How should Michigan utilize Donovan Edwards next year?
As with everyone, I am very excited to hear that Blake is coming back to 2023. This gives us a great chance to repeat next year as B1G champs. Truth be told I was a bit surprised, as was preparing for Donovan Edwards to be RB1.
I still would consider Donovan to be our 2nd best skilled position player outside of Blake going into 2023. I would hope Michigan is in the position to still give Donovan plenty of touches in 2023 to be very impactful, perhaps in a role similar to Deebo Samuel or Curtis Samuel when he was at OSU. Others have also spoken about how he lowkey could be our best receiver for 2023.
For people with higher football IQ and better Xs and Os knowledge, how could Michigan best utilize Donovan Edwards for the next season?
January 9th, 2023 at 3:38 PM ^
Utilize his ability in space to the max. Make him shine with outrageous Yards per Touch opportunities. With that, extend the bone just enough that there is enough meat for him to want to be “the guy” in 2024
January 9th, 2023 at 3:45 PM ^
Just make him the starting slot receiver. You never know if he's going to get a handoff or go out for a pass.
On other downs, when Corum needs a rest, Dono can be the RB and someone else can be the slot.
On yet other downs, run a wishbone with both Dono and Blake.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:56 PM ^
That would be so awesome to see us run the wishbone once in a while! Some of the opposing coaches would probably look at it and think WTF? Back in the day, some teams got a crap ton of rushing yards using it.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:04 PM ^
I jokingly said to run Wing T in another thread, but I guess Wishbone would work. Hell, let's just become the Mad Magicians 2.0
January 9th, 2023 at 5:51 PM ^
I also joked about that, but seriously, there need to be a non-trivial number of two-back snaps with both Corum and Edwards on the field. Imagine trying to defend a goal line package where both could take a hand off, lead block, or leak out for a screen pass, plus the threat of a McCarthy keeper.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:08 PM ^
Sometimes I feel that these OCs out-think themselves by not properly utilizing their key players. Here we have Corum and Edwards and why not run a wishbone? Yes, let history repeat itself.
Oklahoma mastered the wishbone in the 1970s as I recall. Michigan is in a unique position to do some special play calling like utilizing an occasional wishbone.
If Cole Cabana plays up to expectations, there will be three RB to utilize. Can't wait!
January 9th, 2023 at 4:31 PM ^
I think Henning gets the most reps here and is set for a break out year, but I like DE getting multiple sets from that position as well. DC's nightmare when we are healthy. Not sure if we have the wide out to make us virtually unstoppable, which I envison as a Mario Manningham /Peoples-Jones type threat.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:35 PM ^
That would require running outside the tackle box, and I think Harbaugh's head would explode.
January 9th, 2023 at 7:06 PM ^
Occasional wishbone utilizing JJ / Corum / Edwards - would be about as sick and fun to watch as possible. PA would be impossible to stop if designed creatively
January 9th, 2023 at 3:38 PM ^
Scoring tuddies
January 9th, 2023 at 4:36 PM ^
Succint and accurate as ever, meanjoe.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:57 PM ^
By giving him the ball on the goal line.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:39 PM ^
i think they should utilize him expertly and efficiently
January 9th, 2023 at 3:39 PM ^
I'd like to see Blake get no more than 15-20 rushes/game until it really matters and Donovan to get 10-15 rushes per game in addition to doing what he does best, getting in space in the pass game. These guys need to be fresh and healthy for November and hopefully the CFP.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:58 PM ^
I have not understood our light utilization of Don earlier in the year unless he had some nagging injury them. Seems you could even it out more to save them a bit of wear and tear.
January 9th, 2023 at 5:29 PM ^
The Don was not seeing the blocks early in the year like he started to in the last 4-5 games.
He often got ahead of his blocks and missed cutback lanes. He was leaving a lot of meat on the bones at the LOS.
He is super explosive and spectacular once in the second level, but as with any back, that initial cut is about instincts, timing, and patience. Kudos to him and the coaching staff for getting him there. Looking forward to even greater ascendance.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:39 PM ^
We should fully utilize him. I will leave the details to Harbaugh or whomever because I have low football IQ and no Xs or Os knowledge when it comes to football. THE DONN!!! HE WILL SCORE!!
