jones and Cam Gordon at the outside linebacker spots.

Freshman Matt Wile will kick off and punt, and sophomore Brendan Gibbons will attempt low to medium range field goals. Wile will be called on to kick field goals of 43 yards or further.