Count running back Donovan Edwards in for Michigan’s bid to repeat as national champions in 2024.
Primarily a backup to Blake Corum for his first three seasons in Ann Arbor, Edwards has a chance to be a starter next season.
Michigan’s lead back Corum and Edwards’ roommate, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Edwards posted a photo with the words “Michigan fans, I’m back,” to social media on Monday, the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft.
Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart also said he plans to return to Michigan, where he had 5.5 sacks and 38 tackles in 2023. Stewart had one sack and helped corral Jalen Milroe of Alabama on the final play of overtime to secure Michigan’s 27-20 Rose Bowl win.
Michigan pass rushers Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell declared for the draft.
The Wolverines’ strong stable of backs returning despite Corum’s departure includes short-yardage specialist Kalel Mullings. Incoming recruits Jordan Marshall and Micah Ka’apana could also threaten for big roles in 2024.
Edwards took his first two carries of the College Football Playoff national championship for touchdowns in Michigan’s victory over Washington. Edwards’ first carry was a 46-yard TD run down the left sideline and his second went outside down the right sideline for a 41-yard score. He totaled 104 yards on six carries in the game.
He had 113 carries for 393 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns prior to the championship game showing and 30 receptions for 249 yards.
In 2022, Edwards had 991 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
