In our last article, we touched on the Wolverine’s quarterback situation heading into the 2022 season. Every logical Michigan fan should be well-aware of the two-headed quarterback monster that is JJ McCarthy and Cade McNamara. But what is in store at the running back position this season? With 2021 leading rusher Hassan Haskins graduating and heading off to the NFL, Michigan will look elsewhere for production in the backfield. Let’s take a look at the running back position and see how we grade it:
2021 Overview
Michigan saw its best rushing performance in over two decades in 2021, rushing for 214.4 yards per game. This led the Big Ten and was good for 15th nationally. Michigan can thank the offensive line from much of the success on the ground. Michigan hasn’t seen a powerful and consistent offensive line since the Lloyd Carr era. They finally broke through in 2021, but the line is not the sole reason for the ground success. The two-headed horse of Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum was nearly unstoppable (ask the Buckeyes). Haskins was the lead back, carrying the ball 270 times for 1,327 yards and 20 scores. Right behind him was Blake Corum who rushed for just under 1,000 yards, although missed three games at the end of the season, before returning for the Ohio State game. He easily would have surpassed the 1,000 yard mark and would’ve likely been pretty even with Haskins statistically.
When those two needed a breather, Michigan had a 3rd option that they could rely on. 5 star freshman Donovan Edwards from Bloomfield Hills, MI was another bright spot in the backfield. Although Edwards didn’t need to do much in 2021, he made the most of the opportunities that he got. Edwards only rushed for 174 yards but really came into his own as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Edwards was actually 5th on the team in receptions with 20. Not only could he run and catch, but he could throw the rock too. He is most remembered for his halfback pass that resulted in a touchdown during Michigan’s 40 point rout of Iowa in the B10 title game. The pass couldn’t have been thrown any better, hitting Roman Wilson in stride, all while taking a hit from a defender. If Edwards breaks out as expected in 2022, Michigan will have one of the best running back tandems in the entire country.
What comes next in 2022?
With the departure of Haskins (selected by Tennessee Titans in Round 3 of 2021 NFL draft), Michigan will rely heavily on Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards in 2022. Corum has landed himself on the preseason Doak Walker Award watch list, and will be looked at to take on much of what Haskins did last season. Outside of Corum, Donovan Edwards may actually be the surprise player here. He has a physical running style similar to Haskins and is quicker on the edge than Haskins was. Edwards’ ability to hit the inside hole as well as turn a corner on the outside may give this running back room a big advantage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kajotcao0E
Corum, while only listed at 5’8 200 lbs, showed his ability to run between the tackles a year ago. He runs bigger than he looks and has a knack of falling forward for extra yardage. How will the carries be split between Corum and Edwards? That is yet to be determined, but I would bet a lot of money on Edwards seeing a minimum of 10 rushes a game. And that doesn’t even include the utilization of him as a pass catcher. With an offensive line that is perceived as one of the best in the country, there’s a real chance Michigan has two running backs in the 1,000 yard range once again.
Depth Concern?
There is no uncertainty about the expected production from the running backs this season. Corum and Edwards will make up a bulk of the numbers. However, what happens if one goes down to injury? That is where the uncertainty lies. Harbaugh doesn’t seem to share those same concerns:
“We’re in good shape,” Harbaugh said of Michigan’s running back room. “AJ Henning, we’re experimenting with AJ Henning there as well. It’s not out of the experimental stage, but he’s got the skill set to do it. I kind of envision a Deebo (Samuel) type of role for Henning, just ways to get him more touches, ways to get him the ball more is going to be good for our football team.”
If Michigan is truly developing Henning as a Deebo Samuel type weapon, that makes for an additional home run threat in the backfield. Henning, who was recruited as and has primarily played wide receiver, is a weapon every time he touches the ball, exhibiting his breakaway speed and cutting ability. I am intrigued to see what Harbaugh can make of Henning in the backfield and in the slot. This just adds one more dynamic to an offense that should already be very explosive.
Behind Henning’s experimental packages, it will likely come down to sophomore Tavierre Dunlap and converted linebacker Kalel Mullings to take the reigns as RB3. Mullings surprisingly saw some snaps at RB in the spring game and made the most of them. Both Dunlap and Mullings are big bodies who embrace contact and downhill running. Dunlap sits at 225 lbs and Mullings 236 lbs (based on spring roster). These are Wisconsin type backs who are looking to find a role in Michigan’s offense.
Conclusion
Overall, Michigan is in good hands with their backfield situation this year. Corum and Edwards should both be top backs in the conference, and Corum is receiving national attention. The uncertaintly and inexperience behind those two is the only thing keeping me from grading the running back room an “A”.