ANN ARBOR, Mich. — There were high expectations entering both 2023 and 2024 for Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, notably due to how he performed in his second year in college.
‘Big Game Don’ showed up against Penn State, but most visibly at Ohio State when Blake Corum was unable to do more than give it a go after injuring his knee. Edwards famously rattled off a 75-yard touchdown followed by an 85-yard touchdown late in The Game in Columbus, propelling Michigan to a 45-23 victory.
If the Wolverines are going to stand a chance given the disparity between the two teams, Big Game Don is going to have to show up. But, unlike in the past, he’s not pressing the issue. He’s not thinking about putting on a show and matching or exceeding his past accomplishments. Instead, he’s worried about what he’s doing today than what Saturday will bring. And once he gets the ball in his hands on Saturday, he’ll take things one snap at a time.
“I’m not trying to replicate anything,” Edwards said. “For me. It’s just doing what we have to do to win the football game. I’m not looking to — because I found myself trying to be something I was in the past, and that past is over. So, I have to look forward to what’s going to be, not looking to replicate anything this upcoming game. Just want to just do me, just have a great game as a football team and come up with a victory. And that’s all.”
Edwards came back for his senior season and though the season hasn’t gone as planned — he’s intermittently started, alternating certain games with Kalel Mullings — he has outpaced his 2023 production while falling short of his 2022 season where he had 991 yards.
Last year, in 15 games, Edwards had 119 carries for 497 yards and five touchdowns. In 11 games, this year Edwards has 124 carries for 578 yards and five touchdowns (four rushing and one receiving). Regardless of this not being a breakout season akin to 2022, he’s taking it in stride, recognizing there are grander schemes than merely being a big game player.
“It’s not the year that I wanted to have,” Edwards said. “I really wanted to have Ashton Jeanty year, for real. You feel me? A little jealous of Ashton Jeanty right now!
“I’m having some success though, but it’s not what I wanted to be, just statistically-wise. But ultimately proud of the fact that how I’ve been able to carry myself and the leader that I’ve become, and having the respect from the guys that surround me. And, being able to be healthy throughout this whole year, that’s what really matters to me a lot.
“And, I could say that I gave every game my all. Was it always pretty or perfect? No. Have I missed pass protections? Absolutely. But, that’s a part of the game. And I’m not perfect. I’m a human being. So, ultimately, I’m just –there’s success in every other aspect, and with the main focuses and the other parts of the season for me has been something that I’m proud of myself to say that I’ve been able to accomplish.”
Edwards isn’t pressuring himself to show Ohio State that he’s still a Buckeye killer. The most important thing for him is what kind of teammate he is, what kind of leader he’s been. The rest of it is all gravy.
“To me, it doesn’t really matter, because I have body of work that I’ve put on display,” Edwards said. “But ultimately, just one play or one game doesn’t define who I am. Inside Schembechler Hall, people know who I truly am as a man, as a person — that’s what matters the most to me. Just the person — the person that I am, the man that I am.”