Blake Corum will be remembered as one of the top running backs in Michigan Wolverines history. The charismatic, natural leader bled maize and blue during his four seasons in Ann Arbor, becoming a fan favorite.
His college stats prove that Corum was as good on the field as he was off it. A Heisman Trophy-worthy season followed by finally winning the elusive College Football National Championship, this is the story of how the Michigan running back developed into one of the best the program has seen.
Blake Corum Battles in Freshman Year
Corum’s journey at Ann Arbor began in January 2020 when he joined as a four-star recruit from Saint Frances Academy, MD. His first year came with plenty of challenges, as he had to navigate the COVID restrictions and sit behind established feature back Hassan Haskins.
Despite these hurdles, Corum appeared in five games during the Big Ten’s six-game regular season.
Although he was eased gradually into the rigors of a college football workload, Corum impressed the leadership with his athletic ability and academic achievements.
Rushing Attempts: 26
Rushing Yards: 77
Rushing Touchdowns: 2
Receiving Attempts: 5
Receiving Yards: 73
Receiving Touchdowns: 0
Corum’s Breakout Season
Corum’s second season would be his breakout year. Haskins continued to get most of the snaps, but the younger Michigan running back appeared in 12 games and returned kickoffs as a sophomore.
Blake Corum is a difference maker 🔥
— College Football Network (@CFN365) December 5, 2021
The Wolverines RB shone early in the season, starting the year with three consecutive games with over 100 yards rushing. His first came in the season opener against the Western Michigan Broncos (111 yards), and Corum followed it up against the Washington Huskies in Week 2 (171 yards) and against the Northern Illinois Huskies in Week 3 (125 yards).
It marked the first time a Wolverines running back opened the season with three games over 100 yards since Mike Hart in 2007.
Rushing Attempts: 144
Rushing Yards: 952
Rushing Touchdowns: 11
Receiving Attempts: 24
Receiving Yards: 141
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Corum Delivers Heisman Trophy-Worthy Season
With Haskins off to the NFL, Corum became the starting running back in Ann Arbor and took command. One of the best seasons from a running back in Michigan history ensued, and Corum used his elusive movement and physicality to rush for over 1,400 yards.
Michigans offensive lineman has been 💯 this year but sometimes, Blake Corum brings the magic on his own 🔥
— College Football Network (@CFN365) November 19, 2022
Corum had eight games with over 100 yards, including two magical performances early in the regular season. Against the UConn Huskies in Week 3, the Michigan RB had five rushing touchdowns, tying the Wolverines record, and became the first RB to score four touchdowns in the first half since 1972.
MORE: The Two Sides of Michigan Wolverines Running Back Blake Corum
The following week, Corum rushed for 243 yards against the Maryland Terrapins while scoring two touchdowns. The start of the season marked his arrival as one of the top running backs in the country, and he emerged as a genuine Heisman Trophy contender, with the Michigan RB becoming the focal point of the Wolverines’ offense.
Corum continued to rack up the yardage, becoming the third favorite to win the Heisman Trophy in November 2022. However, disaster loomed around the corner, with a torn meniscus against Illinois derailing Corum’s — and Michigan’s — campaign.
Despite trying to play the following week against Ohio State, Corum couldn’t overcome the injury and ultimately had knee surgery to correct the problem.
It was a bitter blow for Michigan, who could not compete to the same level without Corum on the field. The season ended in a College Football Playoff loss to TCU, and the Michigan RBs’ absence played a part.
Corum finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting and was named the Big Ten Running Back of the Year and the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
Rushing Attempts: 247
Rushing Yards: 1,463
Rushing Touchdowns: 18
Receiving Attempts: 11
Receiving Yards: 80
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Corum Leads Michigan to a National Championship
Choosing to forgo the 2023 NFL Draft, Corum announced he would be returning to Ann Arbor for his senior season. Feeling like the injury prevented him from achieving everything he could with Michigan, the decision was simple for the Wolverines RB.
As the season progressed, Corum broke records week after week. He started all 15 games and led the team with 1,245 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns. The Michigan RB scored a touchdown in every game of the 2023 season, becoming the only player in the FBS to achieve such a feat.
Automatic.
Blake Corum does not miss. #GoBlue | #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/XLElOFYGXn
— College Football Network (@CFN365) January 9, 2024
His 27 touchdowns set the single-season program record. Added together, his 58 career touchdowns at Michigan make Corum the school’s record touchdown scorer.
While the overwhelming game-after-game stats from his junior year didn’t repeat, Corum was critical to Michigan winning another Big Ten Championship, reaching the College Football Playoff, and ultimately winning the College Football National Championship. In the title game, Corum rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns against Washington.
KEEP READING: Michigan Wolverines’ Top 10 Returning Players in 2024
As Corum’s college career ends, he has written himself into Michigan folklore. His production, dedication, leadership, and commitment to the program will never be forgotten in Ann Arbor.
Rushing Attempts: 258
Rushing Yards: 1,245
Rushing Touchdowns: 27
Receiving Attempts: 16
Receiving Yards: 117
Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Corum’s Total College Stats
Rushing Attempts: 675
Rushing Yards: 3,737
Rushing Touchdowns: 58
Receiving Attempts: 56
Receiving Yards: 411
Receiving Touchdowns: 3
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