2024 NFL Draft Profile: The rise of Blake Corum, Wolverine’s star running back

Blake Corum, the magical running back for the Michigan Wolverines, is set to be one of the most prominent figures in the 2024 NFL draft. His impressive performance, strong determination, and agile skills have drawn comparisons with some of the best in the business, including Kenneth Walker III. Here, we delve into the details of his journey and his prospects for the future.

Corum hails from a lineage of athletes, which has played a significant role in shaping his future. His dedication and passion for football were evident from a young age, and he has consistently performed at high levels throughout his career.

2022 Season: Highs and lows

During his 2022 season, Corum made a massive impact before a knee injury sidelined him during a match against Illinois. He attempted to return for the Ohio State game but had to leave after only two plays. Despite this setback, he still managed to rush for 1,463 yards and score 18 touchdowns in 12 games, in addition to catching 11 passes for 80 yards and one score.

In 2023, Corum has accumulated 152 carries, 794 yards, 18 TDs, and an average of 5.2 yards per carry going into Saturdays matchup,with the Terapins. His dense frame allows him to leverage contact and smoothly cut through tight creases. His burst out of cuts and long speed make him a threat for big plays. He also has the ability to adjust leverage and hurdle defenders when in open space. He has quick working vision to identify space on the front side of zone runs. His agility and ability to bend outside when needed has been a great asset. He has even shown potential as a receiver, running smooth routes out of the backfield and using blockers to his advantage.

Corum scored two TDs in Week 11 vs Maryland anointing him the single season touchdown record holder for the Wolverines. Hi 51 career touchdowns put him in striking distance of Michigan's all-time leader Anthony Thoma's 55. Corum has some work to do but could find himself as one of the greatest Wolverine rushers in history. 

Elite Draft Comparisons

His style of play is reminiscent of Doug Martin, also known as the Muscle Hamster, with that same energy and physicality in each play. However, one of the significant points of discussion around Corum is his striking resemblance to Kenneth Walker III, the former Michigan State Spartans and current Seattle Seahawks running back. Both players share a similar build and are determined runners capable of breaking tackles.

Walker was given a draft grade of 6.35 and taken 9th in the second round; Corum will get a higher grade and be drafted later. He is a true potential draft steal. However, they both face questions about their pass-catching abilities.