Blake Corum – Page 16 – UMGOBLUE.COM Michigan Wolverine Football & Basketball

August 31, 2022August 31, 2022

Michigan Football Week 1 – Head Coach Jim Harbaugh

8/29/22 Week 1 Press Conference

Harbaugh:
I’d like to congratulate Carol Hutchins on her amazing her career, her retirement. I think the winningest softball coach in the entire world. It’s great that her legacy is going to continue under Bonnie and her team and great to have another Michigan alum coaching a Michigan team, can’t talk enough about Carol. Winningest coach in history, 22 Big 10 championships, on and on, but I know she’s gonna be still around, she’s a great colleague and we love her, Go Blue!

Camp has been good. We’re excited to start the season. Camps over, it’s now game week. I really give a lot of credit to our players, the kind of shape they came in, the way our coaches developed, strength coaches, assistant coaches. Very, very, very healthy roster as well, and excited to let them have at it this week.

We’ve named the starting quarterback…Cade McNamara will start the first game. JJ McCarthy will start the second. We’ve also posted the depth chart at the other positions as well.

Q:
You’ve explained the quarterback arrangement, but how long are you going to let that go? Are you determined to have starter by week three?

Cade is arguably one of the most improved players on the team and he’s playing his best football. JJ did not have spring practice but he’s ascended to where he’s at, based on his performance…I mean, there’s no demotion for Cade McNamara….he’s playing his best football. It is a promotion for JJ, based on what he’s been able to do as well.
Jim Harbaugh

Harbaugh:
I mean, it’s a process…no person, that’s biblical…knows what the future holds and it’s a process and it’ll be based on performance. But we’re not gonna withhold, you know, any, any good. Both both have been tremendous quarterbacks, we think that, that both are capable of leading our team to a championship. So that’s good. We’re gonna keep cultivating that…some people have asked…how’d you come to that decision? It wasn’t based on some kind of NFL model. It’s really based biblical- Solomon- he was known for being a pretty wise person.

Q:
Eyabi Anoma. What was the process for bringing him in? What what did you see in him? And what have you seen from him so far?

Harbaugh:
Really good, graduate transfer Eyabi Anoma has been practicing with the team for about 10-12 days, or something like that and he’s been really good. He’s been a great teammate, and I look forward to seeing when he can do this coming season, but I think he’ll hopefully playing right away in the first game, and showing some some outstanding assets that you can bring to the team.

Q:
Jim, as pleased as you seem to be with both quarterbacks, do you wish one had separated? Are you fine with it being so even- is that a good or a bad thing?

Harbaugh:
I can’t see it other than a good thing…They’re actually both playing their best football since they’ve been here. Cade is arguably one of the most improved players on the team and he’s playing his best football. JJ did not have spring practice but he’s ascended to where he’s at, based on his performance. So, yeah, that’s a really, really good thing…I mean, there’s no demotion for Cade McNamara….he’s playing his best football. It is a promotion for JJ, based on what he’s been able to do as well.

Q:
Jim, would you anticipate playing both quarterbacks in the opener as well?

Harbaugh:
Yes, we’re not gonna withhold something good that can could help the football team so yes, I can see that.

Q:
The backup offensive lineman you mentioned Greg Crippen and Karsen Barnhart, who are some of the other guys that are pushing for playing time?

I do understand that if a coach gets up here and gives you the normal cliches, then you seem very offended as journalists, but also, when a coach, or person, gives you a really well thought out, in depth, honest, tells you the truth of where where things stand, there’s a tendency to question motive, or question intent. I’m going to keep doing it the way I’ve been doing it, which is to speak the absolute truth, as I know it and believe it to be.
Jim Harbaugh

Harbaugh:
Jeffrey Persi at left tackle…Giovanni El-Hadi is doing some really good things. Reece Atteberry would be another that’s right there in the two deep, doing a good job and Raheem Anderson would be next. I feel like those would be the top 11 right now. Ryan Hayes, Trevor Keegan, Olusegun Oluwatimi, Zak Zinner, Trente Jones, Karsen Barnhart, Reese Atteberry, Jeff Persi, Gio, Greg Crippen, and Raheem Anderson.

Q:
Jim, following up on that question about Eyabi. What was sort of the vetting process for someone with his off-the-field issues and what made you feel comfortable bringing in a guy that has run into some problems at other programs?

Harbaugh:
Eyabi graduated from Tennessee Martin…a very easy process in talking to his former teammates that are on our team…Eyabi is somebody we recruited right out of high school and always felt like we finished, maybe second in that. I’ve always really, really enjoyed being around the Eyabi and not aware of the the vague off-field issues that you refer to. But as it stands now, he’s a college graduate, really vouched for by his teammates, and he’s just great guy to be around on a day-to-day basis. So no man who knows the future, but I think it looks very good and bright for Eyabi.

Q:
Jim, when you’re evaluating quarterbacks in the first two games is that something where you’ll put the numbers into a formula that gives you an answer? Or is that going to be more of a gut feel?

Harbaugh:
Based on performance I mean, there’s not one criteria that you could plug in and say, this will be the factor, that’ll be the factor. I want both the quarterbacks to keep playing their game and keep enhancing what they do really well, improving some of the things that they need to work on, but definitely not trying to play somebody else’s game or the other quarterbacks game or, you know, hit a metric or a number that is going to be the deciding factor because you know, there won’t be one other than we play the best players and based on performance and that’s the metric- meritocracy.

