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Michigan football running back room headlines the nation’s top 10

The Michigan football running back room is the best in the nation.

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Michigan football running back, Donovan Edwards, Blake Corum
Oct 1, 2022; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) runs the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Seth Benson (44) moves in for the tackle as offensive lineman Trevor Keegan (77) attempts to block during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 Michigan football running back room is the best in the nation — the Wolverines are one of many Big Ten programs to break the top 10, headlining the newest rankings via Pro Football Focus. With Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards leading the way alongside the nation’s top offensive line, few programs appear poised to shut down the Wolverines’ rushing offense this fall.

Michigan football running back room ranked No. 1

Recently, Pro Football Focus released its top 10 running back rooms of the 2023 season — four Big Ten programs made the cut, including all three of the nation’s top rooms. Michigan football headlined the list, coming in at No. 1 in the country, just above Penn State and Ohio State. Wisconsin is also in the top 10, coming in at No. 10.

Blake Corum nearly finished the 2023 season as a Heisman Trophy candidate despite a late-season knee injury just before halftime against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Still, he rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns en route to the Wolverines, starting the year with an 11-0 record — he broke records and was clearly one of the most impactful players in the sport last fall. With his knee injury healed, Corum is bound to be more dangerous than ever for the Maize and Blue this year.

Alongside Corum is Donovan Edwards, a rising junior star running back who is entering a crucial season for Michigan football. The Maize and Blue have one of the best dual-threat backs in the nation, considering Edwards can be a downfield threat as a receiving target as well. When Corum was hurt in 2022, Edwards stepped up despite injury, rushing his way into the Michigan football record books and carrying the Wolverines past No. 2 Ohio State (45-23) and Purdue (43-22).

Behind these two elite backs are a number of other great rushers, including CJ Stokes and true freshman Benjamin Hall, who should both see a solid amount of reps in 2023.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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