As college athletics continues to adjust to the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), the University of Michigan’s junior running back Blake Corum has used the opportunity to give back to the community.
Who is Blake Corum
Corum is running back for the Michigan Wolverines, who is entering his third season with the program in 2022.
Last season, he split time in the backfield with Hassan Haskins, who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans, and Donovan Edwards. He appeared in 12 games at running back and returned kickoffs, carrying the ball 143 times for 952 yards with 11 touchdowns, and added 24 receptions for 141 yards and one touchdown. Corum also returned 12 kickoffs for 304 yards and was a third-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches.
But while Corum was gaining headlines for his stellar play on the field, it was his community involvement off the field that should be receiving more attention.
What He Has Done So Far
Corum first started to gain local and national media attention for his “Giving Back 2 Give Thanks” event in Ypsilanti, Michigan, prior to Thanksgiving last year.
Along with his father, James Corum, his Michigan teammate, Nikhai Hill-Green, and several other helpers, Corum donated 100 turkeys in addition to passing out sides such as mac and cheese, green beans, and mashed potatoes.
Bigger Than Football
Following all the media attention that his Thanksgiving event garnered, Corum was able to use his platform to advocate the importance of giving back.
He even appeared on Good Morning America, where he talked about how football is his passion, but giving back is his purpose.
Ahead of Michigan’s College Football Playoff semifinals game against Georgia, Corum partnered with Detroit PAL to provide Christmas gifts to the PAL Little Hoopers. He also spent time with local kids by reading books and running basketball drills.
What’s Next for Corum
Most recently, Corum was awarded and presented with the Bank of Ann Arbor Community Award for his community work with the youth in Washtenaw County.
Additionally, Corum hosted a youth football camp that included guests such as Jarrett Patterson and Chase Young of the Washington Commanders.
While NIL is still a work in progress, it will continue to have its fair share of critics.
However, with guys like Blake Corum, who continues to set a good example on and off the field, it’s important to give him the credit that he is due for being a positive role model in the community.
, the University of Michigan’s junior running back Blake Corum has used the opportunity to give back to the community.){kind=link}