Michigan running back Donovan Edwards has announced his return to the Wolverines for the 2024 season.
Edwards rushed for 497 yards and five touchdowns as a junior. He reserved his best effort for the College Football
Playoff championship game, as he carried the ball six times for 104 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-13 victory over
Washington.
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His announcement comes only one day after Michigan’s leading passer, J.J. McCarthy, and leading rusher, Blake
Corum, left for the NFL.
McCarthy and Corum are not the only ones responsible for offensive turnovers. Unanimous first-team All-American
guard Zak Zinter is leaving, as is Rimington Trophy finalist Drake Nugent. Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson,
two of Michigan’s top three receivers, have left the team.
When all of the departures are considered, keeping Edwards is a significant advantage for Michigan. A consistent
running game provides something on which the coaching staff may build an offensive foundation.
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Helping the Wolverines defend their national championship was most likely a secondary concern in Edwards’ quest
to improve his NFL draft stock.
Last July, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Edwards as the third-best running back prospect in the 2024 draft
class.
“His blend of burst, acceleration and vision makes him dangerous any time he touches the ball, with one NFL area
scout comparing him to the Jaguars’ Travis Etienne Jr.,” Brugler said in a statement.
Edwards now has the potential to shine brighter than he ever has at Ann Arbor, as he no longer shares the spotlight
with Corum. A strong senior season might propel him to the top of the running back rankings in 2025.
