With so much focus being placed on NIL and the transfer portal these days, it’s easy to lose sight of some of the incredible work that student-athletes are doing within their communities. Former U-M running back Blake Corum made it his mission to give back to various Michigan communities during his time in Ann Arbor, giving away hundreds of Turkeys for Thanksgiving and holding Toy Drives during the Christmas season.

That tradition of giving back is continuing with senior running back Donovan Edwards, who spent time visiting moms and other patients during their infusion treatments ahead of Mother’s Day.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to spend time around Donovan Edwards knows full well that he is a burst of positive energy. His infectious personality is something you can’t help but notice when you’re around him, and there’s no doubt that he brought plenty of joy with him during his recent visit with patients.

Meeting with the media during spring ball, Edwards talked about how he’s grown as a man during his time at Michigan, and how adversity has shaped him into the person he is today.

“I’m grateful that everything has happened for me, because all it’s going to do is continue to push me as a player and as a man,” Edwards said. “I can’t sit up here and say I haven’t faced adversity because I have. But that adversity has made me a man, and that adversity is going to make me a better football player. I’m still confident. Don’t mistake my confidence for arrogance, but I’m confident within myself and my abilities and my capabilities. My obligation is to continue to bring everybody else up with me, because as long as we can do that, then we will be successful.”

By all accounts, Edwards has embraced his leadership role as one of the veterans remaining on the Michigan roster – and giving back to the Michigan community is a big part of that leadership.