Right now in 2023, the consensus amongst faculty soccer analysts was that Michigan soccer had the nation’s two greatest working backs with Blake Corum coming in at No. 1 and Donovan Edwards at No. 2. Nevertheless, now that Corum is gone to the NFL and Edwards is coming off of a disappointing season — particularly by his lofty requirements — analysts aren’t fairly as excessive on him.
However he’s not altogether forgotten.
Edwards has tended to indicate out extra in larger video games, from his two 75-plus yard touchdowns in opposition to Ohio State in 2022 or his two 40-plus yard scamper-and-scores to open up a 14-point lead on Washington within the nationwide championship recreation in 2023. Although he’s behind Buckeye duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins — who are available at No. 2 and three on ESPN’s record, respectively — Edwards continues to be thought-about a high 10 working again by the worldwide chief, rating No. 7 in its record.
7. Donovan Edwards, Michigan
2023 stats: 497 yards dashing, 4.2 yards per rush, 5 dashing TDs, 30 receptions, 249 receiving yards, 0 receiving TDs
Factors: 35
Edwards’ fast rise to prominence in 2022 — when he rushed for 150 yards or extra thrice within the final six video games of the common season and practically 1,000 complete yards on simply 140 carries — slowed a bit as Blake Corum returned from harm in 2023. Corum was the Wolverines’ dependable No. 1 again and produced a 1,245-yard, 27-touchdown season.
Edwards, nonetheless, nonetheless had his shiny moments as he tallied virtually 500 yards and 5 touchdowns, together with a 41-yard rating within the nationwide championship recreation. Edwards mentioned afterward that he performed many of the season with {a partially} torn patellar tendon. Now, with Corum off to the NFL and Edwards returning for his junior season, the stage is about for him to grow to be one of the crucial electrical and productive backs within the nation. — Paolo Uggetti
If Edwards can recapture among the magic he had in 2022 and do it extra on an every-game-basis, there’s a superb probability he’ll end the season a lot greater. In any case, he’s extra of a quantity again — the extra carries he will get, the extra doubtless he’s to interrupt a giant one. With Corum out of the image, he’ll have extra of a chance to showcase his skills in his senior 12 months, and if he can discover a strategy to break massive performs sooner in video games, then it would bode effectively for him and his maize and blue brethren in 2024.
Story initially appeared on Wolverines Wire
