Could Kalel Mullings be the biggest X-factor in Michigan’s offense this year?

Fifth-year running back Kalel Mullings has played sparingly in his career so far, but is it possible that his emergence could make him the most important member of Michigan’s offense in 2024?

It’s no secret that Sherrone Moore and the Michigan offense are seeking to control games and put points on the board by being dominant in the run game. It’s what fueled Michigan’s recent run of success over the last three seasons, and if it ain’t broke, there’s no need to fix it.

Part of the reason for the success is the dominant offensive line play, but the other part of the equation comes from the running backs themselves. Michigan returns one great back this year in Donovan Edwards, but Blake Corum and his 258 carries from last year are gone, leaving some big shoes to fill.

Donovan Edwards will make his case for being one of the better running backs in the nation this year by taking the lion’s share of the carries. He won’t bear the load of the run game on his own though, as fifth-year back Kalel Mullings is expected to take on a larger role.

Mullings has served as the No. 3 man on the depth chart the last two seasons, with just 50 carries since the start of 2022. Despite a relative lack of experience though, he could be one of the most important players on Michigan’s offense in 2024.

Last week, we briefly touched on Mullings’s preparation for the upcoming 2024 season as he looks to become more than just a bruising back.

“For me this offseason, it’s been finding that balance of being a big, powerful back, but at the same time being able to take it the distance and get those house calls,” he recently said on an episode of the In the Trenches podcast.

His desire to be a more explosive and elusive back is certainly encouraging, even though he’s already a great compliment to Donovan Edwards due to his size and ability to push the pile in short-yardage situations.

Mullings has shown some explosiveness in his career, including last season. Fans might remember his 20-yard touchdown run against Nebraska . He also showed that he can be useful in the passing game with a reception on an improvisation play by J.J. McCarthy in the Rose Bowl .

If plays like those were more than just a flash in the pan, it’ll mean that Michigan will be able to accomplish its goals on the ground by having two backs that are threats to opposing defense.

Speaking of the passing game, that’s where Mullings might make the biggest impact. I’m not talking about his ability necessarily, but rather his running mate Donovan Edwards, who has shown that he’s truly special as a pass-catcher since arriving as a freshman.

The questions about Michigan’s group of pass-catchers are certainly warranted heading into this season, as the Wolverines have a group of receivers that don’t exactly have a wealth of experience.

Aside from Colston Loveland, Edwards is Michigan’s most experienced pass-catcher. His 68 career receptions are more than Semaj Morgan, Tyler Morris, and Fred Moore have combined with 42. He’s shown that he’s more than just a weapon on check-downs and screens, as he regularly lines up out wide and in the slot and can make plays down the field.

With a lack of experience among Michigan’s receivers, Edwards could be looked to in a bigger receiving role than what we’ve seen so far. This’ll be a tough ask though if he’s being relied on for more than 200 carries this season.

If Mullings can show that he’s worthy of getting the ball around 120 times this year (or more), it’ll go a long way in ensuring that Michigan’s offense can be balanced and making sure that Edwards doesn’t get overworked.

Lastly, we saw Michigan’s run game get off to a slow start last season. Edwards being ineffective on the ground was part of the reason for that, and though we shouldn’t expect that again this year, it’s certainly possible, especially with an entirely new offensive line. Mullings provides the option for a change of pace and a different look should the run game get off to a slow start again.

Michigan’s running game should once again be its identity in 2024 and beyond, but it needs its personnel to step up if it wants to ground and pound its way to victories. Kalel Mullings is one of several guys that’ll be called on to do more this season, and if he’s able to it’ll benefit the offense in more ways than one.