Q:
Jim, you mentioned Mason Grant as someone who could start as a freshman, what did he show in fall camp to deserve that?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, we’re thinking that in the base package that Mason right now is top of the depth chart as a defensive tackle. The other player is Rayshaun Benny, who’s surging like you can’t imagine, both in the base and in sub fronts as well. But Mason from the day he got here has been a very solid player, you saw it in the spring game, he was really highly drafted in that spring game and played very well. So he’s played good, he’s earned it and count on him for for a lot of snaps in this first game.

Q:
When you have one quarterback starting one week and another starting another, how do you judge them differently with two different defenses that are going up against?

Harbaugh:
It’s not gonna be exactly the same, but where we’re at right now it’s practice versus games. We think we’ll have a better understanding after the two play in the games. We talked about earlier, this is this isn’t something we have to withhold, there’s a great chance that we can play both of the quarterbacks, you know, in this game, the next game and in the third game as well…You just don’t know, that’s that’s the point. I mean, you can speculate, you can predict, but no man knows the future.

You’re talking about two gritty competitors and fighters in Cade McNamara and JJ McCarthy…They are both the kind of guys that don’t flinch, fold or quit at the slightest whiff of adverse circumstances or if something doesn’t go their way.
That’s not Cade McNamara, that’s not JJ McCarthy.
Jim Harbaugh

Q:
Jim, I’m wondering if the current landscape of college football at all weighed into this just with more people transferring and moving? Because in years past, you tended to name a guy and sort of go with that. Does that play any factor? If you had these two quarterbacks maybe five to seven years ago would you have made the same decision?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, it’s just specific for this team and the way these two players are playing if you’re the question is speculating, no there’s no other intent, or motive other than what’s good for our football team.

I understand it, I understand the landscape- here’s what I do understand that if a coach gets up here and gives you the normal cliches, then you seem very offended as journalists, but also, when a coach, or person, gives you a really well thought out, in depth, honest, tells you the truth of where things stand, there’s a tendency to question motive, or question intent. I understand that. I’m going to keep doing it the way I’ve been doing it, which is to speak the absolute truth, as I know it and believe it to be.

Q:
Jim, you mentioned releasing the depth chart, that’s a departure from the past. Why are you sharing that now?

Harbaugh:
Just just felt…I guess, just for our team. So we’re doing that with our team and do that for everybody. A lot of times when you do that internally in a team, it has a way of getting out there. So just so why? Yes, sometimes it gets out there anyway, so we might as well release it.

Q:
Jim, two pronged question for you, I guess, just in generalities, with the success of last season in the Big 10 championship. What is the excitement level for your team going into week one of this season? And how are they motivated by not finishing the job last year in the college football playoffs?

Harbaugh:
The excitement is really high, guys can’t wait to play. I’m really looking forward to watching our guys compete and watching them play. Really looking forward to you know, how they’re gonna play, really feel like they can cut it loose, let it let it rip. I think they can play with hustle, constant hustle, hustle at all times. It’s one of the things I’d be looking for the most, guys running on defense, run to the ball. And, you know, offensively, also run to the ball. Trying to get that second block, if you don’t have the ball, then you become a blocker, no matter whether it is a run or pass. I think they’re ready to do that and prepared to do that, and highly motivated to play this game.

Q:
you guys do practice behind closed doors, and you like to keep things kind of, you know, in house, why did you want to make the Quarterback situation or, or bring public scrutiny to that? I mean, but playing out in these first two games.

Harbaugh:
So everybody knows exactly where it’s at, I think you know, inside of our team, you know, players. The coaches, reasonable people have seen a lot of football. I mean, they look at it as neck and neck. And that’s what it is.

We’re sharing, other players have shared that with, with the media. So yeah, it’s something that’s already out there and this is our approach, we feel like it’s the best way to go…It’s got to play out, it’s a process and be based on performance. It is what it is. And it’s a good thing. I think a lot of teams would like to have that, to be in that position.

I see the things written, you know, the adage, somebody in here, that if you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have any…I see some, some heads nodding, but is that true? Is that a fact? Is that a fact for anywhere? Is it a fact on this on this team? I don’t think it’s a proven fact.

Q:
Do you feel about the development of your safeties in particular and your defense overall coming into the first game?

Harbaugh:
Safeties? RJ Moten, Makari Paige, Rod Moore- those three safeties have been outstanding. Also, Caden Kolesar will be in a rotation but those first three I mentioned, there’ll be in depending on the package- dime, base, or nickel. Those three rule will be in the game rotating as starters.

Q:
People talking about the defense where a lot of more people are being plugged in. You mentioned before that you thought it was going to be better a lot of people thought.

Harbaugh:
I said I thought it had a chance to be…it has a chance to be based on the fact that like David Ojabo last year, you didn’t know that he was going to turn into the player that that he did. I see a lot of hungry guys at those positions.

The safety position in particular all four of those players have really been competing and battling for our football team same at outside backer, I see that taking place. Guys are hungry and want to play, based on that it has a chance to be. It has a license, the ability to be and now you go have at it and and see if it can be.

