One of top RB prospects, Michigan's Blake Corum 'can't be stopped, won't be stopped'

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Friday morning, Michigan running back Blake Corum stood at a podium inside the Indiana Convention Center, speaking with reporters about his preparation for the NFL Draft. Saturday morning, he’ll test and go through drills in front of teams that might select him.

Corum could’ve done all of this 365 days ago, following a 2022 season that saw him earn unanimous All-America honors. But after suffering a torn meniscus and MCL late in the year, forcing him to miss the Big Ten championship game and College Football Playoff, the Michigan running back decided to return for his senior campaign.

Some viewed Corum’s move as a gamble, he said it was about the business he still had to attend to at Michigan.

“The NFL, I knew wasn’t going anywhere. It’s been around for a long time; it’s going to stay around for a long time,” Corum said. “And some of my brothers were going back, and ultimately there was unfinished business. It was unfinished business that needed to be finished, and I wanted to bring that to Ann Arbor, to Michigan.

“And most importantly, for my brothers. I consider myself my brothers’ keeper, and I would do anything for any of them. If they call me today right now, I’d answer the phone, and 10 years down the line I’ll be there if they ever need me again. I knew going back, we needed to win a national championship.

“And I knew the NFL wasn’t going anywhere; I knew God was gonna bless me with another opportunity some day, and that day is right now. Looking back, I don’t regret anything. I’m just thankful that my journey has gone the way it’s gone.”

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As Corum famously said on stage in Houston Jan. 8, ‘business is finished.’ He helped Michigan capture the ultimate prize in the sport, a national championship. Now, he’s one of 18 Wolverines at the NFL Combine, an all-time record.

“That’s what happens when you win, right? Seventeen and then myself, those are some special guys, special men on and off the field,” Corum said. “And that’s what separates the Michigan Wolverines is we’re just good human beings, people that want to help the community, help each other, most importantly have our brothers’ back and have the Michigan community’s back.”

Corum is known for his high-level work ethic that was instilled in him as a boy, growing up on a farm in his early years. His father, James, owned a landscaping business, and Corum helped out with lawn mowing and other duties.

“That’s why I say country strong is different than the weight room strength, because it truly is,” Corum said with a smile. “Everything is uneven, lifting logs and stuff like that.”

NFL teams have asked Corum for games or plays that stand out about his career, and he’ll point to some big performances in huge games. He also wants them to know that he gave 100-percent effort on every snap for Michigan over the last four seasons.

“I have to give them a game, but I also tell them that each and every game I gave it my all,” Corum said. “So, you turn on the tape, you’re going to see some good things. I definitely tell them, big games — Alabama, Penn State, Washington — games that really meant a lot. But I tell them, you turn on the tape any game, best believe I’m giving them my all, my effort. And I’m just bringing that mentality that each and every rep, I’m going to take advantage of it.”

That’s what Corum, who accumulated 3,737 yards and a Michigan-record 58 rushing touchdowns throughout his career, brings to the next level.

“I just go hard every single play,” Corum continued. “I just go into it with a mindset that I can’t be stopped, I won’t be stopped. And whatever the team needs me to do win, I’ll do it. I’ll play defense if I need to. That’s the mentality I’m bringing — a good leader, a great team player, someone that’s going to be vibrant, smile all day long and try to do whatever I can.”