A Closer Look At Michigan's Heisman Candidates
Heading into the 2023 season, the Michigan Wolverines feature three players who have a shot at capturing the coveted Heisman trophy: Junior quarterback JJ McCarthy, junior running back Donovan Edwards, and senior running back Blake Corum.
Here's a brief look at each candidate:
Blake Corum, RB
2022 stats:
- ATT: 247
- YDS: 1,463
- TD: 18
For a good portion of the 2022 season, it looked like Corum had a good chance to become just the fourth running back since 2000 to win the Heisman - joining Reggie Bush (2005), Mark Ingram (2009), and Derrick Henry (2015).
Unfortunately, Corum suffered a season-ending injury in Week 11 against Illinois, putting his Heisman hopes for that season to bed. Even with the late season injury, Corum was named as the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year, the first in program history.
Although the Heisman has a reputation for being a quarterback award, Corum has to be considered an early favorite heading into 2023.
Donovan Edwards, RB
Christopher Breiler
2022 stats:
- ATT: 140
- YDS: 991
- TD: 7
In Corum's absence, Donovan Edwards stepped in and looked every bit the part if a Heisman caliber running back. Against Ohio State, Edwards became a Michigan legend by rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.
In the Big Ten Championship game against Purdue the very next week, Edwards rushed for 185 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries - earning the Big Ten Championship MVP as a result.
With Edwards expected to return to full health after suffering a broken bone and knee injury in 2022, he could certainly make some noise in the Heisman race if given the opportunity- even if it means splitting reps with Blake Corum.
JJ McCarthy, QB
2022 stats:
- COMP: 208
- ATT: 322
- YDS: 2,719
- TD: 22
JJ McCarthy entered the 2022 season battling for the starting job with former U-M quarterback Cade McNamara, but the battle was over rather quickly. In his first start against Hawaii in Week 2, McCarthy led Michigan to a 56-10 victory in the Big House, completing 11-of-12 attempts for 229 yards and three touchdowns. McCarthy's performance solidified him as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, and the junior went on to lead Michigan to one of its most successful seasons in program history.
Although his stats don't necessarily jump of the page when compared to other Heisman hopefuls, McCarthy will likely spend a majority of the 2023 season in the spotlight with Michigan being a heavy favorite to contend for a national championship.
If Michigan's passing game opens up a bit in 2023 (as Harbaugh indicated it would during the off-season), and Michigan can take care of business once again in late November, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see McCarthy make the trip to New York.
