HOUSTON: Blake Corum was under no obligation to return to school, according to Mike Hart.
Hart, the coach of Michigan’s running backs and a former school record 5,040-yard rusher from 2004 to 2007, recalls their back-and-forth conversations prior to last year’s draft deadline. The 5-foot-8, 213-pound running back made the final decision after Hart did.
“For me, I wanted to leave a legacy, be remembered forever, and not just for scoring some touchdowns,” Corum stated. “My goal was to have a greater impact both on and off the field. That’s one of the primary motivations for returning. Being present today was one of the other primary factors.
This is the College Football Playoff title game, of course. At Houston’s NRG Stadium on Monday, No. 1 Michigan (14-0) squares up against No. 2 Washington (14-0). With 3,603 yards and a school-record 56 touchdowns going into his last game, Corum has a chance to lead the Wolverines to their first national championship since 1997. Hart says it again, “He didn’t have to come back,” yet support for Corum’s choice is unwavering.
“The way he recovered from that injury, the things he do
es outside that community,” Hart stated. “He’s among the best Michigan players to have ever played any position. Simply said, I’m delighted for him.”
What kept Blake Corum around for his final season?
When Corum returned to school for his senior season on July 27 at Big Ten Media Days, he shared his thoughts. Corum told reporters that his left knee was alright while donning a blue velvet suit. He repeated his thoughts from the January 1, 2023, 51-45 College Football Playoff semifinal loss to TCU.
“In my head I was thinking, ‘What can I do?'” At Lucas Oil Stadium, Corum stated. “How would I react if I were in that situation? Is it possible for me to make someone miss? “Am I able to score a touchdown?” I could feel every feeling coursing through my body. It was annoying.
It was difficult. It was undoubtedly difficult.
With good reason, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh applauded that choice. For the past three seasons, Corum has served as the offensive focal point of the Michigan comeback. He played alongside Donovan Edwards and Kaleel Mullings for the last two seasons as Hassan Haskins’ tandem back in 2021.
“He is always willing to do anything and everything for the team,” Harbaugh stated. “Never been around a guy who is more about the team than Blake Corum.”
Hart and a few others were stunned by his 17-yard touchdown run on January 1st versus Alabama, when he whirled past Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry.
“I think that one he just did was amazing in overtime,” Hart stated. “He just refused to be denied.”
