Donovan Edwards is one of the faces of college football — literally. The Michigan football team’s senior running back’s smile is plastered on the cover of EA Sports College Football 25. But Edwards’ enhanced star status hasn’t changed his mentality. According to him, it’s mostly just meant that he gets asked more questions about his growing fame.
“I’m still going to Chipotle, I don’t DoorDash or anything,” Edwards said Thursday at Big Ten Media Day. “I still walk in there, say ‘What’s up everybody,’ shoutout all the people in there. It hasn’t changed my life at all besides just more eyes are on me now. Which you have to embrace that, because I have a voice now and people will listen to me.”
The people listening to Edwards the closest are his position mates. Edwards is the number one guy now, but he has plenty of experience as the second and third string. That backup role bothered him at times because he always wanted more — more carries, more catches, more responsibility. He admits his confidence turned into arrogance at times. But Edwards waited his turn.
Now, Edwards is the focal point of the run game. He knows he’ll get plenty of reps and an abundance of time to shine, and he’s making sure his position group is ready to match his energy.
“I look at our running back room as complimentary to all of us,” Edwards said. “I told the guys I want to outwork each and every one of our running backs. I told them, and that was my challenge to see, ‘Are you gonna compete with me?’ Because I’m gonna compete. … And believe me, they have been competing.”
The friendly competition has paid dividends for graduate Kalel Mullings, who is primed to be the number two back going into the fall. The linebacker-turned-running back ran for 222 yards on 36 carries with one touchdown last season, contributing big plays even in limited touches.
“The guy that’s not talked about enough is Kalel Mullins,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “He’s gonna be a force. He’s unbelievable. He looks as good as he’s ever had. He’s geared up to have a great year. You watch him last year, every time he came in, he has an explosive play, a big play, he runs over somebody, makes somebody miss. But it’s hard to take the ball out of Blake Corum’s hands.”
Now, Blake Corum’s hands are no longer an option. It’s likely going to be difficult to take the ball out of Edwards’ hands this year too, but Mullings has proven his abilities. He’s ready to be the new lightning to Edwards’ lightning.
Although the Wolverines’ new one-two punch from the backfield is seemingly established, the younger backs have earned plenty of attention as well. Sophomore Benjamin Hall in particular showed flashes in his first collegiate season and had a solid showing with an expanded role in Michigan’s spring game. Sophomore Cole Cabana could also be in the mix for some more touches.
However the distribution of carries shakes out, the Wolverines’ running back room is entering the season with confidence in all of its pieces. With Edwards taking on more responsibility, he’s establishing a collaborative tone.
“I could be a 25-carry guy,” Edwards said. “Do I want it? I’ll take it if I’m needed to be, but I want other guys to be able to get their touches. I want to be able to catch the ball too, get like four or five catches. … Whatever is best for the team, that’s what I want.”
If putting a game on his shoulders is best for his team, Edwards will do it. If cheering on his teammates from the sidelines is best for the team, Edwards will do that, too. He’d probably even DoorDash Chipotle if it helped his team.
Edwards may be one of the literal faces of college football, but his team-first approach is what’s making him a face and leader of Michigan football.
The post Donovan Edwards leading a complementary, competitive running back room appeared first on The Michigan Daily.
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