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Blake Corum Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Instinctive
- Natural runner
- Good vision
- Physical, tough runner
- Can create for himself
- Elusive cutting ability
- Superb ball security
- Burst to the second level
- Strong build
- Body lean
- Knee bend
- Runs behind his pads
- Contact balance
- Can pick up yards after contact
- Keeps feet going after getting hit
- Decisive runner
- Strong build
- Strong lower body
- Bell-cow back starter ability
Weaknesses:
- Short
- Receiving skills need development
- Quicker than fast
- Serious knee injury and surgery in 2022
Prospect Summary:
Over Jim Harbaugh’s years in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines annually featured a tough rushing attack with a big offensive line and a power runner. Corum was their feature back the past three seasons. He had a good debut in 2021, averaging 6.6 yards per carry for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. That season he did the most damage as a receiver, bringing in 24 catches for 141 yards and another score. Corum was even better in 2022, averaging 5.9 yards per carry on his way to 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns. His year ended on Nov. 19 with a knee injury against Illinois that required season-ending surgery. Corum came back in 2023 and averaged 4.8 yards per carry for 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns. He had 16 catches for 177 yards and a score as well. Corum was a clutch player and did a lot of dirty work for the National Champions.
For the NFL, there is a lot to like about Corum, who is a natural runner with instincts, feel and vision. He can be a tough downhill runner who really imposes his will on defenses. Corum is a hard-charging runner who possesses a strong build and will burst through tackles to pick up yards after contact. With excellent contact balance and strength, Corum is hard to get on the ground. He will charge through tackle attempts to pick up a lot of extra yardage.
To go along with the power to push through defenders, Corum has natural pad level with knee bend and body lean to run with leverage. While Corum is a dangerous North-South runner, he shows slipperiness and can juke defenders in the open field. Corum has elusive cutting and stop-start quickness to dodge tacklers. Corum is fast enough for the NFL, but does not have elite home run speed like a Jahmyr Gibbs or James Cook.
In the passing game, Corum has more ability than was seen in a lot of college, but he did not get a lot of receiving work. His hands and route-running look to be solid, and he has the upside to improve. Like all college backs, Corum also will need work for blitz protection in the NFL.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, Corum could be a second-day pick. He could turns into a quality starter early in his pro career.
Prospect Comparison:
Kenneth Walker. In terms of running style, Corum is similar to Walker as a downhill violent runner who can pick up yards after contact and has moves to dodge tacklers. Corum is nearly identical in size to Walker (5-9, 211), and I could see Corum being a good pro starter like Walker.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
