Michigan running back Blake Corum will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the all-time greats in Wolverines football. Standing at just 5’8″, Corum’s journey to legendary status was a remarkable one, filled with trials and triumphs that endeared him to Michigan fans across the nation.
Coming out of high school, Corum wasn’t a highly touted recruit, ranked as the 232nd best player in the country and the 19th best running back by 247Sports. However, he chose to commit to Michigan, and his journey began.
In his freshman year, Corum was sparingly used, primarily on special teams and gadget plays, but he managed to score two touchdowns from scrimmage. It was his sophomore year that marked a turning point. As the backup running back behind Hassan Haskins in 2021, Corum rushed for an impressive 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. Although he had a standout moment against Ohio State, an unfortunate leg injury limited his impact in that crucial game.
The year 2022 would have been Corum’s best shot at winning a Heisman Trophy if not for a knee injury sustained late in the season during the Illinois game. Despite this setback, he had an outstanding season, accumulating 1,463 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. Michigan went on to win their second straight Big Ten championship.
In 2023, Corum’s status had grown exponentially. Just like his running backs coach Mike Hart, his physicality and determination set him apart as one of the premier college football players in the country. He put an exclamation point on his senior season by breaking both the single-season and career rushing touchdown records for Michigan football.
But what truly defined Blake Corum was his performance in the biggest moments of the biggest games. He displayed unwavering grit, often appearing battered and bruised on the sidelines with blood dripping down his face. His resilience and determination were unmatched, epitomizing the spirit of Michigan football.
Blake Corum’s 27 rushing touchdowns this season are the most by any Power 5 back in a single season since Derrick Henry ran for 28 back in 2015 ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/bS8uXtBLR7
— 〽️att Hartwell (@MaizeCrusader) January 9, 2024
In the Ohio State game, moments after All-American tackle Zak Zinter went down with a broken leg, Corum busted a pivotal 22 yard touchdown to put Michigan up 7 late in the third quarter. In the Rose Bowl against Alabama, Corum exploded for an overtime touchdown with Bama defenders hanging off of him. Finally, in the national championship against Washington, Corum found the endzone twice in the final 8 minutes of the game.
In the biggest moments on the biggest stage, Blake Corum would not be denied.
In 2022, when many expected him to declare for the NFL draft, Corum surprised everyone by choosing to return to Michigan. He declared that he had “unfinished business” and was determined to win a national championship. His commitment paid off in 2023 when he stood on the podium after Michigan’s national championship victory over Washington and simply declared, “Business is finished.”
Blake Corum’s journey from an unheralded recruit to a Michigan football legend displays his unwavering dedication, hard work, and indomitable spirit. He will forever be remembered as a symbol of what can be achieved through grit and determination, leaving Ann Arbor a true legend in Maize and Blue.
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A Michigan legend
Blake Corum, so happy he returned to win it all
Yes sir! I think we’re all happy he came back to build his legend at Michigan!