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2023 NFL Draft: Blake Corum Returns To Michigan With Unfinished Business

By Hunter Haas

Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) is hugged by co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore during warmups before the game Nov. 26, 2022 against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) is hugged by co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore during warmups before the game Nov. 26, 2022 against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. /
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On Monday afternoon, Blake Corum announced his decision to return to Michigan for the 2023 season. How does this impact the NFL Draft?

Blake Corum had his breakout 2022 campaign cut short by a knee injury suffered vs. Illinois on Nov. 19. He had surgery and attempted to return for the rivalry game vs. Ohio State, but things did not go well. After looking like a shell of himself early on, Corum was removed from the game, officially ending his junior season.

Corum took over as the starter after Hassan Haskins left for the NFL, and he led the Wolverines with 1,463 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in only 11 full games. The ball carrier’s superb vision, impressive patience, and bruising running style propelled Michigan to the top of the Big Ten and sparked a second-straight College Football Playoff appearance.

As the season came to an end, many began wondering about Blake Corum and his future with the program. He was a regular in the top half of 2023 NFL Draft RB rankings everywhere, and following an injury, it made sense for Corum to secure an NFL check this offseason.

Somewhat surprisingly, Corum fought the urge to declare for the NFL Draft, instead returning to campus to finish what he started in 2022. The Wolverines return several key members of the squad in 2023, but the biggest question for Michigan centers around the head coach position.

Corum bringing his talents back to Ann Arbor might help sway Jim Harbaugh into staying, but a bevy of reports have stated that the long-time head coach is looking to return to the NFL, citing unfinished business of his own. Regardless, spearheaded by JJ McCarthy and Blake Corum, the Michigan program is in great hands if Harbaugh dips.

As far as the 2023 NFL Draft goes, the class continues taking hits. Pass rusher Jared Verse (Florida State) and offensive guard Cooper Beebe (Kansas State) both announced their decisions to return to school, taking a top-five player at each position off the board. Blake Corum makes it a third, as he ranked No. 5 in my midseason RB rankings.

I am happy to see Corum make the decision that he felt in his heart. Expect to see him come back with a chip on his shoulder, even after posting one of the best seasons in Michigan football history. The Big Ten is wide open for the 2023 season, and Michigan will be looking for a third consecutive conference title with Corum leading the way.

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