Tag: Kalel Mullings

Kalel Mullings eager to show he’s a complete back, rekindle ‘thunder and lightning’

He’s going to be really good this year. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It wasn’t that long ago that Kalel Mullings was looked at as the next premier Michigan football linebacker, possessing the traits that could make him among the Big Ten’s best. A few short years later, fans are excited to see what he can do toting the rock.

Even that is somewhat surprising. After his fumble in the 2022 College Football Playoff at the goal line, many wanted to see him never carry the ball again, but after a strong showing in 2023 — despite being oft-injured — the outlook on Mullings at running back is growing exponentially.

Thought of last year as a short-yardage back, that role ended up mostly going to Blake Corum. But even now with Corum gone, Mullings wants people to know there’s more to his game than getting just a yard when necessary.

“Yeah, there’s definitely more to my game that I want to show,” Mullings said. “I really view myself as somebody who’s able to do it all. I honestly think that you could ask me to do anything on a football field and I’ll be able to do it. That’s how I view myself. So really — just showcasing all of that and showing people that I feel like that’s big for me and I’m excited to do so.”

Mullings is ready to showcase his game to those unfamiliar. While he made some big plays in 2023, he feels he left a lot on the table. And now that he’s entering his second year not cross-training at linebacker, he’s sure that he can take a big step forward in 2024.

“My mindset is just continuing to be who I am and that’s the person that’s gonna put it all in line for the team and do everything to showcase my abilities when the opportunity’s presented,” Mullings said. “So yeah, I mean, for me, personally, it’s just a matter of just showcasing everything –w, I’m confident in all my abilities. I believe I’m a true back. And I’m really dynamic. And it’s just really to showcase and that’s my goal for the season.”

Thunder and lightning 2.0

Photo: Isaiah Hole

In 2021, the dynamic duo at running back was Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum. Haskins was recruited as a running back but was converted to linebacker upon arriving on campus. At the end of his freshman year, he was moved back to tailback and thrived midway through his sophomore season, 2019.

Mullings sees a lot of similarities between him and his predecessor in Haskins. He notes there’s a lot the two have in common and he draws upon his example to highlight what he’s capable of.

“I think that’s a great comparison. I know H2 played a little defense back in his day — I did the same as well,” Mullings said. “About the same size. Both run hard, so that’s a great comparison. I’m a fan of H2’s game and really, sort of when I was first making this transition to offense, that’s really who I was looking at, sort of like a role model. So yeah, so I’m all for that comparison.”

With that in mind, could Mullings and Donovan Edwards be a rebirth of the ‘thunder and lightning’ tandem? Given each’s skill sets, Mullings seems to think so.

“I definitely think Dono and myself, our games complement each other,” Mullings said. “Dono can take that thing 90 yards like that. And, I feel like I can definitely bring some stuff like you said some thunder to that lightning. It’ll be great to play off of each other. So I’m excited.”

Could Michigan football be getting good news on the field soon?

Huge news! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football is coming off a bye week, and while it may have been ill-timed in terms of having to endure a media firestorm without any game available to change the subject, it was a blessing for those who were banged up.

Running back Kalel Mullings started coming on strong in Week 5 against Nebraska and continued his upward trajectory in Week 6 against Minnesota. However, the linebacker-turned-tailback was unavailable for the last two games due to an undisclosed injury. On the Monday before the 49-0 win over Michigan State, head coach Jim Harbaugh told Wolverines Wire that Mullings is expected back soon.

On Monday, Harbaugh gave even better news about Mullings’ status as the Wolverines prepare for a Saturday night game against Purdue.

“Kalel is back practicing,” Harbaugh simply stated.

Whether Mullings is fully healthy is another story, but if he is back practicing, that is a strong indicator he could take the field against the Boilermakers this Saturday. Of course, if he cannot, the goal would be for him to return the following week when the Wolverines take on their first ranked opponent in a road game at Penn State.

Michigan football players to watch against Indiana

These guys are poised for a big game! #GoBlue

Michigan is set to kick off against Indiana this Saturday at noon EST. The Wolverines are looking to keep their undefeated season alive, while the Hoosiers are trying not to get embarassed.

As per usual, this game has more going on than just the score. Michigan has a number of player storylines to keep track of heading into this weekend’s game. Can Junior Colson and Rayshaun Benny make their splash plays? How about the run game, can it put Michigan is the drivers seat?

If the score gets out of hand early, stay tuned in to see how the following players perform!

5 takeaways from Michigan football’s win over Minnesota

What a win! #GoBlue

It wasn’t ever in question, not for a moment.

