While Blake Corum's rushing yards may fall short of last year's tally, he's more than compensated by consistently finding his way into the end zone. Remarkably, the Michigan running back is just one rushing touchdown away from etching his name in the school record books.
Corum, who currently holds the program record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 24, a feat achieved in the victory over Ohio State on Nov. 25, now eyes the chance to surpass the all-time rushing TD record of 55 in the upcoming Rose Bowl clash against Alabama.
Entering the College Football Playoff semifinal on Jan. 1 with 54 touchdowns, Corum secured this impressive tally by adding two more touchdowns in Michigan's Big Ten championship triumph over Iowa on Dec. 2.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Corum expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It feels great just being up there with the greats,” Corum said after the game. “That’s something that I wanted to do when I came here. Obviously I wanted to be a great football player, but I just wanted to honestly just leave an impact on and off the field, just be a great person. I feel like I’ve done that.”
What's particularly noteworthy is that Corum has built his legacy and positioned himself to break the Michigan record in just over three seasons of work. Despite a modest start as a true freshman in 2020, where he rushed for only two touchdowns in a shortened six-game season, Corum steadily ascended.
In 2021, he amassed 952 yards and 11 touchdowns, playing second fiddle to Hassan Haskins and overcoming a two-game injury setback. The following year, Corum elevated his game further, accumulating 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns, marking the highest rushing yards in a season for a Michigan player since Den Robinson in 2010. However, his Heisman Trophy aspirations were hindered by injuries, sidelining him for a significant portion of three games.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh expressed confidence in Corum, stating, “There’s nothing I don’t think Blake can’t do,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. “No matter what people tell you you can’t do, you just go back and think of all the things that you have done to get you this far.”
Corum's standout performances in the 2022 season, with 1,028 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, have often seen him capitalize in the red zone. Impressively, 22 of his 24 rushing touchdowns this season occurred within the opponent’s 10-yard line. A victory against Anthony “A-Train” Thomas' record of 55 rushing touchdowns, set in 2000, would be the crowning achievement for Corum.
Despite facing formidable defenses, Corum's determination remains unyielding, and he looks forward to the next game with the hope of surpassing the legendary Thomas. Tying the record at 55, Corum humbly acknowledges, "It’s a blessing."
