Michigan Wolverines running back, Blake Corum, has taken the football world by storm with his exceptional skills on the field and his remarkable contributions off the field. Recently, Corum was announced as one of three finalists for the prestigious Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award. Joining him as fellow finalists are Texas Tech's Tony Bradford and Virginia's Mike Hollins.
The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award was established in 2017 to recognize a college football player in the FBS who showcases outstanding leadership qualities, courage, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. In accordance with the award's press release, it aims to honor individuals who make significant contributions to their communities.
This season, Corum has not only impressed with his remarkable achievements on the field, rushing for an impressive 1,028 yards and scoring 24 touchdowns, but he has also dedicated his time and resources to giving back to the community.
Using the funds from his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, Corum has made generous monetary contributions and volunteered countless hours to support the Ann Arbor community, as well as the neighboring areas of Ypsilanti and Detroit, Michigan, in addition to his hometown in Virginia.
One of his notable endeavors was the 'Giving Back 2 Give Thanks' event, where Corum provided over 600 Thanksgiving turkey meals and donated gallons of milk to those in need in Ypsilanti. This event has been running for three years, and Corum has contributed over 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to the community.
Furthermore, Corum organized a back-to-school program that supplied backpacks filled with essential school materials to the local community. He also took the initiative to lead two holiday toy drives in 2021 and 2023, collaborating with the Detroit Police Athletic League and the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry. Additionally, he has actively engaged with schools, participated in guest speaking engagements, and dedicated his time to reading to children.
The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award will receive a $10,000 contribution in their name to their school's athletic scholarship fund from Witten's SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife Michelle. The prestigious accolade will be presented at a grand ceremony in Frisco, Texas, on February 15, 2024.
Blake Corum's exceptional performance on the field and his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact off the field make him a deserving candidate for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award. His selflessness, generosity, and dedication to his community exemplify the true spirit of a leader both in sports and in life.