Q:
You mentioned how highly Mason Graham in spring practice, and in the spring game. Did he enter fall camp at the top or near the top of the depth chart or was that something that happened during fall camp?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, as it progressed. That’s where he moved in the base defense. He wasn’t starting, going in. Chris Jenkins was the starting defensive tackle going into fall camp. Now Chris Jenkins is the starting end, so he moved from tackle to end. And in the base package, based on a base front that’s what we think are the starters now- Mazi Smith, starting to nose and I mentioned the three edge guys in the interview the other day- Jalen Harrell, Taylor Upshaw, Mike Morris, all three of those we look at as a starting edges.

Q:
Jim, I’m not sure what Cade wants to do long term but he could come back next year, if he wanted to use his covid year and I think he can even come back again using his red shirt maybe from his freshman year. Given how highly you think of both quarterbacks to what extent do you think the competition will just kind of continue in perpetuity as long as they’re both on the same roster?

Harbaugh:
I don’t know…Nobody knows. I think somebody was trying to allude to that question. So I’ll just give you my thoughts on it.

I mean, you’re talking about two gritty competitors and fighters in Cade McNamara and JJ McCarthy. So to answer the question, did it factor in that that one would transfer or not? No, my thoughts are that they are both the kind of guys that don’t flinch, fold or quit at the slightest whiff of adverse circumstances or if something doesn’t go their way.

That’s not Cade McNamara, that’s not JJ McCarthy.

Q:
Could you speak to the camp JJ has had so far because as you said he didn’t practice in the spring?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, it’s been tremendous, he didn’t have spring ball but he’s continued to flourish getting better and better every day as I said, Cade’s done the same thing. They have both elevated their game accordingly, playing their game, what they’re really good at, and also working on the things that that they can they can improve. Cade’s been really much improved in just about every area, including managing the pocket and extending plays. That’s one of JJ’s forte as a player. I see JJ doing that really well and continuing to do that well, but also, you know, proving, going through the reads and taking what the defense gives them and protecting the football. So yeah, both of really had great camps.

Q:.
Jim, I know you’ve said this is a process, but if they keep playing, Cade and JJ at a high level, as you said, they’re playing now, how long are you willing to take the process? Do you have maybe a little bit of a timetable in your head when you’d like to settle this?

Harbaugh:
You just don’t know. I mean, one of the biggest factors of being I mean, probably, if it’s exactly as it is right now, today, coming out of practice, and it continues to be like that in the games then that’ll be up to us as coaches to be able to utilize both players, what they bring to our football team, you know, for the best of the football team. And that’s, that’s where it stands today.

Q:
So you can see playing both of them, like you did last year. I mean, you know, one’s a starter one comes in a lot like, like JJ did last year?

Harbaugh:
That’s absolutely a possibility.

Edits made for clarity.

August 22, 2022August 23, 2022

Michigan Football Camp Report – EDGE Jaylen Harrell

8/19/22 Availability

Q:
How has the pass rush is gone so far for your unit in fall camp without having some of your predecessors around?

Harrell:
We really have been working on that each and every day, just getting better. Each and every day stacking days, competing against our o-line, just finding different moves and techniques just to get past them, get back to the quarterback.

Q:
Mike Morris was talking last week about Mazi’s influence on the pass rushers and just the defensive line as a whole. What kind of influence he’s had on you?

Harrell:
Mazi’s had he’s had a huge influence on me actually, you know, he wants the d-line to be working together in everything we do. So I really just stand together you know, we’re running games and stuff like that. We’re on the same page that’s the biggest thing.

Q:
What was your reaction to you guys adding another edge player this late in fall camp?

Harrell:
Eyabi is cool. You know, he’s a good player. He’s really here just to compete each and every day. You know, he’s a great guy to have in the room, we’re just excited to have him.

Q:
What did you and your teammates learn from guys like Aidan and David- trendsetters, guys you can look up to, that you can take in this season?

Harrell:
Aiden and Ojabo they were great leaders, Aiden was a great leader on and off the field. So was Ojabo, he brought that fire like when he made plays and stuff like that. They also were great technicians, Aiden and Ojabo, Ojabo was a big speed guy. Aiden was a good technician but they both had great tools that we can apply to our games to make us elevate and bring us together as a unit…

Q:
Did you guys know a Hutchinson could sing?

Harrell:
No, sir. I didn’t. I watched the Hard Knocks…he killed it for sure.

Q:
If somebody in your room had to go do that in front of the team who would you nominate?

Harrell:
I’ll go with probably Taylor Upshaw.

Q:
You were on the field last year because of your ability to set the edge…where do feel you are from pass rush standpoint to marry it up with what you showed last year against the run?

Harrell:
I was on the field a lot on run downs but I’ve really been honing in on my pass rush, my pass coverage, my running game, everything just to be a more complete player, adding that juice, adding that package, and those moves to my bag…to elevate my game and take it the next step.

Q:
You said that Eyabi was a great addition to your unit. Is he already already here. Have you met him? Is he in the building?

Harrell:
Oh, yes, sir…He’s around. Welcome a man with open arms you know, cool guy. Excited, he’s ready to learn you know, I’m helping him a little bit with the playbook and stuff like that…Another man on the ready to compete and get after it.

Q:
Can speak to the impact that Mike Elston has had on you so far this offseason?

Harrell:
Coach Elston, he’s a great coach. You know, he really hones in on those little details. So is a Coach Dylan Rooney he’s also been a great great coach to the edge room so you know, those two guys, those two coaches, they’ve really done a great job helping us each and every day pushing us to attack each and every day.

