More clarity on the Michigan football running back room

When it comes to the 2023 Michigan football running back room, there is little doubt about who will be leading the way — senior Blake Corum and junior Donovan Edwards, who played a massive role in the Wolverines’ 13-win, Big Ten title-winning season last fall, hold the RB1 and RB2 positions, respectively. However, per Jim Harbaugh, there are several players competing for the RB3 role, and many running backs will still receive significant playing time, regardless of their position on the depth chart.

Michigan football running back room is special

Jim Harbaugh has numerous advantages in his 9th year at the helm in Ann Arbor, and perhaps no duo in the nation is a more significant asset to the Wolverines than Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards.

“(The running back room) doesn’t get any better, I know that,” Harbaugh said on Monday night via the ‘Inside Michigan Football Podcast.’ “How excited we all are that Blake decided to come back for the 2023 season. Seeing him back to true form (like) before the injury, like we expected and thought he would, he did. Donovan has gotten so much stronger, and he looks like he’s ready for a breakout season — which he had last year, but even more good things to come. It just looks that way and is setting up that way. I don’t know how it gets any better than those two.”

Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards are not the Wolverines’ only deadly options

Even beyond Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, Michigan football is in good hands. From the freshman class to rising stars like Kalel Mullings, the Wolverines boast a plethora of options. Speaking of Mullings, it seems that the former linebacker has secured the RB3 role for the Maize and Blue this year.

“It’s deep,” Harbaugh said of the Michigan football running back room. “Blake and Dono, and then Kalel Mullings is probably the third back right now. That’s going to sort out. Benjamin Hall is right there with him, CJ Stokes … there’s a guy Henry Donohue — ’Downhill Donohue’ — who had an incredible camp. Leon Franklin, Danny Hughes is back — he was injured. Tavi Dunlap was working through something right there at the end of camp, and hopefully, we can get him back soon because he was really shining. The first week, I was like, ‘This is the guy, Tavi.’ Did not fumble one time all camp.”

Jim Harbaugh continues his praise

According to Jim Harbaugh, Michigan football has been exceptional and nearly mistake-free during fall camp. Considering the Wolverines heavily depend on their running backs throughout the season, this is undoubtedly fantastic news for the Maize and Blue as they enter a year with national title-caliber expectations.

“I think we might’ve had a fumble or two the entire camp,” Harbaugh explained. “I can’t recall one coming from a running back. So you talk about, there’s a real tone set there, there’s a real respect. The guys know the level that they have to play to, and Donovan Edwards, and Blake Corum — Blake and Dono — have set that bar. I just see all those backs really stepping up to that.”

Mullings brings something special to the table for Michigan football

Why was Kalel Mullings (presumably) designated as RB3 for Michigan football? We had the opportunity to catch up with him on Monday, and he brings a distinct element to the Wolverines’ lineup — something that Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum will undoubtedly gain immediate benefits from.

“Blake (Corum) and Dono (Edwards) are amazing running backs,” Michigan football senior running back Kalel Mullings explained on Monday. “You guys are all gonna see that this season. But for me, personally, I’m the biggest guy in the room so I’m gonna bring that power. And that’s my goal for myself is to add something that they don’t add as much, just to help out the team, and help out the room. So you know what they’re gonna do, I’m hoping to just bring some power and bring that extra hammer down from the running back position.”

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