We continue our 2024 NFL Draft review of draft prospects that the Dallas Cowboys may be interested in. Today we'd like to introduce you to Blake Collum, a running back from Michigan State.
blake colum
R.B.
michigan wolverines
Senior
5’8”
205 pounds
Hand size – 9 inches (26%)
Arm length – 28 7/8 inches (3%)
Wingspan – 70 1/8 inches (5%)
history:
Blake Collum was given a four-star rating in high school and was ranked the 12th best running back in the nation. He enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2020 and appeared in five games as a freshman. He took 26 handoffs and rushed for 77 yards while scoring twice. His first year at the University of Michigan, he only gained an average of three yards per carry.
In 2021, Corum is having his first breakout year and is off to a strong start. In his first three games of the season, he ran for 407 yards and scored seven touchdowns. It was an exciting start. He finished his sophomore season with 952 yards rushing, 11 rushing touchdowns, one touchdown receiving, and 307 yards on a kickoff return.
In 2022, Corum has made another leap forward. He scored five touchdowns in a game against UW, tying Michigan's single-game record. The following week, he gained 243 yards against Maryland, setting a personal record for most rushing yards in a single game. He went on to rush for 100 yards or more in eight consecutive games, helping him win the Heisman Trophy. He tore his meniscus and MCL in mid-November and finished seventh in Heisman voting. But he earned numerous other Big Ten honors and was named an All-American.
After recovering from his injury, Colm announced he would return for his senior year at the University of Michigan, where he helped the Wolverines win a national championship. Colm has been firing on all cylinders since Week 1, scoring at least one touchdown in every game of the 2023 season. He ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the national championship game and was named offensive MVP. He finished the season running for 1,245 yards and averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He achieved an outstanding record of 28 total touchdowns, and the University of Michigan's 61 total touchdowns ranked the most in team history (by a wide margin).
Statistics for 2023:
453 Offensive Snap
258 rushing attempts
1,245 rushing yards
4.8 YPC
27 rushing TDs
1 fumble
117 receiving yards
1 Received TD
nfl combine/Pro Day:
10 Yard Split – 1.58 seconds (53%)
40 yard time – 4.53 seconds (60%)
Bart – 35.5 inches (63%)
3C- 6.82 seconds (89%)
Bench – 27 (94%)
Awards:
National Champion (2023)
National Champion Offensive MVP (2023)
United States (2023)
Big 10 Running Back of the Year (2023)
All-Big Ten First Team (2023)
United States (2022)
Big 10 Running Back of the Year (2022)
All-Big Ten First Team (2022)
Big 10 MVP Award (2022)
All-Big Ten Third Team (2021)
scorecard:
Overall – 83.4
Speed - 68
Acceleration – 69
Agility – 90
Strength – 52
vision-89
Contact balance – 62
Elusive – 66
Reception -70
Blocking – 61
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Good things:
- Very instinctive and very patient as a runner.
- They have shown very good vision and know exactly where to run and the right time to deploy.
- It's very smart, allows its blocks to develop, and does an even better job of tracking them.
- Avoid tackles in short spaces with sharp cuts and confuse defenders with good body shifts
- Also well suited for cutting in the open field
- Shows great versatility playing in both gap running schemes and zone running schemes for the Michigan State offense.
- The short size gives you a good center of gravity to get over arm tackles.
- kickback experience
bad person:
- Might not be an all-down back.
- Lacks power to handle all down and short yardage situations.
- Lack of size takes him out of goal line situations
- I am concerned about durability to withstand intense work. His injury in 2022 also needs to be investigated.
- Lacks top-end speed for breakaway and home run plays.
Fit:
Barring some major flaws, Blake Colm might be considered the best running back in this year's class. The list of honors and awards shows how talented he is. He is extremely nervous, moving quickly in and out of gaps to completely confuse defenders and frustrate them with his efficient patience. What makes him so accomplished is his understanding of blocks and gaps, as well as his extremely high soccer IQ. His body angle changes, footwork, and great vision jump off the screen the moment you start watching the tape.
The reason he isn't considered a top pick in this year's class is based on durability. Concerns about his durability are two-fold, starting with his injury in 2022. The second is his size and style of play. He lacks the power and strength to last as a bell-cow running back, and his size calls for him to play more as a secondary addition to NFL running back units.
Colm is a tough, solid runner who can serve as a complementary back to strengthen the attack. He's smart, creative, and most of all, productive. Expect him to be out by the middle of the third round and easily prepare your roster for Week 1.
Comparison:-
Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears
School year:
Middle of the 3rd round
Consensus ranking:
72nd place
(Consensus ranking based on average ranking of 90 major scoring services)
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