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Who will be RB3 for Michigan football this fall?

Who will be the third running back for Michigan football in 2023?

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Michigan football, running back
Sep 17, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back C.J. Stokes (23) rushes in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan football is gearing up for a crucial season, and in order for the Wolverines to contend for a national title, their offense must make further progress compared to the previous year. While Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards form an undeniable duo leading the running back room, the question remains as to who will emerge as RB3 this upcoming fall.

Michigan football has plenty of good options at RB3

The Wolverines’ top two backs are set in stone: Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Both of them are highly regarded running back prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft and are expected to shine brightly once again, just as they did last season.

Behind these two stellar backs, there are several other promising prospects, but two of them stand out in particular.

CJ Stokes, the Wolverines’ RB3 from the 2022 season, is the first running back that comes to mind when discussing the depth of the RB room for the upcoming season. However, the Maize and Blue recently added another option that may be equally, if not more, impressive.

Benjamin Hall, a true freshman running back, could easily be mistaken for a bulldozer if you saw him walking down State Street. He burst onto the scene this spring for the Wolverines. Reports from spring ball indicated that Hall was already turning heads, and his performance in the spring game on April 1st confirmed the hype as he bulldozed defenders and impressed Michigan football fans.

Ben Hall brings a unique presence to the backfield for the Maize and Blue

CJ Stokes is a talented running back who will receive significant playing time in 2023, but he doesn’t possess the powerful presence that Benjamin Hall brings to the field. Despite being a true freshman, Hall’s size and skillset perfectly align with Michigan football’s run-heavy, hard-hitting offense.

Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards are both versatile enough to fit into a ground-and-pound offensive scheme, but their skillsets are more focused on finding open spaces in the field. On the other hand, Benjamin Hall embodies the type of presence that Michigan football needs in its backfield, reminiscent of former fullback Khalid Hill, who was a reliable touchdown scorer at the goal line.

While Stokes will undoubtedly get playing time, Benjamin Hall is the RB3 to keep an eye on for the 2023 Michigan football season.



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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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