The Michigan Wolverines are expected to challenge for their second straight Big Ten title in 2022-2023, and if the team is to make another run, it will likely be led by its offense.
Michigan returns several key starters on the offensive side of the ball, including its starting quarterback from last year’s title team, Cade McNamara, and his talented backup J.J. McCarthy.
The offensive line, running back, wide receiver and tight end positions are all expected to be strengths as well, led by returnees including Ronnie Bell, who is expected to be back from injury, Donovan Edwards, a highly-touted freshman turned sophomore, and Erick All, a bonafide weapon at the tight end position.
Role players including Luke Schoonmaker, a solid blocker and pass catcher at tight end, and Mike Sainristil, a speedy slot receiver expected to play defense next year as well, are among the proven players who will return on the offensive side of the ball.
Michigan’s top two players on offense could be a converted tight end now playing left tackle and an undersized but electric running back with a knack for the big play.
Corum, Hayes Named to Athlon Sports All-Big Ten Team
Blake Corum and Ryan Hayes were named to the team, respectively.
Corum, a native of Marshall, Virginia, rushed for 952 yards on 144 attempts last season to go along with 11 touchdowns.
Corum caught 24 passes for 141 yards and another touchdown on the season, showing off great speed, balance, body control, leadership ability and surprising physicality at times.
The question is whether he can sustain or improve upon his production without his physical and bruising backfield mate Hassan Haskins, who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Corum’s work ethic and dedication are legendary, dating back to his high school days when he used to get up at 3 a.m. to work out (see video below).
Because of this along with his immense natural talents, there is much optimism in Ann Arbor that Corum can take the next step and become an All-Big Ten back in 2022-2023:
Ryan Hayes: Michigan’s Unsung Hero and a Future High NFL Draft Pick
Several sources have listed Hayes as a potential Top Ten pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
A converted tight end from his high school days, Hayes has prototypical size and nimble feet for a left tackle, which makes him an intriguing prospect for most NFL teams.
“A former 6-foot-7, run-blocking prep tight end who played at around 250 pounds in high school, Hayes came to Michigan with the plan of building himself into a left tackle from day one,” wrote Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic in describing Hayes’ talents for the next level.
“Despite minor injury bumps in 2020, he’s done exactly that. From 271 as a true freshman to 300-plus today, Hayes’ natural size is built to hold mass, and his ability to carry it remains top notch.
“He’s had no problem maintaining the quickness and speed he played with in high school as a TE and his ability to bend and get underneath shorter defenders in the run game helped set the tone for Michigan’s offensive resurgence last season.”
Hayes was a leader on an offensive line unit named as the best in the country in 2022, winning the Joe Moore Award for the Nation’s Best Offensive Line.
He spoke about his offensive line unit winning the award in the video below.
While Hayes is still relatively unknown among the Big Ten football fanbase, his true breakout year could come this season. His quiet, unflappable demeanor has had him flying under the radar, but this could be the year that all changes.
Between Hayes, Corum, and Edwards, Michigan could again have one of the best rushing attacks in the country heading into 2022-2023.
Athlon Sports’ 2022-2023 College Football guide can be purchased online by clicking here.