Q:
How has this team avoided complacency coming off of last season?

Harrell:
Coach Harbaugh really hones in on that you know, don’t fall in love with their own stuff. We had a great year last year, but it’s a new year. We really just work at each and every day, we’ve been working hard just grinding getting after it ready for September 3.

Q:
You’re still kind of an up and comer yourself but who’s really impressed you some, whether it’s in your unit or just remotely where elsewhere defensively?

Harrell:
Derrick Moore…on the edge, he’s been really impressive. Also, Kody Jones nickel back, he’s been playing a lot of physicality flying around. A lot of guys, Braiden McGregor, TJ Guy is coming along as well, Makari Paige. A lot of good guys.

Q:
What are your thoughts on your schedule this year? I mean, obviously, a lot of home games and some non conference games starting off at home as well?

Harrell:
Oh, you know, I kind of just I go one game at a time. I don’t look too much at the whole schedule, I just go one game at a time. You know, one week at a time, one team at a time that’s really to focus on just one game at a time.

Q:
On the addition of Eyabi Anoma, how did you find out? The edge rushers were told as groups…how did everyone else find out?

Harrell:
The whole defense was told that Eyabi was coming in, and Coach Harbaugh also told us he was coming in coming in, great addition to the team like I said, welcome with open arms, ready to get after it compete.

Q:
Has he talked much about previous defensive schemes he was in and how closely related Michigan’s is, how was he adjusted to the playbook?

Harrell:
As far as Eyabi? He’s still learning the playbook, so not too much not like I’ve just been helping him learn the defense stuff like that…

Q:
When the coaches told you guys about Eyabi did they talk at all about some of these issues he said has at past schools?

Harrell:
No, we keep that out of it, I don’t even know why he left other schools. He’s here. You know…he’s cool. He’s gonna bea great teammate for us. We don’t really worry about what happened in the past.

Q:
How closely have you been following the Big 10 TV deal and all of the revenue and the gigantic number of zeros that are attached to the deal?

Harrell:
Like Blake said, I really don’t know too much about you know, I got a couple of like Bleacher Report links, but I didn’t really read into it much…I did see a lot of zeros on the deal. That’s awesome.

Q:
What is your impressions when you look at Blake now that he’s added those pounds on and what does he look like on the field?

Harrell:
That’s a dog right there, hard running back, make you miss in the open field. Adding that 10 to 11 pounds you really can take more hits, more durable, Blakes a dog.

Edits made for clarity.

August 20, 2022August 20, 2022

Michigan Football Camp Report – WR Cornelius Johnson

8/19/22 Availability

Q:
How would you describe the depth in the wide receiver room?

Johnson:
That’s a good question. I would say, for our receiver room, we always pride ourselves on being prepared for anything, especially as route runners. You know, our job is to get open no matter what, like even if it’s a run, pass, we’re always trying to contribute any way and that allows us for once we do get the opportunity for all all receivers, we got to be ready once it comes to us…

Q:
With so many guys will it be hard to keep everybody happy?

Johnson:
I feel like we got a good group of guys and our chemistry right now is really high within the receiver room.

Q:
With a couple of years of time on task now being a starter where do you feel like you have made your biggest improvement this offseason? And what do you what do you think you can go? Like? What level do you think you can go to this season?

Johnson:
With this being my senior season I’ve been in the program, this being my fourth year and I feel like being here for that long I’ve improved on just knowing what to expect more and being on track with the quarterbacks. I’m looking forward to this fall, being there every day for my teammates, and making sure that I contribute that way.

Q:
How much do you think the offense changed when Ronnie went down last season?

Johnson:
When Ronnie went down last season, I feel like the offense was definitely hurt because he was our team captain and a big contributor for us.

Q:
Getting him back in the fold. I mean, how much does the offense change again?

Johnson:
I feel like with Ronnie in the mix, it’s good to have a weapons all over the offense and using those weapons I feel like that’s just great for our entire program. I mean, no matter what, just production everywhere.

Q:
What have you seen from Mike, on the defensive side? Is it unique going up against someone who’s sometimes also in your room too?

Johnson:
For my whole time here, I feel like I’ve been in the same lineup right next to him on the offensive side of the ball. And then with him being on defense, that’s a good advantage for him because he can see both sides of the ball and it’s fun to compete against him in practice. because it’s even more personal because he’s also a route runner too.

Q:
Does it come naturally for him that defensive side?

Johnson:
Definitely in my eyes. I feel like it does, because I feel like he played that right in like high school and other than in his past. So it’s good to see how versatile he is and hoping for the best one.

He’s a great young receiver…He’s got a lot of speed and he can go down the field and catch passes…I feel like he could definitely contribute early.
Cornelius Johnson on Darrius Clemons

Q:
Do have to have a different mindset to play special teams? And if so, like, what is it? What do you have to flip the different switch?

Johnson:
It’s not necessarily flipping a different switch, it’s just obviously not the same phase, but it’s the same switch that goes off at the beginning of the game. Once you step on that field by playing your pads, that switch gotta go off…If you wait till it’s way too late, and like it’s not something that can just be on and off.

Our coach always talks about that, you know, treat practice as if it’s like the game so then like, once the game comes, it’s just like practice, you know, I mean, it’s kind of like, something like that. I think about my head. You can’t just be on and off for games. That’s not really realistic. So it’s all the time even in practice, you got to have that switch even on special teams.