January 9th, 2023 at 3:40 PM ^
Let's hope he actually stays for next year. Corum back again might make Edwards more open to transferring out (hopefully not).
Edit: downvotes, really? This isn't some troll job, but a real (but hopefully marginal) chance that Edwards would want to go somewhere where he would be the outright RB1.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:43 PM ^
You may get downvoted here but I do think it is a non-zero chance for someone as talented as Donovan to seek a spot where he gets enough touches.
I really think shifting the offense for him to serve as a Hybrid RB/WR where he still gets 15 touches a game is optimal.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:01 PM ^
the two of you are morons
January 9th, 2023 at 4:03 PM ^
I almost made a bunch of accounts to give you more upvotes.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:45 PM ^
Well, that's super unpleasant to think about...
January 9th, 2023 at 3:54 PM ^
You know those slimy SEC and southern state screwballs are reaching out to The Don to get him to transfer. Love these two players.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:56 PM ^
No, this is good news for Edwards, who shouldn't (and probably doesn't want to be) a workhorse back carrying 30 times a game. He's even said he sees himself as more of a Percy Harvin-type back: part runner, part receiver, more lightning than thunder. Having Corum back gives him more options and leaves more miles on his tires.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:12 PM ^
Agreed. This is actually good news for DE.
If Corum was gone, Edwards would likely be pulling most snaps as a full time RB. This allows him to play in a hybrid role, to still get plenty of carries at RB while also having snaps split out. I never felt like this year there were too few snaps available (for either Corum or Edwards).
January 9th, 2023 at 4:14 PM ^
@crg: No way Edwards transfers out. Remember Corum and Edwards each got over 160 yds of rushing against Penn State. Edwards has his receiving skills in the slot. Corum and Edwards compliment each other. Incoming Freshman Cole Cabana has a lot of potential and he's already enrolled so he'll get to see him at Spring ball, very soon.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:24 PM ^
I think this is a terrible take. Edwards may not be the primary RB, but Corum at RB gives Edwards more opportunity to show off his skills as a receiver (and maybe even as a passer again if they want to run that play from the Iowa game). The NFL loves multi-position players, and while Edwards is more than good enough as an RB to get drafted there, demonstrating additional receiver skills will make him even more valuable in the NFL.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:32 PM ^
Edwards was recruiting Braelon Allen, pretty sure he’s good with sharing carries.
January 9th, 2023 at 5:19 PM ^
He got 984 yards without being the #1 back with les wear and tear ehy would ge leave?
January 9th, 2023 at 3:41 PM ^
Well. They should utilize him well.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:41 PM ^
Lightning and Lightning in the backfield.
Potentially - using DE as a receiver… play action.. out of the backfield.. or, as on occasional QB with double throws.
I hope for a “balanced load”, with three of four RB’s getting touches very regularly, to build the depth and gain the game experience that both Blake & DE bring to the offense.
Looking forward to both Blake and Donovan being 100% next season…
Go Blue.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:43 PM ^
Must find way to have both on field at same time.
Corum RB1
The Don: Super-back: Slot, WR, 3rd and medium+ RB, 10+ carries a game
Real question is can you see any two back formations with them each on the field or DE motioning into the back field? Offensive Coordinators dream to be able to utilize two explosive guys with different skill sets. Mix in what JJ brings on the ground YOWZA! Going to be fun to watch.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:42 PM ^
Green Bay has Jones and Dillon in the game quite a few plays. Dillon usually stays in the backfield while Jones moves all over the field. Might be some good tape for Harbaugh to sift through this offseason.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:45 PM ^
And here I thought we had run out of things to talk about on the board.
I'd utilize him to secure wins by putting the ball inside the endzone, but that's just me.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:45 PM ^
At least 12-14 carries a game, so we can reduce the workload for Blake and also do right by Donovan. He's more of a pro talent than Blake and deserves some (40%?) of the spotlight.
