Michigan football: PFF labels pair of Wolverines 2023 Heisman contenders
Michigan football had a potential Heisman Trophy candidate this season in junior running back Blake Corum, but an injury ultimately derailed a worthy campaign for consideration. The Wolverines sent EDGE defender Aidan Hutchinson to New York for the ceremony last year and Pro Football Focus thinks the recent pedigree of contenders can continue into 2023.
Max Chadwick put out a list of his top 10 Heisman contenders for next season recently with a pair of Michigan stars in the group. Running back Donovan Edwards led the way at No. 6, followed by quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 7. Both will be juniors next season and hope to keep Michigan in the national discussion.
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Here is what Chadwick said about Edwards’ potential candidacy:
If Corum declares for the draft like most expect him to, the running back with the best chance to win it in 2023 could be his replacement in Donovan Edwards. The sophomore’s 90.8 grade was tied for sixth among FBS running backs with at least 270 snaps in 2022.
When Corum suffered his season-ending knee injury, Edwards stepped up when it mattered most. He ran for 216 yards and two touchdowns on only 22 carries against then-No. 2 Ohio State, in what was the biggest game of the college football regular season. His encore was a 185-yard, one-touchdown performance with 10 forced missed tackles against Purdue in the Big Ten championship game.
The Wolverines look like they could push for a third straight playoff appearance next season, and Edwards could be the team’s top candidate to win the Heisman Trophy.
McCarthy, who has started his career as a Michigan starter at 12-0, also impressed this year in his first season on the job. He could be in for a major step forward in 2023.
Edwards isn’t the only Wolverine with a shot at the Heisman. Michigan didn’t need to rely on quarterback J.J. McCarthy too heavily last year with running back Blake Corum leading the way.
However, the sophomore still impressed in his first season as a starter with a 78.5 grade. McCarthy especially thrives outside of the original play design. His four passing touchdowns outside of structure trails only Bryce Young, Caleb Williams and Drake Maye among Power Five quarterbacks. McCarthy should take on a larger role in Michigan’s offense next season.
Here is Chadwick’s full top 10:
- Caleb Williams – USC
- Drake Maye – North Carolina
- Jordan Travis – Florida State
- Michael Penix Jr. – Washington
- Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State
- Donovan Edwards – Michigan
- J.J. McCarthy – Michigan
- Cade Klubnik – Clemson
- Quinn Ewers/Arch Manning – Texas
- Quinshon Judkins – Ole Miss
What’s next for Michigan?
The Wolverines will take on the TCU Horned Frogs on Dec. 31 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN. Should they take care of business, they will head to Inglewood, California on Jan. 9 in a national title game against either Georgia or Ohio State.
