Michigan Football: Previewing the Wolverines offense in 2023
![Apr 1, 2023; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) huddles up on offense during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Apr 1, 2023; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) huddles up on offense during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/087e795d1b60002bb9e8388dda14f43edc2ecb0e833f6472e8ba2bd0df3e2b92.jpg)
Running backs
We all know what Michigan football has here: Talent and depth. They have two of the best backs in America, Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, and both backs are borderline first-round NFL prospects. I know McCarthy is getting all the hype but make no mistake. This is going to remain a run-first team, and the backs are going to get more than their fair share of action.
It’s crazy to say, but Michigan should be even better at the running back position in 2023. Along with returning a fully healthy Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, who both faced injuries in 2022, Michigan is much deeper in 2023.
CJ Stokes, who showed flashes in 2022, is a year older. He’s been learning from two of the best in the country for a year and could take a leap this year. I expect him to be the third running back.
Kalel Mullings, who is now solely a running back, is going to get his reps. He had some big moments last season and looked good in the Spring game. While he’s not going to be the backup running back like he was at the end of last season, he’s going to provide some power when the Wolverines need it.
Lastly, the freshmen duo of Benjamin Hall and Cole Cabana. Both are going to see the field, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were each redshirted due to how deep Michigan is at running back. Hall had a phenomenal Spring game and looks like a diamond in the rough, and Cabana was a very highly-rated recruit who is electric in the backfield.
To sum it up, Michigan has star power and depth. As long as injuries don’t ravage the backfield like they did last season, this will be the best running back group in the country.