Q:
Have you blocked any punts in practice?

Johnson:
We don’t go necessarily like live punts in practice, I’m not gonna be diving our punters. But we definitely are trying to put in schemes and put in different techniques, so that I can improve to block punts this season.

Q:
We’ve heard a lot about Darrius Clemens, what have you seen from him and why might he be able to contribute early?

Johnson:
I feel like he’s a great young receiver. He’s got a lot of speed and he can go down the field and catch passes. To have Darrius in as a friend and as another member of our wide receiver crew has been really awesome because I’ve got to know him better. We were on that Michigan trip, we were roommates and everything and to get to know him and to learn from him and also I can tell him different stuff. I feel like he could definitely contribute early.

Q:
Coach Bellamy said that Ronnie’s return might make it harder for other teams to shade their coverage toward you or do some of the bracket things that maybe you saw at times last year, I guess, are you eager for that opportunity to maybe have somebody else that can attract attention? And maybe there’s more open space for you?

Johnson:
It’s involves like schemes and offensive play calls. I’m definitely excited for the opportunity to go out there and be on the same field as Ronnie and the other receivers as well because once we get each other going, that opens up the door for other opportunities for other players. I mean, obviously, everyone knows that’s the game of football. I’m definitely excited for the opportunity.

Q:
Have you watched Hard Knocks, and if you have, what was your thoughts on watching that with a former teammate kind of featured on there?

Billie Jean is now my lover. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/00u6tnizy0
— Adham Beydoun (@AdhamBeydoun) August 10, 2022

Johnson:
I remember watching that we were in the hotel room, and we turned it on and I remember seeing Aiden and he was doing the Billy Jean thing…It was fun to watch, especially knowing Aiden last year and seeing how he was welcomed into the Lions program. That was just fun to turn on that week and I’m looking forward to watching the next one coming on HBO.

Q:
Did you know that he could sing like that?

Johnson:
Not necessarily, that kind of surprised me. Did you know that? Like I had no idea? I’m excited for him, I mean, I’m hoping to go to a game in November at the stadium.

Q:
We talked about Darrius a little bit already but what have the freshman wide receivers added to your group that maybe the team didn’t last year or something you’ve been impressed by?

We focus on not necessarily being strictly an outside receiver, strictly playing on the left, or the right, or the middle, or in a slot. We just call ourselves wide receivers in general…
Cornelius Johnson

Johnson:
Like I mentioned earlier, just depth and being able to run every route. For us, we try and focus on not necessarily being strictly an outside receiver, strictly playing on the left, or the right, or the middle, or in a slot. We just call ourselves wide receivers in general, so we got to know everything and getting them to know the playbook, getting everything going, that makes it that much more fluid for everyone else.

Q:
What were your impressions when you Blake back in camp with an extra 11 or 12 pounds… Still lightning and lightning he said but maybe there’s a little more thunder?

Johnson:
You said lightning and thunder? Yeah, seeing that just really excites me because I feel like he’s in great shape, just like our team, having him as that weapon, maybe more thunder, more lightning, just everything. I feel like that if he can get that goal, then it’s good.

Edits made for clarity.

August 19, 2022August 19, 2022

Michigan Football Camp Report – RB Blake Corum

8/19/22 Availability

Q:
Blake, you put on 10, 11 pounds this offseason, what led to the idea of kind of bulking up and how do you feel having that extra weight?

Corum:
It really wasn’t idea, it was really just putting in work and honestly eating right, hydrating better. That’s what it led to, I really wasn’t trying to, it kind of just happened, you know, so I feel good 212, I feel good around that weight.

Q:
Does it change your game at all?

Corum:
No, if anything I feel faster. You know, not it doesn’t change my game at all. You know, maybe bring a little more power, a little more weight with it. But uh, nothing really.

Q:
With Hassan gone how has it changed the dynamic in the running back room?

Corum:
Having Hassan here was great but you know, now it’s time for other guys to step up. You know, I’m saying we still have a stacked RB room, myself, Donovan Edwards, Tavierre Dunlap, CJ Stokes, who is a freshman that just came in, he’s balling really big right now.

We have a packed RB room with guys that can get the job. So nothing changes really, you know, we obviously will miss Hassan. But we’re ready to go.

Q:
Do you find yourself assuming anything that Hassam did whether it be on the field or off the field? Picking up where he left off?

Corum:
Not really, you know, I’m saying I feel like the game has to go on. Like I said, obviously, we’re gonna miss Hassan, who was a big part of our offense. But we’re gonna pick up right where we left off, you know, Donovan is going to come in, he’s gonna get more reps, now. Tavierre is ready, CJ is ready, like I said, so we’re picking up right where we left off, we still have, you know, in my opinion, the best o-line in the country…We’re picking up right where we left off.

Q:
Blake, when you think about your skill set and Donovan’s skill set, what do you think would be like a nice complement for the number three running back? What should that person try and bring to even balance it out or make the room even better?

Corum:
Just be him. You know, I feel like we all have one of a kind when it comes to our skills. We also like, Donovan and myself, I feel like last year we would say thunder and lightning…it’s lightning and lightning, now so that’s what I feel like. And then Tavierre you know, he brings a little bit of thunder, but Tavierre isn’t slow…and CJ is fast, too…So, a whole of bunch of lightning.

