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The Michigan football running back room’s best trait isn’t a player

This year’s Michigan football running back room has a special feature that makes it even more impressive than in years past.

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Michigan football, Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, CJ Stokes, Benjamin Hall
Nov 12, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back C.J. Stokes (23) rushes in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s Michigan football running back room is one of the best that most fans have ever seen. It is led by Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, who are considered stars, and also includes numerous younger rising talents like CJ Stokes and Benjamin Hall. This fall, despite having two of the nation’s top running backs as draft targets, the running back room’s most valuable trait isn’t a single star player — it’s something arguably much more significant.

Michigan football running back room has something better than a single star player

Both of Michigan’s Big Ten title-winning football teams this decade featured two star running backs. In 2021, it was Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, and last fall, it was Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. This season, it seems that the Maize and Blue have even more talent than in years past.

While Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards form the most dynamic and dangerous running back duo in the nation, the Michigan football running back room has something even more valuable: depth. Last year, Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards were often playing through (or sidelined) due to injuries, which affected the Wolverines’ elite rushing attack throughout the year.

This fall, the Maize and Blue may have a different outlook — Jim Harbaugh has emphasized the dilemma of splitting reps between his star players, which is a good problem to have, to say the least.

Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards are undoubtedly elite and will headline this year’s rushing attack; however, behind them are two high-caliber backs — CJ Stokes and Benjamin Hall. In fact, Ben Hall brings his own unique, wrecking-ball-like style to the offense this year, which should play a significant role in keeping Michigan’s star running backs healthy.

While injuries and lack of depth have been concerns for Michigan football in the past, they are far less worrisome now. From senior star Blake Corum to rising freshman sensation Benjamin Hall, the Wolverines are in great hands and appear poised to rush their way to a third-straight Big Ten championship behind all of their impressive ball carriers this fall.



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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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