Plus let's not run Blake into the ground. 2-4 receptions for Donovan. Out of the backfield though, not being split or motioned out to the slot and expected to beat a corner on a real route, a la the last 3rd down of the season.
Whoever says he's our best receiver is wrong. Wilson is. But if Donovan continues building on the improvement we saw from day one to the TCU game, he may be our best player.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:46 PM ^
Good God, if those two make it through the season without the injuries they had, theyd be playing tonight.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:46 PM ^
Unlike other positions running backs usually want other backs in the room. Not many bodies are meant to be pounded over and over again for 30+ carries a game. The more that carries can get spread around a little bit, the better for the future of the back as some NFL teams shy away from backs that have too many mileage on the tires. Blake coming back is probably seen as a positive for both him and Donovan.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:47 PM ^
I wouldn't mind seeing him used as a change of pace defensive tackle. I think his speed could catch a center/guard combo off guard.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:47 PM ^
In the backfield, as a slot receiver and if he is comfortable as a returner.
Percy Harvin 2.0
January 9th, 2023 at 3:48 PM ^
Frequently, and with malice.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:56 PM ^
With character and cruelty.
January 9th, 2023 at 3:52 PM ^
I'd love to see him flexed out at WR more often. Some sets with Corum and Edwards on the field at the same time would also be fun
January 9th, 2023 at 3:55 PM ^
Easy. Come up with 50 plays this offseason you can run with both Corum and Edwards on the field - it shouldn't be that difficult. No trick plays or the freaking wildcat - just the regular offense. Also: THROW. HIM. THE. BALL.
I don't understand what Michigan has against throwing the ball to running backs (Chris Evans anyone?) but there is no reason Edwards shouldn't get 3-4 targets each game at minimum.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:00 PM ^
Yep, I couple of screens against constantly run blitzing linebackers would have been awesome.....
January 9th, 2023 at 4:03 PM ^
Run that wing T that Penn State ran in the Rose Bowl.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:02 PM ^
The answer is yes.
All kidding aside. I would be in favor of an increased number of carries for DE and increased utilization as a receiver. And I also hope for development of Stokes and more carries for him. I think we need to do whatever it takes to reduce the workload for Blake so that he is healthy end of season. Because I think this team has natty written all over it.
Having said that I do realize how many things have to go in our favor just to make the playoff.
But think of the losses (there are some significant no doubt) but then also think of who is returning, who will have another year under their belt, and who is transferring in / recruited as a true-frosh. If that does not get you excited I don't know what will.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:05 PM ^
Early-Kamara with The Saints. However, this necessitates tweaks to the offense and JJ taking the next step as a QB.
But Edwards in that role, JJ fully weaponized and Corum back is just filthy in it's potential.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:07 PM ^
I think we use him for everything. I have problems with him as an every down back against tough competition.
1.His upright style lends itself to getting crushed as he comes through the line.
2. He tends to take a while to get going.. if you get him sideways, he reminds me a little of Travis Henry... just not nearly as effective.
3. He rarely falls forward for extra yards. He doesnt take a 2 yard loss and turn it into a 1 yard gain.
Love the guy - just think he can be better utilized. I also wonder if he'd be interesting on kick returns or punt returns... just because once he gets going, he seems to accelerate and cut really well. Not wanting to risk it, but if he had the skill, maybe they could add it as a wrinkle next year
January 9th, 2023 at 4:07 PM ^
Put him in the slot a lot, and of course keep him as RB1b as well. He needs more touches, and we have the QB to distribute. I hope the offense overall identity still aims to smash other teams in the mouth, but has a tendency to let JJ cook with his weapons a lot more often
Also, let’s incorporate a TRUE wing T in situations, especially in the redzone. Blake and Donavan as the wings, a TE or FB as the I-back, and of course JJ under center.
January 9th, 2023 at 4:11 PM ^
Would love to see both of them on the field at the SAME TIME. Not sure why we haven't seen much of that.
Also, I think Roman Wilson is going to show out next year and might put up some numbers that, due to touches being more split between Corum and Edwards, gives him a better yardage total. I think the CFP game was a preview of next year. Really hoping he has a big role in the Offense next year.