TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Michigan football has an embarrassment of riches at the running back position. It could have relied solely on Donovan Edwards returning for his junior season, which he had to because he’s not draft-eligible until after this season, but it also has star tailback Blake Corum returning.
Both had significant injuries a year ago, but both will return healthy this year. So, what will that look like? How will both get utilized?
For Edwards, he’s ready to put his injuries behind him and, along with Corum, showcase his versatile skills to everyone who tunes into a Michigan game.
“I’m excited because I have a good plan for me going into the season. And, I’m ready to utilize it,” Edwards said at Wolverines Weekend at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa on Saturday. “I’m ready to show the world my full capabilities, how talented I really am, how great of a player I really am. God has blessed me tremendously. So, I’m gonna utilize on that, and I’m gonna give Him all the glory for that. (Speaking directly to a reporter) You’ve got the ‘Jesus is King’ hat on, that’s what I’m here for, to speak on that. Which is a blessing that I’m able to do the things that I do that most players can’t do.
“I’m just ready to show the world, ready to show NFL scouts how great of a player they’re going to draft and what Michigan — how we could be so dominant, having me Blake and all the other players, skill players, on the team that we have — how dangerous we could be.”
Edwards doesn’t really compare himself to anyone — he’s his own man, his own style of tailback.
It’s often been said he’s perhaps Michigan’s best receiver, but his knee injury suffered in Week 2 and his hand injury from Week 11 prevented him from really showcasing all of his skills last year.
He noted who he watches for inspiration, but his main focus is to watch his own film to see where he can improve.
“I don’t really study other backs. Maybe I am going to soon. But like, I just play my game, you know?” Edwards said. “I’ll look at the film like, ‘What can I do better?’
“I was just watching a film (with) Christian McCaffrey, how the Panthers are used to him. I really like looking at how I do it, because I feel like I’m the best running back that has the skill set that I have, and it’s about me being able to utilize that to my full potential. So I’m also studying myself and other players.”
OK, but what if he absolutely had to compare himself to someone else?
Edwards, responding to a question of how he’d describe his game, given that we haven’t seen it in full capacity, compared himself to a former high school standout known more for his time playing at Permian High School in Texas, as chronicled by the book (and movie and show) “Friday Night Lights,” whose career was cut short after a play went wrong in practice.
Regardless, Edwards has a willingness to get out onto the field, no matter how, to showcase what he can do — no matter where.
“You can’t even describe it, you know? I’m like Boobie Miles, but just with a better ending!” Edwards said. “I could run, pass, catch. I could kick the field goal, mow the lawn, cut the grass — all that good stuff.
“But, whatever the coaches need me to do. I’ll play the wildcat. I’ll play DB if I have to — anything to help the team. My skill set is through the roof. My vision is amazing. My hands are amazing. So I just give the glory to God on that — He blessed me in a tremendous way.”
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