Blake Corum 'good to go' following 2022 injury

Blake Corum is back. On Thursday at Big Ten Media Days, the Michigan running back reassured Wolverines fans he will be better than ever in 2023.

“I had a doctor’s appointment the other day, and the doctor cleared me,” Corum said. “Maybe I should double-check with him just to make sure that was the official clear, but I’m feeling great, so I’m going to clear myself.”

That’s the attitude of a unanimous First-Team All-American, an honor Corum picked up last season. In 2022, Corum ran for 1,463 yards on 247 attempts with 18 touchdowns, the third-most in a single season in Michigan history.

Corum injured his left knee on Nov. 19 against Illinois. The Virginia native didn’t let the injury stop him from attempting to face Ohio State. Nonetheless, after two plays, Corum exited the contest. Ultimately, Corum missed the Big Ten championship game and the Wolverines’ College Football Playoff appearance.

Now, after months of rehab, Corum is witnessing the fruits of his labor.

“A couple weeks ago, that’s when I realized that most of my speed was coming back,” Corum said. “And then I started feeling the burst. There was definitely a point in time where I was like, ‘OK, I like where this is heading.’

“I’m me now. It’s no longer: ‘Blake has a bad knee,'” Corum said. “My knee is fine. My knee is perfect, and I’m just ready for some ball now.”

Michigan fans couldn’t be happier to hear the news. After all, the Wolverines were a mere six points away, or one Corum touchdown, from reaching the National Championship last season. With Corum and QB JJ McCarthy both back for the 2023 campaign Michigan is primed to make history.

Now, Corum simply has to stay healthy.

“I’m good. Now, it’s just being smart, going into camp and doing whatever I have to do to make sure this team is in the best position to win and attack the season,” Corum said.

Corum isn’t the only returning running back for Michigan. Fellow speedster Donovan Edwards is back after rushing for 991 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. The pair are expected to create headaches for opposing defensive coordinators.

“We just complement each other so well. It’s beautiful,” Blake Corum said. “We have a great coach in coach [Mike] Hart. He trains us real well. He gets us ready for the games, and he makes sure the running back room is really just great. We treat each other great, but Donovan and I, we complement each other. We sharpen each other. On the field, off the field, it doesn’t matter.”

Watch Corum return to the gridiron on Sept. 2 against East Carolina in Michigan’s season opener.