Michigan running back Donovan Edwards has been selected for the watchlist for one of the top honors in college football.
The 2024 Maxwell Award watchlist was released on Monday, and one Michigan football player has made the list. Running back Donovan Edwards is being recognized as a potential star player in college football this season.
The Maxwell Award, which recognizes the College Football Player of the Year, is a distinct honor given annually to the best athlete in the sport.
All eyes on Dono!
Maxwell Award Watch List » @DEdwards__ #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/IzSYW1bG7W
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 29, 2024
Edwards will enter his senior season with a lot to prove after an underwhelming 2023 season. Given his spot on this list, the belief he can bounce back is clearly wide spread.
Last season, Edwards rushed for 497 yards, a notable decline from the 991 yards he ran for in 2022. Additionally, Edwards averaged 4.2 yards per carry last season, a downtick from the 7.1 yards a year prior.
Going into the 2024 season, a lot has changed for Edwards, which leads to optimism for his return to form. Edwards has spent time reflecting on his struggles and the mindset he had last season, and carries an evolved mentality that can set him up for success. Additionally, he will have a significant increase in usage this season with Blake Corum now in the NFL.
Over the past two seasons, Edwards has taken a backseat to Corum, which has somewhat limited Edwards’ impact on the field. Now, Edwards is no longer in Corum’s shadow and can make his mark for Michigan as a senior.
Edwards is one of 12 players from the Big Ten on the 2024 Maxwell Award watchlist, joining Minnesota running back Darius Taylor, Washington quarterback Will Rogers, USC quarterback Miller Moss, Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, Penn State running back Nick Singleton, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, and Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
As Edwards looks to bounce back to his 2022 form and make a major impact for the Wolverines, college football will be watching with high hopes, as the watchlist suggests.