Michigan running back Blake Corum is looking like an excellent bet to end up in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony at the end of the season, and if Michigan can finish its season with an undefeated record, he might be the odds-on favorite when it’s all said and done.
One of his peers among outstanding homegrown running backs is all-time great Barry Sanders, whose relatively short stature and elusive running style made him a Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma State in 1988 before he was drafted by the Detroit Lions.
Corum’s running style reminds many of Sanders at times.
Although he doesn’t quite have Barry’s top-end speed and acceleration out of cuts, he does have a similar build with stocky legs and a powerful upper body.
Corum also has shown the ability to make defenders miss and score in a wide variety of ways, as shown in the highlight reel below.
He currently ranks third in the NCAA in rushing with 1,349 yards, just slightly behind DeWayne McBride of UAB and Chase Brown of Illinois — the Wolverines’ next-to-last Big Ten opponent before they head to Columbus for a showdown with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
On Sunday, November 13, Barry Sanders had an eye on his former team, the Detroit Lions, as they scored a big-time comeback win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, as evidenced by the tweet below.
Congrats fellas – winning games on the ground and with the D… great to see @aidanhutch97 get loose today. #roar @Lions https://t.co/k2Zo0QV2U7
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) November 13, 2022
But Sanders isn’t just watching the pro circuit — he’s also keeping his eyes on the Michigan Wolverines, led by Corum, fellow running back Donovan Edwards, a top-notch offensive line and one of the nation’s best defenses.
I am watching @blake_corum too – Good Luck. https://t.co/958DvvtstC
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) November 14, 2022
As the 2022-2023 football season hurtles toward its final weeks, Corum and the Wolverines are working toward their second consecutive Big Ten championship and a berth in the college football playoff.
If Michigan is to complete the task, they still have plenty of work to do — with Corum and the running game expected to lead the way.
Last season, Corum ran six times for 87 yards against the Buckeyes, while Hassan Haskins ran it 28 times for 169 yards.
This season could be an entirely different challenge on the road in Columbus, but if anyone can “rush” their way to victory, it’s Corum and the Wolverines.
RELATED READING: Barry Sanders Reacts to His Son’s College Debut for Big Ten School
