The 2023 season marked the end of Blake Corum’s incredible four year career at the University of Michigan, and he’s departing Ann Arbor as a National Champion.
It can be easy to become a prisoner of the moment, particularly on the heels of what will likely be remembered as the greatest season in Michigan Football history, but it’s also impossible to overstate just how critical Corum was to Michigan’s success. In fact, Corum is already being discussed as the greatest running back to ever wear the winged helmet – and there’s plenty of reasons to back it up.
Here are five reasons why Blake Corum is the GOAT of Michigan running backs:
- The Numbers
Based on the numbers alone, Corum is easily one of the most productive running backs in Michigan Football history. He finishes his career ranked No. 7 all-time in career rushing yards (3,737), No. 1 all-time in single-season rushing TDs (27), and No. 1 all-time in career rushing TDs (58). He also holds the record for single-season points (168).
2. The Consistency
Time and time again, the Michigan offense was able to rely on No. 2 to make a big play when they needed it most. In fact, Corum was the only player in FBS to score a touchdown in every single game during the 2023 season. In short yardage situations and near the goal line, Corum was essentially automatic. He averaged 7.3 yards per carry in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and his production led him to being named a two-time Big Ten Running Back of the Year (2022-23), along with Offensive Player of the Game in the National Championship.
3. The Accolades
Although Corum would be the first to tell you he wasn’t all that interested in individual awards, he certainly won a lot of them during his time at Michigan. Here’s just a handful:
- Unanimous First-Team All-American (2022)
- Chicago Tribune Silver Football winner (2022)
- Big Ten Running Back of the Year (2022-23)
- Bo Schembechler Team MVP (2022)
- Comeback Player of the Year (2023)
- Offensive Player of the Game (2024 National Championship Game)
4. The Leadership
The 2023 Michigan Football squad was loaded with leaders, but Blake Corum was arguably at the top of that list. Once he announced that he would be returning for another year at Michigan, Corum made it clear that it was a “National Championship or bust” situation, and the rest of the team adopted that mentality.
His blue-collar work ethic and commitment to the program was clearly something that had a massive impact on the guys around him, and he was always someone who led from the front – whether on the field on in the community.
5. The Man
For as impressive as his career was on the field, who Blake Corum is off of the field is even more impressive. From delivering Turkeys to local Michigan communities on Thanksgiving, to holding a Toy Drive that generated thousands of toys for families in need this past Christmas, Corum made it part of his mission to give back to the Michigan community during his time at U-M.
“I’m just someone that believes my purpose on Earth is bigger than football and I believe my purpose is giving back,” Corum said. “I’ve been blessed throughout my whole life, but especially now through NIL to be able to give back to the community – especially the community that is less fortunate.
There’s no doubt that folks around Ann Arbor will remember Corum for his incredible highlights during his four years at Michigan, but they’ll also remember a guy who cared deeply about giving back to his community and serving a greater purpose than football.
