Blake Corum Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

School: Michigan

Class: Senior

Position: RB

HT: 5’8

WT: 205 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #91

Background: Blake Corum was slated to be one of the better running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft Class. Unfortunately, a season-ending injury altered his decision and he decided to return to Michigan for one final season. Before his injury, there was no question that he was one of the best running backs in the country. Corum is from the DMV area – Marshall, Virginia. He attended St. Frances Academy in Maryland. Blake was a 4-star recruit and a top 10 prospect in the state of Maryland. Corum won Maryland’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior. Corum participated in the Under Armour All-American Game. He ultimately chose Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines over Ohio State and Central Florida.

College: Corum had 26 carries for 77 yards in a shortened 2020 season. His impact was not truly felt but it was clear that he was the running back of the future in Ann Arbor. Che finished his sophomore season with just under 1,000 rushing yards while also handling returning duties. While that was considered his breakout season, his 2022 season was even better. Despite his season being cut short due to injury, he was still able to total 1,463 yards and was a unanimous First Team All-American. Blake Corum has been one of the most statistically productive running backs in the country for his entire career. After a season-ending injury in 2022, Corum returned to Michigan and helped lead the team back to the college football playoff. Corum has been the focal point of the Michigan offense as they have not necessarily had a proficient passing game.

Strengths: Pound for pound, Corum may be one of the strongest players in the country. He has a dense and powerful lower half. He shows off this strength when running between the tackles. He can push a pile forward on his own while his legs never stop moving. He can force missed tackles with his incredible contact balance. Defenders seem to slip right off him when attempting to make the wrap up. He is a fantastic between the gaps runner, slipping through gaps and bursting into the open field is his forte. He reads the field well which makes him such an exceptional gap runner, but he is also great in a zone rushing scheme. This vision that he possesses allows him to consistently gain chunk yardage.

Weaknesses: The biggest negative when looking at Corum’s game is how much tread he already has on his tires. Corum is a smaller back who has been a workhorse in college for years. He already had that season-ending injury in 2022, so the question remains as to how long his body can hold up in the NFL. He is a physical runner but does not break free for huge gains too often. His value is seemingly boosted by goal line touchdowns. Corum is almost a nonfactor in the passing game and most obvious passing downs for Michigan featured Donovan Edwards in the backfield.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: Goal Line RB

Best Team Fits: MIN, CHI, CAR

Player Comparison: Mark Ingram

Player Grade: 76.4