Michigan football running back room will be elite once again

People are underestimating the Michigan football running backs this season. Yes, I know Donovan Edwards is a cover athlete for EA Sports College Football.

But if you asked most fans, outside of Michigan fans, they would tell you that other Big Ten backfields are much better than the Wolverines. I don’t believe that. Maybe there is a slight edge in Columbus or Happy Valley. But Edwards and Kalel Mullings can play. So can the guys behind them and it will be fun to see what they do with the increased roles this season.

Mullings was impressive last season. Yet, there wasn’t a ton of work left after Blake Corum and Edwards got their touches. The former linebacker got just 36 carries last season but averaged 6.2 yards per attempt. He also caught two passes for 32 yards including a key reception in the Rose Bowl.

The bottom line is that Mullings brings much more to the table than people think. It’s going to be fun to see what Edwards does with 200-some carries. It will also be fun to see Mullings get his fair share too — maybe 100-150 carries depending on how the season goes.

Coming out of the spring, it’s clear there is a pecking order. It’s Edwards time to shine. Mullings is the No. 2 but Benjamin Hall and Cole Cabana are two others who should contribute this season. Jordan Marshall is someone to watch too.

Corum, Edwards, and Zach Charbonnet all made impacts as a freshman. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Mashall did too. It’s easy to see Michigan football don’t have any proven backs but Edwards has proven he can score anytime he touches the ball. He’ll need to be more consistent this season. Mullings will need to be more effective with opportunities and some freshmen could emerge, but the running back room is loaded.

Even without Blake Courm, it’s still elite and should be for years to come.

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