Tag: Kalel Mullings

Final 2024 Michigan football preseason position analysis: Running Back

Excited to see what this group does this year! #GoBlue

Primer

Blake Corum is gone to the NFL, but his replacement as the starter has a ton of practical experience along with having shown he can carry the load in big games. Donovan Edwards returned for his senior year after a disappointing 2023 season but he’ll be looking to rebound in a big way after a huge performance in the national championship game. Kalel Mullings moves up the depth chart and looks to fill that Hassan Haskins ‘thunder’ role, while others vie for playing time.

Projected starter: Donovan Edwards
Rotation: Kalel Mullings, Jordan Marshall, Ben Hall

Position outlook

Edwards is entrenched as the starter and Mullings will assuredly be in heavy rotation. The question lies more on who the third back is. Hall enters his second year and only had 15 carries for 69 yards last season but freshman Jordan Marshall will certainly challenge him as the third back utilized.

Tavierre Dunlap and Cole Cabana could also see playing time as could walk-on Leon Franklin who’s seen a lot of snaps in garbage time over the years. Cabana is particularly intriguing as he has a versatile skill set similar to Edwards, but has been hampered with injury concerns during his short tenure in Ann Arbor. Freshman Micah Ka’apana is a strong redshirt candidate.

Kalel Mullings feeling comfortable two years after converting from LB to RB

Excited to see what he does this year! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Back in 2022, Michigan football started experimenting with linebacker Kalel Mullings, having him split time as a two-way player moonlighting at running back. The move had mixed reviews. Mullings fumbled the ball in the spring game but then made big plays in the Ohio State game and Big Ten Championship Game. But he fumbled at the goal line in the College Football Playoff and his future at the position appeared to be in doubt.

However, Mullings came on strong last season, though he spent much of the year injured. From his speed, vision, and willingness to take on blocks, Mullings provided Michigan with the type of tailback play missing since Hassan Haskins — another converted player from linebacker.

Now that he enters his second year working solely at running back, Mullings feels fully converted and ready to go for the 2024 season. And he’s ready to go as the team’s No. 2 running back behind Donovan Edwards.

“I think the biggest thing for me has just been comfortability,” Mullings said. “When you take three years off of doing something, it’s kind of hard to get comfortable, but definitely learning from Blake last year and continuing to learn from Dono last year and this year, it’s helped me a lot, and has helped me get comfortable and find my game — how I always played running back again, you know.

“So I feel like that’s definitely the biggest thing so far, is just really getting comfortable to playing the position, and then adjusting to how the position is played in college. I feel like I’ve taken those two steps this year. So I’m excited.”

One of the ways that Mullings excels that doesn’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet is his willingness to block. Considering that he used to be a linebacker, it’s not only the eagerness for contact but also his identification of the opposing defense and its own schematic tendencies that has made Mullings so adept on that front.

What’s more, for Mullings, blocking is fun, and he looks forward to plays where he doesn’t have the ball in his hands.

“It’s fun because I definitely say that it makes it a little bit easier at times to block, just because playing like being on the other side, I know that there’s more that they’re doing than just looking at me thinking, ‘I’m going to block,'” Mullings said. “So being able to take up ground on guys and get to them as quick as possible that’s part of it, and that’s a big part of it. So, yeah, I relish it and it’s fun.”

In 2023, Mullings appeared in 13 of the 15 games and had 222 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries. His workload will likely increase significantly this year as the Wolverines look to defend their national championship.

What RB Kalel Mullings has improved on the most this offseason

If he can make house calls now, watch out! #GoBlue

It wasn’t so long ago that Michigan football fans wanted to see less of Kalel Mullings in the running back position. Now they want to see him a lot more.

And they’re about to get their chance with the latter.

Mullings was recruited to Ann Arbor as a linebacker, but in spring of 2022, he started dabbling at running back. He fumbled once in the spring game and thus languished on the bench for much of the year. But when Blake Corum injured his knee in the penultimate week of the regular season, Mullings needed to come in periodically to spell Donovan Edwards, and thus it was finally his time to shine.

But, a botched handoff on the goal line in the College Football Playoff semifinal against TCU was so disastrous, Mullings’ future appeared to be in doubt. However, in 2023, when he was healthy, he had a solid year, bulldozing his way through defensive fronts, all while protecting the football. Now, he’ll split time with Edwards, and will assuredly be the thunder to Edwards’ lightning.

On the In the Trenches Podcast, Mullings shared where he’s worked the hardest this offseason and how he hopes it will pay off.

“Yeah, so for me, definitely it’s been the last third of my runs, being able to break the long ones,” Mullings said. “Being mobile and agile though, that’s been my biggest area of focus, while still maintaining my size and the biggest thing that kind of separates me. So, for me, this offseason has been finding that balance of being a big, powerful back, but at the same time being able to take it the distance and get those house calls.”

The good thing is, regardless if Mullings is the second tailback off the bench, the first, or the last, the group has really come together as one unit, happy for each other’s success.

His sentiments somewhat echoed Edwards’ stance at Big Ten media days, noting that it’s not just a friendly, in-room competition. It’s a brotherhood. And as such, they all want a piece of the pie and they all want each other to share in that.

“We’re all brothers in that room. We all love each other,” Mullings said. “And that’s the main thing — it’s a real, genuine connection, and relationships with all your teammates. That’s first and foremost. And then after that, it’s just having fun with the guys, bringing the best out of each other. Because I know if one of the other guys is coming into practice pulling the best out of me, and I’m doing the same with him, no matter what happens, we’ll be — the team as a whole, being in a better spot.”

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.