Michigan stormed into the Gophers’ home and retained possession of the most important jug in all of football. Michigan dominated in a 52-10 performance that showed the college football world the Wolverines have a very strong case to be ranked first nationally.

The result was expected, but dominant wins will always feel good. Every part of the game was humming soundly. The passing attack hit its shots, all three backs looked good and the defense put on another great performance.

Let’s take a look at five things Wolverine fans can take away from Saturday’s win.

5 takeaways from Michigan football win over Nebraska

That’s more like it! #GoBlue

The Michigan Wolverines won their first road test of the year in dominant fashion, 45-7 over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The win was total dominance from start to finish. Nebraska’s only points came on a meaningless drive late in the game with Michigan’s second- and third-string defenders in the game.

J.J. McCarthy had a terrific outing despite not putting up video game numbers. He completed 12 of 16 passes for 156 yards and two impressive touchdowns. More than the numbers was McCarthy’s rare ability to throw on the run. The junior signal caller demonstrated his impressive aptitude for the difficult maneuver multiple times, including on a touchdown to Roman Wilson.

Here are our five takeaways from the game.

Kalel Mullings wants to ‘bring that hammer down’ as Michigan football’s third RB

#Michigan has its power back! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football already has its two starting running backs set in stone in Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards — perhaps the best tailback duo in the country. But the battle this offseason has been for who will come off the bench to spell them and be a change of pace?

The Wolverines have options. C.J. Stokes and Benjamin Hall have long been thought of as two contenders for the role, but a lesser thought of incumbent has had something to say about that.

Jim Harbaugh said on the ‘Inside Michigan Football’ radio program on Monday night that converted linebacker Kalel Mullings is currently the No. 3 back for the Wolverines. Mullings started the year on defense but moved over late in the year after injuries sidelined Corum and hampered Edwards. He was phenomenal when called upon in the Big Ten Championship game, and threw a successful pass to tight end Luke Schoonmaker against Ohio State. But after fumbling and turning the ball over in the end zone against TCU in the College Football Playoff, his name isn’t one that’s been often on the lips of fans unless there are expletives following it.

Mullings is hoping for a bit of a reprieve in 2023. He’s no longer splitting time on defense, and the high school running back offers something different than any other player at the position on the roster.

“Blake and Dono are amazing running backs, and you guys are all gonna see that this season. But for me, personally, I’m the biggest guy in the room, so I’m going to bring that power,” Mullings said. “And that’s my goal for myself is to add something that they don’t have as much just to help out the team and help out the room.

“So with everything that they’re going to do, I’m hoping to just bring some power and bring that extra — that hammer down from the running back position.”

What’s helped Mullings out a bit, now that he’s singularly focused, is that he knows what he’s looking at across from the line of scrimmage.

Though he never played linebacker until he got to college, he spent three years playing mostly at the position, before last year’s late-season switch. He feels like that will be an added benefit when he’s lined up, peering at what the defense wants to do compared to what his unit has planned to defeat said defense.

As a result, he now feels like he’s gotten a handle on the running back position, once more.

“I would say if you asked me like a year ago, I would have definitely said I felt like more like a linebacker,” Mullings said. “But coming back to it now, I definitely feel more like a running back and I also feel like my experience playing defense has helped my growth as a running back a lot. And just even the thought process I go through before each play, kind of understanding what the defenses are in, who’s blitzing from where, what the weaknesses are in certain defenses, it’s helped me a lot and it has helped me a lot to feel like a true running back.”

What’s more, Mullings is getting some run as a kick returner, along with big-bodied quarterback Alex Orji. He feels that it will be intimidating for kickoff coverage teams to see him downfield with the ball in his hand should Jay Harbaugh elect to put him back deep.

“I know if I was on a kickoff team, if I saw dude as big as myself, I’d be like, ‘Shoot!'” Mullings said. “But, for me, it’s something I’m used to, something I’m comfortable with. And, using my size and my speed that comes with that on kickoff, as well, I got to — like I said, that’s a lot. So, I’m excited for that.”

Fans will likely get to see Mullings in action on Saturday when the Wolverines host East Carolina for the 2023 season opener. The game will kick off at noon EDT from The Big House and will be streamed live on Peacock.

10 Michigan football players who impressed at the spring game

These guys really stood out on Saturday! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — There were several key players who didn’t play on Saturday during the annual spring game at Michigan Stadium.

But a number of new faces that could have key roles in the fall shined on Saturday. It was a unique experience for the newcomers playing in The Big House in an actual game setting with fans present.

