Heisman Trophy contender, All-American, and Doak Walker Award finalist are impressive titles for any college football player. But for Michigan running back Blake Corum, there's one accolade that holds even more significance: being selected for the AFCA Allstate Good Works team.
Corum, along with 21 other college football players including Clemson's Will Shipley and Georgia's Ladd McConkey, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the community. Maryland head coach Mike Locksley also made the prestigious list.
At just 22 years old, Corum has already made a significant impact off the field. He has organized a turkey drive for underserved families in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and volunteers at the Community, Leadership, and Revolution Academy. For Corum, these acts of kindness are more than just obligations.
"I’m just someone that believes my purpose on Earth is bigger than football and I believe my purpose is giving back," Corum explained to Fox News Digital. "I’ve been blessed throughout my whole life, but especially now through NIL to be able to give back to the community – especially the community that is less fortunate.
Corum's commitment to giving back is evident throughout the year. From his annual turkey drive, which has grown from 100 to 300 turkeys, to backpack giveaways, back-to-school drives, and free youth football camps in his home state of Virginia and Michigan, Corum is dedicated to making a difference.
For Corum, being present in the community is essential. "I believe in being present because, especially with the platform that I have, being present goes a long way," he said. "Seeing the smiles on someone’s face, talking to them, means a lot. I try to be in the community as much as I can to make a difference."
Corum credits his parents for instilling in him the importance of helping others. Watching them give back to their own communities shaped him into the person he is today. Being recognized alongside 21 other outstanding individuals and following in the footsteps of former collegiate athletes like Tim Tebow is a humbling experience for Corum.
"Being a part of a team like that with all of these other athletes – it’s an indescribable feeling," he said. "Being a captain of my football team was a great honor. And being a part of the Allstate Good Works Team is right up there with it because you’re making a difference."
"You make a difference in the community, you’re helping change lives. You’re not just on the field playing football, but you’re in the community giving hope to someone that maybe doesn’t have hope or someone’s been down for a while – you’re there making them laugh and smile."