Q:
Blake, how much time have you spent watching your film from last year? What’s your biggest takeaways from from your game?

Corum:
I watched my film quite a bit and I also like watching other running backs, other defenses, you know, always just trying to educate myself on different defensive schemes, and things that I could see during the season. What I pick up from what I did last year, and what I can help myself on, is obviously just reading blitzes better, you know, I can always be better by studying defenses. They could bring this blitz, they could bring that blitz.

So really just, my IQ for the game…that’s what I strive to do is just have a better IQ for the game each day, each week. And so that’s really what I’ve been working on is really just studying defensive schemes and just so like, when I’m out there, I can just ball. I know what they’re brining, know where the ball might hit before the play and things like that. So really, just my IQ for the game.

Q:
Who do you watch when you’re watching other players? Do you have certain ones?

Corum:
It depends what I what I’m trying to look for. If I’m trying to look for like, you know, scat backs, backs that have nice cuts and things like that, you know, I watch Barry Sanders. You know, I feel like he’s the greatest.

If I’m trying to watch a power back, one who does good at picking up blocks but runs hard as well. One of my favorites is Marshawn Lynch, you know, so it just depends. I watch Coach Hart a little bit, those are the guys I watch.

Q:
When it comes to like, regional and national attention, you’re often mentioned but generally kind of as a secondary guy…do you ever pay attention to that? Do you have any any goals for this year that you hope to accomplish?

Corum:
I don’t really care about those things because it’s all preseason. I don’t think that’s gonna matter is who wins it after the season, right?

I’m really focused on beating Michigan State, beating Ohio State again, and going on to win the Big 10 Championship and going all the way this year.
We always say the Team, the Team, the Team and that’s what I’m buying into.
Blake Corum

But even at that, like, I don’t even think about like, obviously I have self goals but I’m more focused on my team right now.

I’m really focused on beating Michigan State, beating Ohio State again, and going to win the Big 10 Championship and actually going all the way this year.

You know…that’s my focus, like I’m really not focused on myself…That’s gonna come…the yardage, yards per carry, yards after carry, like, oh, that’s gonna come but like, as long as you focus on the team. That’s why I’m…focusing on making sure my o-line gets better- what can I do to help them get better?

What can I do to help the defense get better?

We always say the Team, the Team, the Team and that’s what I’m buying into…It’s really not about me at the end of the day.

I’m gonna get mine you know, but I’m here for my team. I’m gonna go all the way this year and I think we can as long as we lock in.

But to answer your question, I don’t really care but accolades, you know, like, this preseason stuff is nice, you know, but, uh, I don’t care. I don’t really pay attention to that stuff.

Q:
During you time at St. Francis Academy, did you play with Eyabi Anomo?

Corum:
No, he left the year I got there, I got there my junior year. He had gone to Bama…he’s a baller, he’s a baller, he’s gonna help big time. Just go to get him the playbook. He’ll be on the field causing havoc soon. So, you know, I’m glad to have him here.

Q:
Is there a chemistry between running backs and offensive lines to develop? And if so, what have you seen from Oluwatimi and Trente, mixing them in with the three returners from last year?

Corum:
You know, those are your bodyguards, you know, saying so, obviously, you know, between the running back and offensive line, you want to be chemistry with them. You know, because without them, you ain’t gonna do nothing. I don’t care who you are you…You’re not doing nothing without a good offensive line.

So, obviously, you know, you have to have a good chemistry with those guys. You know, I’m always trying to cheer them up…if they mess up, you say you got this, you know, I believe in you. Just things like that. And just like chilling outside of the field, you know, playing around with them and here, like just building that good connection.

So when it’s time to go to war y’all you have each other’s back…they have my back and I have their back for sure.

What’s your second question?

Q: Oluwatimi and Trente?

Dogs, the dogs, they’re going to help the team. Olu, he’s strong. Trente you know, he’s been here for a couple of years so he’s learned from some guys…He’s just fitting right down, you know, so they’re doing their thing. They’re doing great things right now. I can’t wait for the 3rd.

Q:
Blake with Cade and JJ, what are you seeing from each of them? And number they?

I’m just seeing those two compete each and every day. You know, they cheer each other on…I see two guys that can go and be starters…they’re both great at what they do…
We’ll see who starts…that’s above my pay grade. But whoever starts I know they’re gonna be there for each other.
Blake Corum

Corum:
I’m just seeing those two compete each and every day. You know, they cheer each other on. And I see two guys that can go and be starters…they’re both great at what they do…They have different skill sets, but they also have some similar skill sets. They’re just great guys, they’re a great QBs. Their IQ for the game is is big…their IQ is huge.

We’ll see who starts you know- that’s above my pay grade. But, you know, whoever starts I know they’re gonna be there for each other and cheer each on. But they’re killing it right now. They’re killing it.

Q:
Speaking of pay grade, CJ Stroud was talking today in a Columbus about revenue sharing with this huge television contract that the Big 10 worked out. What what are your feelings about that for players?

Corum:
So I mean, I didn’t see what’s going on. I don’t know.

Q:
Gigantic television contract a lot of money. And Jim Harbaugh touched on it at Big 10 media days revenue sharing is something that should be considered for the players.

