Michigan running back Kalel Mulings could be a vital answer to the team’s offensive question marks heading into the 2023 season.
Kalel Mullings has been a Swiss Army Knife for the Michigan Wolverines throughout his career. A key contributor on offense and special teams, he is now poised to take on his most significant role yet. As the Wolverines prepare for life after Blake Corum, Mullings’ potential as a change-of-pace back could be a vital piece of the offensive puzzle.
Entering his fifth season, all signs point to this being Mullings’ breakout year. With Corum, one of the most productive players in Michigan history, having moved on, the backfield is ripe for new leaders to emerge. Mullings is expected to be among those stepping up, and the coaches believe star production is on the horizon.
For Mullings, the offseason emphasis has been finding the right balance between being a powerful, downhill runner and developing the agility and speed needed to turn solid gains into game-changing plays.
“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,” Mullings shared on this week’s episode of the In the Trenches podcast .
In limited opportunities last season, Mullings averaged an impressive 6.2 yards per carry, showing a knack for finding gaps and making the most of his carries. His contributions in the passing game added another layer to his skillset. However, its the near-misses that have fueled his drive to improve.
“Definitely, it’s been that last third of my runs,” Mullings said. “Being able to break the long ones, being mobile, agile. That’s been my biggest area of focus, while still maintaining my size — the biggest thing that kind of separates me.”
This season will be a proving ground for many, including Mullings, who must be prepared to seize the moment when it arrives.
“Everyone has to be ready. Everyone has to be working on themselves and preparing themselves for whatever opportunity or moment or something that might happen. You never know,” Mullings said. “… The standard here is the standard and it will always be the standard. Everyone in this building is working and aiming and reaching for that standard.”
If there’s anyone who thinks Mullings is prepared to seize his moment, it’s his head coach. Sherrone Moore was asked about running back depth during Big Ten Media Days and offered high praise for Mullings, specifically.
“The guy that’s not talked about enough is Kalel Mullings,” Moore said. “He’s going to be a force, he looks as good as he ever has. He’s going to have a great year. Watch him last year, every time he came in he had an explosive play, a big play, runs over somebody, makes somebody miss.”
The opportunity is there for Mullings to carve out a significant role in Michigan’s offense. With his unique skillset and determined mindset, he may very well become the X-factor the Wolverines need in 2024.