The Maize squad took down Jay Harbaugh and his Blue team, 22-21. Mike Hart, who coached Maize, called a two-point play with 1:44 left on the clock and then stopped the opposition to win the game,

Wolverine Wire’s Trent Knoop was in the press box on Saturday to watch the game, and he shares which 10 players were most impressive for Michigan.

To note, this isn’t in any particular order, just 10 overall players.

Mike Hart shares intel on Michigan football running backs before College Football Playoff

Really good stuff from one of the best at #Michigan! #GoBlue

PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — As Michigan football prepared to take on Ohio State in the final game of the regular season, the prevailing thought was that without Blake Corum, the offense would struggle.

Well, there’s a reason you play the games.

After missing several games with a hand injury, running back Donovan Edwards took the mantle and ran with it. And as far as the Buckeyes are concerned, he still may be running.

But what was the confidence the staff had that he could come in and replace a Heisman Trophy candidate and thrive?

We spoke to Mike Hart at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl media day and when it came to Edwards going from a complementary player to the No. 1 running back, he had the full confidence of the coaches.

“I think really at the end of the day like he’s always been that way,” Hart told WolverinesWire. “He was the No. 1 guy in high school. He knows how to carry the ball. He knows how to run the ball. It was just he waiting for opportunity. So he’s taking advantage of his opportunity, which we love. He’s running downhill; he’s running hard. He’s gotten better and takes everyday serious, comes up shows up to work every day. And he’s just doing a great job.”

Still, was it a challenge for him personally to become the bell cow for the offense? Not really, Hart says.

Edwards didn’t actually have limited production. We’ve seen him make big plays all year. But he’s among the nation’s top RB in terms of yards per carry, averaging 7.45 every time he gets the ball, despite averaging 11-plus carries a game.

The second-year back out of West Bloomfield knew he could do it, it was just a matter of him getting more opportunities.

“Donovan is not one that’s shy on confidence,” Hart said. “He believes in his ability. We believe in his ability. And there’s just literally a lot of times it’s just you have to give him the opportunity to do those things. And so he’s been able to show up and do the right things. And just I mean, he’s doing a great job.”

How Kalel Mullings has fared at running back

Photo: Isaiah Hole

The other prevailing thought was that behind Edwards would be freshman C.J. Stokes, but it turns out another was ready to step up: converted linebacker Kalel Mullings.

Mullings earned his opportunity to play running back in spring ball, but with Nikhai Hill-Green unable to play this year, he was more needed at LB. Once Corum went down, it was a ‘break glass in case of fire’ scenario, and he’s thrived on the offensive side of the ball, scoring two touchdowns in the Big Ten Championship game and having a big pass play to tight end Luke Schoonmaker against Ohio State.

Hart said it was just a matter of time before he came over to the offensive side again, despite being back on defense for much of the season.

“It’s one of those things where we started this last spring with coach Harbaugh,” Hart said. “We knew where you see deficiencies sometimes you make adjustments and so he’s been learning the position since last spring. So it wasn’t just like a one-week transition. It’s something that he’s been doing all year, during fall camp we went rotated every other day pretty much, George (Helow)? With him between running back and linebacker and he’s a smart kid. So just kudos to him to be able to handle the defense and the offense and knowing what he’s doing between those things.

“So nothing new, something we expected, something we knew we would get to at some point during the season. So I mean, it’s really just coach Harbaugh getting those things done and allowing us to work together on offense and defense.”

Mullings’ sample size is limited, but Michigan has experience converting linebackers to running backs and vice versa.

After arriving as a linebacker in his freshman season, Hassan Haskins switched back to offense — where he was originally recruited — and became a Michigan legend after an incredible senior season capped by a five-touchdown performance against Ohio State.

Hart said that’s an unusual scenario because usually running backs can play linebacker, but not the other way around.

“I mean normally, when you’re not good enough at running back you move to linebacker!” Hart said. “You’re gonna be a little stiffer right, George? But no, honestly, I’ve really never had a linebacker come back over. So I think most running backs can play linebacker, not every linebacker can play running back. But Kalel is a guy who’s athletic, has great hands, great feet. And he’s kind of like the exception to the rule of linebacker coming over and playing running back when normally you do it the other way around.”

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Michigan linebacker turned running back throws pass for first down

Jim Harbaugh and his trick plays worked for Michigan against Ohio State

Jim Harbaugh is pulling out trick plays for Michigan against Ohio State.

Faced with a third-and-short in the third quarter on Saturday, Harbaugh had Kalel Mullings in the backfield.

Mullings is listed as a linebacker on the team roster but switched to the offense during the week because the backfield was shorthanded due to Blake Corum’s knee injury.

