Michigan believes that its running back tandem could be the next “thunder and lightning.”
Since then, Haskins and Corum have left Ann Arbor, each paving the way to establish Michigan as a team known for playing hard football. They also won a good number of games.
However, the Wolverines, who have a new head coach and starting quarterback, are embarking on a new chapter as they want to build on three consecutive Big Ten wins and their first national championship since 1997. The team’s primary running back, Donovan Edwards, is anticipated to take the lead, and Michigan welcomes back Kalel Mullings, a fifth-year senior who was mostly used as a short-yardage specialist.
It is hoped that the 239-pound, 6-foot-2 Mullings may develop into more this year.Mullings told reporters on Thursday that he wanted to showcase more of his game. “I genuinely think of myself as someone who can accomplish anything. In all honesty, I believe I could be asked to perform any task on a football field, and I would be able to execute it.
Whether the coaching staff concurs is still to be seen. Mullings was frequently thrown out there to take hits and pick up a first down. Last season, he ran 36 times for 222 yards and a touchdown. That’s exactly what happened on sixteen of his thirty-six carries, six of which were on third-and-short plays (less than three yards).
Over the previous two seasons, Edwards has established himself as Michigan’s running back who can hit home runs. He barely missed 1,000 yards rushing in 2022, finishing the season with a team-best 7.1 yards per carry. He also had five carries of 50 yards or more, including two touchdown runs of 75 and 85 yards against Ohio State, his bitter rival.
Even though Edwards only managed 497 yards and five touchdowns on the ground last season, things still didn’t exactly go as planned. However, in the national championship game, he scored touchdowns of 41 and 46 yards against Washington.
A bulked-up Edwards, who is currently registered at 214 pounds, told reporters recently, “I think Kalel is a lot like Hassan.” Mullings has expressed his liking for the comparison, citing similarities in their frames and positional transitions from linebacker to running back.”Our sizes are comparable. Mullings stated, “They both run hard.” “I like it a lot.”
In addition, Michigan will have two additional scholarship backs available this spring in sophomore Benjamin Hall and senior Tavierre Dunlap, which will provide the Wolverines extra choices when it comes to passing the ball.
But for the time being, Mullings thinks he can develop into an all-around back who can support Edwards in any situation and on every down.Mullings remarked, “Our games compliment each other.” “Dono is capable of taking that thing that far. And I think I can add a little thunder to that lightning. I’m excited because we can play off each other so well.
Michigan’s back will have to play behind a revamped offensive line that is still developing, which could complicate things. The front isn’t as stable and familiar as it was in previous years, which was a strength that made the Wolverines’ attack challenging.
Rather, Edwards, Mullings, and the other Michigan running backs will need to rely on their own abilities and backgrounds from the start. Both appear capable of the job.
Mullings stated, “My mindset is just staying true to who I am.” When the chance arises, that individual will sacrifice everything for the team and do everything in his power to show off his skills. I think he’s a genuine back who is very dynamic. Basically, it’s about presenting all of that. This season, it is my objective.