Kalel Mullings on freshman RBs impressing, 'shots and creativity' coming to offense
Michigan Wolverines senior running back Kalel Mullings moved from linebacker last season as the team sought more power in its rushing attack. It was an experiment that was tinkered with in spring ball before he switched back, then wound up back at running back after Blake Corum‘s injury.
Now entrenched at running back, and the presumed leader for the No. 3 job behind Corum and junior Donovan Edwards, Mullings feels as comfortable as ever at Michigan.
“If you asked me a year ago, I would have definitely said I felt like more like a linebacker, but coming back to it now, I definitely feel more like a running back,” Mullings said on Monday. “I also feel like my experience playing defense has helped my growth as a running back a lot. Especially the thought process I go through before each play.
“Understanding what the defenses are in, who’s blitzing from where and what the weaknesses are. It’s helped me a lot, and it has helped me a lot feel like a true running back.”
Corum and Edwards will lead the run game for Michigan as long as both are healthy, but Mullings feels he can pack more of a punch in goalline and short-yardage situations. He doesn’t expect to eat much into their workload but feels he does enough different to help the team.
“Blake and Dono are amazing running backs and you guys are all going to see that this season,” Mullings said. “I’m the biggest guy in the room, so I’m going to bring that power. That’s my goal for myself is to add something that they don’t add as much to help out the team and help out the room. With everything that they’re going to do, I’m hoping to just bring some power and bring that extra hammer down from the running back position.”
Mullings raves on Michigan freshmen, new look from offense
Mullings may enter the season as Michigan’s No. 3 running back, but there will be perpetual competition. Sophomore CJ Stokes is also expected to get a crack at the job, but freshmen backs Cole Cabana and Benjamin Hall have impressed. Mullings sees an opportunity ahead and a bright future for the frosh duo.
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“I think they both will show all you guys how good they are. They’re two really good backs,” Mullings said. “I think with Cole, he’s super fast and can catch the ball great. That will take him very far. And then with Ben, he has a great burst, great vision and can cut really well. So two different types of backs, but they both bring a lot to the game. They’re going to be really good for us.”
Michigan’s offensive identity is built around controlling the trenches and beating opponents down in the run game. However, the team has sought balance all offseason and hopes to be more dangerous through the air. The passing game was an emphasis in fall camp.
“I definitely think there’s going to be a lot of shots and creativity in the passing game,” Mullings said. “I’ve noticed that through camp and I’m excited to see how it develops throughout the season.”
The key to unlocking the offense’s full potential is junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who went through an entire offseason as the team’s unquestioned starter. Mullings sees his best football yet ahead of him.
“He looks great,” he said. “The explosive and the splash plays that he’s made since he got here have just continued. His ability to throw and use his legs. The dude is super fast, super strong arm, super accurate. He has it all and he’s just continued to develop and looks great.”
