UM’s Blake Corum says knee surgery was ‘a success’
Indianapolis, Indiana — According to a social media message he made Saturday morning, Michigan running back Blake Corum had successful knee surgery.
Corum, the Wolverines’ leading rusher and the Big Ten’s Running Back of the Year this week, suffered a left knee injury right before the end of the first half against Illinois on Nov. 19. He came back for one play in the second half before sitting out the rest of the game. He started last week’s game at Ohio State but left with a limp after his second carry.
“Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers, surgery was a success!” Corum posted to Twitter. “I believe in God.”Everything happens for a purpose, and this is simply another challenge to overcome on my quest. Even though I won’t be at the game tonight, I will be there in spirit, and you can bet my guys are prepared.”
Corum underwent surgery on Thursday and will miss the rest of the season, according to The Detroit News. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com broke the news first.The defending Big Ten champions, unbeaten Michigan (No. 2 in the College Football Rankings), will face Purdue (8-4) in the title game tonight at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Corum, the Wolverines’ best rusher, concluded the regular season with 247 carries for 1,463 yards and 18 running touchdowns, giving him a total of 19 for the season. He gained 121.9 yards per game on average.
He was an important part of Michigan’s run game, helping the Wolverines rank fifth in the country in rushing, averaging 244.5 yards per game. As the season progresses, the emphasis will move to sophomore Donovan Edwards, who shone in last Saturday’s 45-23 victory over Ohio State.
Edwards led Michigan with 22 carries for 216 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdown runs of 75 and 85 yards while wearing a cast on his right hand.
Corum is one of three finalists for the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation’s best running back. Bijan Robinson of Texas and Chase Brown of Illinois are the other two finalists. Robinson praised Corum in a tweet on Thursday.
“As a player, I admire and compete with!” Just remember that God has a wonderful plan for you, brother,” Robinson added. “You’re a rare breed of talent.” All my love and speedy recovery.”
