2 Michigan football players make way-too-early All-America team

In mid-January, famed sports network ESPN released its way-too-early 2023 All-America team. On its list are two Michigan football standouts, both of which recently decided to return to Ann Arbor for one final shot at a National title this fall.

Blake Corum, running back

The first Michigan football player that appears on ESPN’s list is the Wolverines’ 2022 Heisman-contending running back, Blake Corum. Corum was one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy a season ago before tearing his meniscus just before halftime in Michigan’s 19-17 win over the Fighting Illini.

Here is what ESPN senior Chris Low says about the Wolverines’ rising senior ball carrier:

“The only thing that derailed Corum this past season was a torn meniscus and sprained MCL in his left knee, an injury he suffered against Illinois in the next-to-last regular-season game. Corum was right in the middle of the Heisman Trophy race when he was injured. His decision to return for the 2023 season was a huge coup for Michigan, which will again lean on Corum offensively. He rushed for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns in 12 games and averaged 5.9 yards per carry.”

After a monster season in 2022, Blake Corum announced that he will be returning with even higher expectations this fall.

Zak Zinter, offensive gaurd

Over the past two seasons, Michigan football left guard Zak Zinter has been one of the most impactful blockers in America. Zinter appeared in 13 games during the Wolverines’ Big Ten title run in 2021 and all 14 games during Michigan’s repeat performance in 2022.

Zinter is a 2022 All-American, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, and appeared on both of Michigan’s back-to-back Joe Moore Award-winning offensive lines. 

Here is what Low had to say about Zinter:

“Michigan’s offensive line has earned Joe Moore Award honors each of the past two years as the top offensive line in the country, and the 6-6, 315-pound Zinter has been a key cog in those units. He announced last week that he’s returning for his senior season at his right guard spot, where he earned All-Big Ten honors as both a sophomore and junior. Zinter was rated among the top three guards in the NFL draft had he come out. His return means the Wolverines will have three of their five starting offensive linemen back in 2023.”

Zinter is a valuable piece of Michigan’s elite offensive line, and should be a massive help to the Wolverines’ National title efforts in the coming season.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com or DM him on Twitter, @CJsWrld_.