Five-star sensation starting well

Name the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a rabbit on steroids. Might a 5-foot-11-inch, 206-pound freshman running back be popping into your head?

Christine Michael's all-state talent has left many of his teammates at a loss for realistic comparisons. It has forced Aggie faithful to dream of the days of Rodney Thomas, Greg Hill and Darren Lewis. And it has led Michael from Beaumont to Aggieland.

But behind the spin moves and highlight reel runs is a laid back, relaxed attitude. Behind the soft-spoken tone is the oft referred to best singer on the team. And behind the thick, bruising body is a man that represents the ultimate in humility and appreciation. It comes, he says, from his stepfather, who happens to be a preacher back home.

"He's taught me to be an overall humble guy," Michael said. "It's taught me respect and knowing where your gift comes from. You're not in it by yourself, and when you do well, you should give thanks."

The self-proclaimed Rascal Flatts fan isn't exactly like your regular 18-year-old, given that he is playing on a weekly basis in front of 80,000 fans. But like any other freshman, he's dealing with missing his mother's cooking, her spaghetti in particular and most of all, his best friend, his mother.

"The toughest thing I've had to deal with has been leaving home," Michael said. "Leaving my mom. She's my best friend. I talk to her every day. We'll call and chat about school and football and everything else in life."

Michael's arrival in Aggieland was one that, following a 4-8 season, was welcomed. Michael, a "five star recruit," became the most highly touted recruit to come to A&M since Martellus Bennett five years ago.

"The atmosphere here was what got me," said Michael of his decision to attend A&M. "I felt comfortable here. Nobody was looking at me differently, and it just felt like home."

But with the prestigious ranking comes an expectation for greatness, especially at a school such as A&M, where a lineage of great backs have been mesmerizing the patrons of Kyle Field ever since the days of John David Crow.

"I don't see it that way," Michael said. "I see it as a blessing. I put myself on the same level as those other players. Now, all the stars and whatever are washed away. You've got to prove yourself all over again. And, I'm just going to put the talent out there that God has given me."

Michael has impressed many in his first two collegiate games with what is a hard-nosed running style. Like Adrian Peterson, the back he compares himself to, Michael runs explosively and always keeps his legs moving.

Like Peterson, Michael hopes he's lucky enough to have his career at A&M lead him to the next level.

"If I stay healthy, and I give those guys that block for me a good tap on the shoulders, then I should have a good career here," Michael said. "Then, maybe if it's in God's will, I'll move onto the next level. But, more importantly, I'm just here to have some fun."

With his counterpart in the backfield, sophomore Cyrus Gray, the Aggies are averaging nearly 250 yards a game on the ground. With a healthy offensive line, young, explosive receivers and a mature, talented quarterback, Michael sees an offense that can compete in the spread-oriented, high-scoring Big 12 South.

"We've got a great quarterback," Michael said. "The offensive line is doing well. We've got some great receivers and great backs. I feel like no matter what offense we run, we can compete in the Big 12."

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