Corum:
Oh, revenue from the TV? I guess that can be cool. I really didn’t I didn’t see nothing about this, I don’t really have an answer. But, uh, I mean, it’d be awesome, you know, for the players.

But hey, let’s play some ball…

Q:
When you watch film of Coach Hart, what do you see?

Corum:
Dog- you know a dog…an animal, you know what I’m saying the way he ran…He ran hard. You know, he has some jiggle, too. Coach Hart might be a little faster than me but Coach Hart was that guy. As you can see he leads Michigan in rushing yards and more than that, but having him as my coach is like, it’s a blessing. It’s the biggest blessing in my opinion that’s happened to me since I’ve been here. He’s helped me so much with my game and he’s helped me with life too. You know, he’s just a great guy. I’m blessed to have him as my coach…When he was here, he was a dog for sure. I love watching this film, how hard he used to run and making guys miss and things like that. But like I said, I’m I’m blessed to have him as my coach, I really look up to him.

Edits made for clarity.

August 17, 2022August 17, 2022

Michigan Football Camp Report – Head Coach Jim Harbaugh

8/17/22 Availability

Q:
Jim, you’re in the back end of camp now has there been any separation at quarterback?

Harbaugh:
They both just continue to elevate their game really on a daily basis, in every little way. So yeah, it’s pretty tight…They’re both playing at high starter caliber.

Q:
We’ve heard a lot about the health of the team being among the best that you’ve had. Is it still? Now that you’ve had a couple of weeks, is the health of the team still up there?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, so another another good day today. And we’ve done some good hitting we’ve done every possible phase and situation- offensively, defensively, special teams. There are no long term injuries on the team so far, I mean, and guys got to keep at that, it’s something that they work at, you know, and that they take care of themselves, they take care of the team.

We just had a phenomenal presentation, talk to the team by Michael Phelps, who came in via zoom…It just continues to ring in my ear from that talk was crystal clear, he told us how he couldn’t wait to get into 105 pounds of ice, waiting for him in a bath. That was going to be the thing he did right after he got done with talking to our team.

He talked about sleep, he talked about hydration, water. Somebody that could go anywhere in the world, to any kind of treatment known to mankind- Ice, sleep, and hydration with water.

Our team has an ice bath waiting for them right now. They’ve got water, and then getting that sleep. Those are the kinds of things that they take care of themselves, they take care of the team. And doing that, but I really appreciate Michael Phelps for really embedding that in my mind and in our in our players mind- talking about the world’s greatest Olympian arguably no question about swimming and the most medals of anybody. So that was huge, it was a good message right at the right time to keep our team focused and on track and healthy as can be.

Q:
Jim, when you have a team coming off a great year that you had last year, people wonder about is there contentment…And you’ve talked about no signs of entitlements whatsoever. Is that continuing through camp? How do you detect no entitlement or no contentment?

Harbaugh:
Effort is usually the biggest one, just talked about one, you know, how they take care of themselves, how they take care of the team. Avoiding you know, the big head, you know, that’s, that’s a deep, dark, lonely trap. And continuing to attack everything that is put in front of them and not afraid of any new challenge. All those ways.

And now that we’re in the camp, big thing I’m looking for is who the tone setters are. I mean, there’s leadership that comes in a lot of different ways. I mean, there’s guys that lead by example. There’s guys that, you know, bring guys along. I mean, there’s multiple ways that you know, quiet leader, take a guy put his arm around him, but the ones that set the tone defensively, we lost four real tone setters in Hutchinson, Ojabo, Ross, and Dax Hill, you know, big time.

Offensively we got some we got some of those tone setters back like Blake Corum and the two quarterbacks and Donovan, Erick All, and Cornelius Johnson there’s you know, there’s a there’s a few and special teams Caden Kolesar is that kind of guy. He does that. So, you know Mazi Smith is somebody that people will look up to and want to know what he’s doing and what he’s saying, Mike Morris, Taylor Upshaw will have the chance to be that. Junior Coulson is the kind of player who has the ability to be a tone setter. The Green brothers, you know, there’s Ronnie, RJ Moten…Mikey Sainristil. I mean a lot of guys that had the license and the respect and the ability to do that. And, you know, as we go through camp I mean that’s…something that needs to needs to take place and I see it happening…but I want it to continue.

Q:
Who have been the MVP’s summer camp so far in your eyes?

Harbaugh:
Ronnie Bell has been been tremendous. I mean, there’s been a bunch, I’ll start naming names and then you know, I’ll leave somebody out…there’s there’s been quite a few…Ronnie does jump out as somebody…he’s faster, catching the ball extremely well and he’s stronger. He’s gone through, he’s been there every day and doing a tremendous job. Quite a few. The guy that really popped up, yesterday, day before yesterday, big scrimmage was the guy by the name of Isaiah Gash who just did a tremendous job.

You know why boxers make good football players? Anybody?

They don’t blink…if they blink they’re gonna get hit. So Isaiah boxed all spring and winter, he was an amateur boxer. Now I’m watching him run through those holes and as a kick returner- it’s been super fun and impressive. I could see see him as somebody that’s really, remerging.

Q:
You mentioned Junior Colson and we’ve heard a fair amount about him. What about some of the linebackers around him that are coming on?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, Nikhai Hill-Green, you know extremely good, Mike Barrett, extremely good. The two freshmen have been really good, Jimmy Rolder, Deuce Spurlock, we got Joey Velazquez. There’s quite a few numbers there. I knew about Nikhai and Junior and they’ve been what we thought they would be and are really good and so is Mike Barrett. I’ve been really happy with the two young linebackers, the two inside guys. We recruited the right guys for that position. Good chance they’ll be playing quite a bit of football this fall.

