Blake Corum announces he will stay at Michigan in 2023

On Monday, Michigan’s Heisman-contending back announced that he will be staying in Ann Arbor for the 2023 college football season. A few months ago, it seemed like a given that Blake Corum would be heading the the NFL Draft, yet a season-ending injury has changed quite a bit for the junior running back.

Blake Corum announces decision to stay

Monday afternoon, Blake Corum joined Michigan alum Rich Eisen on the ‘Rich Eisen Show’ to announce his decision for the 2023 NFL Draft. Most Michigan football fans assumed that Blake Corum was as good as gone; after all, the Wolverines’ star tailback was one of the best players in the nation in 2022 and likely has millions waiting for him in the NFL.

Still, at 2:00 PM (EST), Blake Corum announced that he will be returning to Ann Arbor for another season in the Maize and Blue. Corum has some unfinished business at Michigan — he suffered a late-season injury and could not play against Ohio State, in the Big Ten Championship game, or in the College Football Playoff. As the Wolverines gear up for another potential run at the National Championship next fall, the addition of Blake Corum makes next year’s roster even scarier.

Michigan football has taken a massive leap with Corum

So far, Corum’s time in Ann Arbor has been stellar. Aside from Michigan’s 2-4 record during the COVID-19 season in 2020, Corum and the Wolverines have been hot as of late and show no signs of slowing down. Since 2021, Michigan football is 25-3 with two-straight wins over Ohio State, two-straight Big Ten Championships, and two-straight College Football Playoff appearances.

This season, Corum was one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy (given to the nation’s best player) before suffering a knee injury against Illinois. In less than one half against the Fighting Illini — who boasted a top-3 defense at the time — Blake Corum compiled over 140 total yards. The Wolverines went on to beat Illinois, 19-17, despite its extensive injury list.

Blake Corum’s accomplishments in the Maize and Blue thus far

Throughout his three years in Ann Arbor, Blake Corum has established himself as one of the nation’s best players year in and year out. Not only has Corum been a statistical leader, but he has also racked up some serious awards and honors as well.

Statistics

During Corum’s time at Michigan, he has carried the ball 417 times for nearly 2,500 yards (6.0 yards per carry) and 31 touchdowns. In 2021 — his first year getting significant playing time — Corum carried the ball 144 times for 952 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns. In 2022, his first year as a full-time starter at Michigan, Corum carried the rock 247 times for 1,463 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and 18 touchdowns.

On top of his impressive rushing stats, Corum also has caught 40 passes for 294 yards (7.4 yards per reception) and two touchdowns. Before getting hurt against Illinois, Corum hauled in a career long 41-yard reception.

Awards and Honors

Blake Corum has appeared in 30 career games at U-M, making 13 total starts. Throughout this time in the Maize and Blue, here are the awards and honors that Corum has received:

• Unanimous First-Team All-American (2022)
•  Doak Walker Award Finalist (2022)
• Chicago Tribune Silver Football winner (2022)
• Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year (2022), the first in program history
• Two-time All-Big Ten selection (consensus fist team in 2022; third team, coaches, honorable mention, media in 2021)
• CoSIDA Academic All-District 5 (2021)
• Two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2021, ’22)
• Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 13, 2021)
• Co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 26, 2022)
• Named the team’s Most Valuable Player, as well as the recipient of the Toughest Player and Blue Collar Awards (2022)
• Shared Offensive Skill Player of the Year honors (2021)
• Tied for the Michigan program record with five touchdowns in one game (vs. UConn, Sept. 17, 2022)

As you can see, Corum’s impact on the program has been massive, and having him back in 2023 is incredible news for Michigan football. Additionally, Corum’s decision to come back to U-M could be an indication that Jim Harbaugh will also be returning in 2023, which is arguably bigger news for the Wolverines than anything right now.