After alternating runs with Blake Corum for the previous two seasons, running back Donovan Edwards will return to command the backfield for the Michigan Wolverines in 2024, marking a significant addition to the team’s offensive arsenal.
Corum’s replacement won’t be simple for Edwards. The product of Marshall, Virginia, ran for 1,000 yards in 2022 (1,463 yards) and 2023 (1,245). In 2021, he came dangerously close to recording a second 1,000-yard rushing campaign (952), with Michigan leading the NCAA with 39 rushing touchdowns. The Wolverines would accomplish the same milestone in 2023 with 40 rushing touchdowns thanks to Corum’s assistance, and they would also finish second in 2022 with 41.
In short, Corum has played the role of offensive leader for the past three seasons for a team that has won three Big Ten titles and a National Championship. In 2024, where does that leave Edwards?
Edwards had 119 carries for 497 yards and five touchdowns in the previous season, all far lower than expected. Even though he was still regarded as a top-100 talent for the 2024 NFL Draft, his return was largely attributed to the opportunity to rediscover his motivation and perhaps assume the position of lead back.
This week’s In The Trenches episode featured Edwards saying, “I’ve always had this fire in my heart, and the fire and my heart started COVID year going into my senior year of high school.” “Working out, observing what the Chicago Bulls were doing and Michael Jordan in “The Last Dance.” And that merely motivated me, fueled the flame that remained in my heart, isn’t that right? To be really honest, as I approached my junior year, I kind of lost it. I’m not feeling well and I’m not obtaining the carries I desire. However, something clicked for me once more; the fire within me was present, and it became clear that this was a habit that was just returning.
“Therefore, I’m hoping that everything works out for me because, you know, all it will do is keep pushing me to be a better player and man. I can’t claim to be averse to adversity when I have encountered it. Whether or not hardship has helped me become a better guy and a better football player. I therefore continue to have faith in my own qualities and capacities; please do not misinterpret my confidence for arrogance. Therefore, it is my duty to merely keep raising everyone else up with me because, as long as we can, our success will be assured.
In 2024, Edwards’ return to form is essential for Michigan football because Corum is off to the NFL. Fortunately, Edwards claims that fire has already returned, and it did so in time for some of his most significant moments from the previous season.
“Just during a drill,” Edwards remarked. “It was probably prior to one of our opponents’ games. Something within of me suddenly changed. I was kneeling, like if I were simply putting my head down. And I sensed the heat simply returning to my body. Thus, I’m glad that took place. My only responsibility is to keep working every day in order to improve both today and tomorrow over yesterday and today. That’s my way of life, and I plan to keep living that way. to support this team’s victory and to develop and groom men for leadership roles.”
What exactly went wrong to cause him to lose his groove, then? He had only accumulated 393 yards on 113 attempts (3.48 yards per carry) and three touchdowns in 14 games of his junior year. This was in contrast to his sophomore year, when he had collected 991 yards and nine touchdowns and had run for 520 yards on 70 carries in Michigan’s final three games of 2022. Edwards especially names his lack of participation in spring ball as one of the main factors undermining his confidence for the 2023 campaign.
Edwards stated, “I think that not being able to participate in spring ball last year set me back tremendously.” “Spring ball is all for developing your confidence and feeling the game, and last year I wasn’t able to achieve that. After undergoing knee surgery, I didn’t resume practicing until August, and I’m still dealing with additional physical problems today.
“I feel terrific right now, even though you’re not feeling well. My cuts seem to be looking better. My play has improved; the pace has returned and is appropriate. And I gained fourteen more pounds. Being able to play spring ball today and maintain my health over the past year has therefore continued to give me more confidence.
It won’t be expected of Edwards to sustain Corum’s output by himself. A group of backs in Michigan have been patiently waiting for their chance to get significant snaps.
“I believe that everyone notices that Kalel Mullings and Hassan Haskins are very similar,” Edwards stated. “I believe Ben Hall possesses some Blake Corum traits. Cole Cabana reminds me of myself, I believe. I believe that (Bryson) Kuzdzal possesses a combination of Blake’s and my traits.
“Downhill Donahue is Downhill (Henry) Donahue.” No other Downhill Donahue exists. “Downhill Donahue” is all about what the term itself says.
There won’t be a single player who can match Corum’s output in his place. But perhaps Michigan can duplicate Corum’s run game success with a strong running back room.
It has a wide range of diversity. Many people are capable of doing many tasks, according to Edwards. “Everyone can do everything, so you’re going to be shocked when you see someone acting outside of their character. I’m looking forward to this group. Together, this group has experienced a great deal. Together, we’ve grown. Together, we have experienced both the highs and the lows. All we need to do as a team is keep strengthening our bonds with one another. Whether it was losing to TCU, defeating Georgia, or taking home the national championship, we have experienced both highs and lows. All we need to do is improve and keep pushing each other. The sky is the limit for us, so rejoice in the other man’s accomplishment.
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