Q:
In terms of the quarterback competition, when you and your staff are looking to make the decision about who you want to go with, is that the type of thing where you would seek input from the advisory council or other veterans about what their thinking is as part of the process for you and your coaches or is it just purely a coaching decision about who the starter will be?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, we’re all out there. We’re all seeing the same thing and you know, when it would be obvious to coaches, it’d be obvious to players as well or it wouldn’t be or it would be what it is right now. I mean, they’re both good…talk to Dave Revsine from Big 10, Howard Griffith, coach was here you know, maybe just get their opinion, they watched it. See if I’m not telling you the truth. Check me, they’re both playing good- high level, starter caliber.

Q:
What have you seen from Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant so far?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, really good. Really love both those players. They’re both going to play a lot of football at a position of real need.

Q:
With Kenneth, have you seen a guy that’s that size be the biggest player on the team able to come in and make an impact?

Harbaugh:
You know, he’s a tremendous athlete for for any size, really, you know if he was 100 pounds lighter than what he is, you’d say, man, he’s really good athlete. He’s really light on his feet. And it’s really important to him. He really studies the game. Yeah, I’m glad you brought that up the, you know, defensively, we have made some real strides in the interior defensive line.

Mike Elston is doing a tremendous job coaching and Mazi Smith’s doing a tremendous job coaching guys out there. And the I mean, it wasn’t but a couple of days ago where it was super noticeable and our defensive line got the better of offensive line that it was pretty well thought of, in terms of an offensive line. So it’s been a we’ve made some real, real improvement in the defensive line interior.

Q:
Jim, how would you describe your vision of the offense? Do you want it to evolve much beyond? Do you feel like you’ve found the sweet spot kind of last year with the offense?

Harbaugh:
Always…evolving.

Q:
Ron Bellamy compared Andrel Anthony to Braylon Edwards, in your opinion with his potential, how dangerous do you think he can be?

Harbaugh:
That’s probably a pretty darn good comparison right there…Andrel, just keep doing what you’re doing, it is working and when I see there’s things he wants to get a little bit better at, he works a little bit harder at them…he has always avoided getting the big head. So he’s right on track to being a heck of a good player- he already is.

Q:
After Blake and Donovan who is emerging as your third back?

Harbaugh:
That’s a good question. It’s a really good question. Tavierre Dunlop, CJ Stokes is going to be right there, he could be that kind of guy. Isaiah gash. Leon Franklin, pretty darn good, too. So those are the guys that would be contending for that third back spot.

Q:
What did CJ shown you? I mean, coming in, he came in in June, right?

Harbaugh:
Yeah, he can make the shallow cut, like water rolling off the table, and then accelerate through the hole, and then go hit the soft shoulder of the of the tackler and he gets there extremely quick. He’s got a real burst through line of scrimmage knows how to get his pads down. That’s really been good.

Q:
Ron Moore coming off the injury has he kind of picked up where he left off last year?

Harbaugh:
He sure has. Yes, he’s. We’ve got some. We’ve got some sophomore players, I mean, that are really, really darn good Football players. We’re talking about Junior Colson and Donovan Edwards, JJ, Andrell and Rob Moore. And not in order but I mean, that’s definitely top tier of the sophomore class. All really, really good players.

Q:
What has Fred Jackson added to your staff?

Harbaugh:
He always picks up one or two things every day and is a very experienced coach that’ll come tell me what he sees and he’s not afraid to do that. That’s invaluable to our staff to me as a head coach.

Q:
Considering the losses on defense? How much do you feel the offense has a role in kind of helping along with defense especially in the early part of the season?

Harbaugh:
Just playing offense, that’s what they always should do in terms of complementary football.

Q:
Talking about the quarterback battle between Cade and JJ- when you have two good quarterbacks is there any downside to having that go on and have that discussion go on into the season? Do you see any downside to that a decision that has to be made or doesn’t have to be made?

We have two quarterbacks that are playing at a high starter level, and…we’re going to keep competing and it’s possible that there’s a starter by the first game and it’s possible that it plays into the season
Jim Harbaugh

Harbaugh:
I mean…there’s three options as I see it.

I mean, one of them is going to separate and be the starter. And then we’ll roll that way with a starter and a backup.

The other guy could be the starter and and the other be the backup. That would be option two.

And option three is we’d have to see him play games to make that decision.

Q:
Could you see like a Brady/Henson from way back? You know, giving one a couple of series and then bring in the next guy and kind of rotate that way through the game?

Harbaugh:
Hypothetically…I don’t know. I mean, it’d be like trying to throw that in the hypothetical box. Like some people like to say, if you don’t have a starting quarterback, then you don’t have a quarterback…I put that into the category of people that are born originals and they die copies, you know, they just hear something and they parrot it.

So this is a very good, unique situation, we have two quarterbacks that are playing at a high starter level, and…we’re going to keep competing and it’s possible that there’s a starter by the first game and then it’s possible that it plays into the season until we pick one that’s gonna help the team win. You know who’s gonna be the best person to play quarterback to win the game.

Edits made for clarity.