Mullings, the linebacker and running back, became the passer, too, as he threw a jump pass to Luke Schoonmaker for 15 yards to extend the drive.

The Wolverines kept possession as the third quarter ended and were driving at the start of the fourth, looking to build on their 24-20 lead.

J.J. McCarthy added to his 3 touchdown passes with a run for a touchdown and the Wolverines led 31-20 in the battle of the unbeaten Big Ten teams.

Jaylen Harrell, Kalel Mullings talk about the ‘chip on the shoulder’ and the speed on the defense

This defense is saying the right things!

Michigan football bolstered into the top five in the AP Top 25 Poll after defeating Colorado State last Saturday, 51-7. The Wolverines are sitting comfortably with a No. 4 ranking, but there are still 11 games left on the schedule and the maize and blue will be tasked to take on Hawaii this upcoming Saturday.

The Wolverines did score 51 points, so the offense did what it needed to do, even after stalling in the red zone three different times which led to three field goals. But the most impressive thing about Michigan when it faced the Rams was the defense.

As everyone knows, Michigan lost key starters to a top defense from 2021, but the maize and blue have so many players that have experience. Michigan started a brand new defensive line in its first game last Saturday with the exception of Mazi Smith, but mostly everyone that played does have experience thanks to the rotation that the Wolverines do with the defense.

The Wolverines compiled seven sacks and 11 tackles-for-loss against Colorado State. After the game, edge defender Mike Morris said that the Wolverines had a chip on their shoulder and he said that Michigan has plenty of edge players that can play winning football.

On Tuesday, Jaylen Harrell — who got the start against the Rams — shared similar sentiments. He said that there really is a chip on their shoulder, but the main goal for the defense is to keep improving every day which will lead to the defense in a position to be great.

“Yeah, like you said the chip there is actually a chip and a lot of buzz about this then the third about who to replace,” said Harrell. “We all have been saying like we’re not trying to replace no one, who’s trying to get better each and every day. But our chemistry rushing the passer, stop the run, whatever it may be. The main goal is keep getting better each and every week, putting our defense in the best position to be great.”

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter did a great job against the Rams in disguising plays. The Wolverines did a great job getting to Millen when it blitzed, but the amazing thing was, how many times Michigan was able to get to the Rams’ quarterback when just rushing four guys. Harrell said that he thought the four-man rushes were good, but he also thinks that Michigan could have finished better than what it did getting to Millen. That’s a big statement since the Wolverines did rack up seven sacks.

“Four man rush wise I thought we were getting back there as well,” said Harrell. “But like I said we could have I feel like we all could have finished a little better. Yeah, we left some rushes out there for the quarterback could feel us. But overall pretty good. Pretty good debut for us as a defensive pass rush.”

When rotating so many young players in and out of the game, the worry comes in externally, will it bother anyone? Of course, everyone wants to play, but a ton of teams will feature three-to-four guys and Michigan featured seven or eight players. But linebacker Kalel Mullings says its fun to the team when they see so many players making plays on defense. He gives credit to the coaches for allowing different players to earn an opportunity.

“Yeah, I mean, you know, last year, we had so many amazing players that left,” said Mullings. “And I feel like there’s a defense and as a team, there was, you know, external pressure and internal pressure as well to kind of replace that. And it also gave a lot of us the opportunity to step up and replace it as well. And I feel like coach Minter and the whole defensive staff has given us the opportunity to make plays and to step up to get home get sacks, get ball disruption. And, you know, we all saw on Saturday, so many guys getting home and getting sacks. You know, it’s just fun to do. It’s fun to see it’s fun to be a part of, and it’s just fun in general.”

Even though Michigan lost some key cogs to the defensive unit from 2021, the Wolverines have young and hungry talent returning in 2022. Mullings was asked about the difference between the 2022 team compared to last year. Speed was noticeable, and Mullings says that Michigan has some burners on the defensive side of the ball. He sees it on the perimeter and he has been seeing it since camp.

“And I feel like it definitely shows up on the perimeter,” said Mullings. “You know, perimeter plays in practice, and all throughout fall camp, you just see it all over film guys burning to the ball. Backside players making plays that you’re like, oh my goodness, how is he even in the shot? And I feel like it’s gonna help us a lot. Just having extremely, extremely athletic guys and extremely fast guys all over the field. Who doesn’t? Who doesn’t want that? I mean, it’s gonna be great for us.”

The Wolverines will take the field this Saturday against Hawaii at 8 p.m. EDT on Big Ten Network.

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