RB Benjamin Hall reflects on learning from ‘Michigan legend’ Blake Corum

RB Benjamin Hall has grown a lot as a freshman due to being behind ‘Michigan legend’ Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards last year. Now competing for RB3 as a sophomore, he is aiming to take what he’s absorbed and apply it to the field:

With Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards both in the backfield last season, not many other running backs garnered carries. The duo combined for 1,742 yards and 32 touchdowns, while all other rushers combined for 794 yards and eight touchdowns.

With Corum now in the NFL, there are plenty of carries to go around. Heading into his sophomore season, Michigan Wolverines running back Benjamin Hall is hoping to take the lessons he learned as a first-year player and apply that to production on the field this fall.

“I learned so much from the people in front of me. I think last year was just as beneficial as it ever could have been,” Hall told the media on Thursday. “The role I’ve embodied is just doing everything I can to help this team win. Regardless of who’s on the field, I think we’re going to be in great shape because we have so many great guys in this running back room.”

Hall racked up 69 rushing yards on 15 carries in three appearances in 2023. He showed off his potential in limited snaps, highlighted by a season-high 58 rushing yards on nine carries to help Michigan roll over Indiana, 52-7.

Even though he isn’t currently expected to play a major role in 2024, Hall could be called upon to provide a spark if Edwards or Kalel Mullings needs a breather or — *gulp* — gets hurt, so he must be prepared to take advantage if/when that time comes.

Specifically about Edwards, Hall mentioned the senior running back helped him grow the most as a human being.

“Donovan has taught me so much on and off the field, but I think the biggest place he’s helped me grow is as a person,” Hall said. “He got me to relax and have fun with the game because all he ever does is have fun out there. I think that’s the biggest thing he’s taught me since I’ve been here.”

Hall also reflected on what he absorbed from Corum last year, a player that he deemed a “Michigan legend.”

“Since I’ve been here, all I’ve done is try to emulate the things (Corum) did because obviously he’s a Michigan legend,” Hall said. “Part of me hopes he saw a little bit of himself in me, in terms of the work ethic and style of play.”

Part of what made Corum so special was his ability to see the entire field. In the spring game, Hall made a few plays that looked Corum-like, including this one.

It’s very possible Hall could get thrown into action in a crucial point this season, and what he learned from his teammates should help him rise to the occasion. There certainly wasn’t a better running back tandem to learn from than Corum and Edwards, so Hall should be fully prepared to deliver if his number is called.