The Numbers Game: Blake Corum’s Physical Stature
Blake Corum, the electrifying running back for the Michigan Wolverines, has consistently defied expectations on the gridiron. He’s the kind of player who leaves defenders grasping at air, a blur of motion as he navigates through seemingly impenetrable lines. But there’s one aspect of Corum’s game that’s often debated, dissected, and sometimes even doubted: his height. Standing at five foot eight inches, he’s noticeably shorter than the prototypical running back. But the question remains: does Blake Corum’s height truly impact his football success, or is it simply a superficial observation that overlooks his exceptional skills and unwavering determination? This article will explore how he overcomes any perceived disadvantage through his exceptional skills, athleticism, and determination, ultimately demonstrating that height is not the sole determinant of success in football.
Blake Corum’s declared height often becomes a talking point. Officially listed at five foot eight inches, he enters a world dominated by taller athletes. The average height for running backs in the National Football League hovers around five foot eleven inches, creating a noticeable difference. In the realm of college football, the disparity is still significant, leaving one to ponder if height becomes an impediment. This raises the question of whether Corum’s height poses a challenge in a sport often associated with size and physicality. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that taller is always better in football, especially at a position like running back where absorbing hits and breaking tackles are paramount. But to immediately write off a player based solely on their height is a grave oversight. It disregards the multitude of other attributes that contribute to a player’s overall effectiveness. The common misconception is that taller players are inherently more powerful and durable. While size can certainly be an advantage, it’s not the only factor that determines success on the football field.
Low Center of Gravity: A Hidden Advantage
One of the often-overlooked benefits of being a shorter running back is a naturally lower center of gravity. This provides Corum with a remarkable level of balance and stability, making him incredibly difficult to bring down. He can absorb contact from larger defenders and maintain his footing, often bouncing off tackles that would send taller players sprawling. This low center of gravity also gives him an edge in running under defenders. He can dip his shoulders, lower his profile, and squeeze through tight spaces that taller players simply can’t access. Think of a recent game where Corum, facing a wall of defenders, lowered himself, slipped through a gap, and emerged on the other side for a significant gain. It’s that ability to contort his body and maintain his balance that makes him so elusive. Another prime example is his ability to stay upright after initial contact. Where a taller player might be knocked off balance, Corum seems to absorb the blow and keep churning his legs, often turning a potential short gain into a substantial one.
Compensating Skills: Speed, Vision, and Power
Blake Corum doesn’t just rely on his low center of gravity. He possesses a remarkable combination of skills and attributes that more than compensate for any perceived height disadvantage. His speed and agility are simply electric. He has the ability to accelerate quickly, change direction on a dime, and leave defenders grasping at air. It’s not just straight-line speed; it’s his lateral quickness and ability to make sudden cuts that make him so difficult to contain.
His field vision and decision-making are equally impressive. He possesses an uncanny ability to read defenses, identify running lanes, and make split-second decisions on where to go. He doesn’t just blindly run into the line; he patiently waits for the right opportunity, exploits gaps, and maximizes every carry. He anticipates where the defenders will be, and then swiftly moves in the opposite direction.
Many are surprised by his power and strength. Despite his smaller stature, Corum is a surprisingly strong and powerful runner. He possesses impressive lower body strength, allowing him to break tackles and push through contact. He works relentlessly in the weight room, honing his physique and maximizing his strength-to-weight ratio. Don’t let the five foot eight frame fool you; he has the power to run through arm tackles and fight for every yard.
Perhaps most importantly, Corum possesses an unparalleled level of toughness and determination. He’s not afraid to lower his shoulder, take a hit, and fight for extra yards. He runs with a relentless intensity and a refusal to be denied. This mental toughness is arguably his greatest asset, allowing him to overcome any physical limitations. His commitment shines through and is evident in the way he carries himself on the field. It’s the drive, the heart, the never-give-up attitude that sets him apart.
His prowess as a blocker is often unsung. While he’s primarily known for his running ability, Corum is also a willing and effective blocker. He uses his low center of gravity to his advantage, getting under defenders and providing valuable protection for his quarterback. His willingness to block demonstrates his commitment to the team and his understanding of the importance of contributing in all facets of the game.
Expert Analysis: The Voice of Experience
Analysts and coaches often remark on how Blake Corum overcomes his size with his exceptional skill set. Many emphasize his speed, agility, and vision as key factors in his success. Some have noted that his lower stature actually makes him harder to target for defenders.
Scouting reports frequently highlight Corum’s explosiveness and his ability to make defenders miss. While they may acknowledge his height as a potential concern, they also emphasize his strengths and his ability to compensate for any perceived limitations. Finding a quote from an NFL scout or a college coach emphasizing these points would further validate this section and add significant weight to the argument. Examining game film provides even more support. Analyzing specific plays where Corum’s low center of gravity, speed, or vision allowed him to gain significant yardage can be incredibly persuasive.
Short But Mighty: History’s Lessons
Throughout football history, there have been numerous running backs who defied the conventional wisdom about height and achieved remarkable success. Players like Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren Sproles proved that size doesn’t always matter. Jones-Drew, known for his powerful running style and surprising strength, was able to dominate defenses despite being significantly shorter than the average running back. Sproles, on the other hand, relied on his incredible agility and receiving ability to carve out a long and successful career. These players demonstrated that speed, elusiveness, and versatility can be just as valuable as size. These smaller, quicker backs were often able to exploit mismatches, excel in the passing game, and provide a unique dimension to their respective offenses. Comparing their attributes and success stories to Blake Corum’s provides valuable insight and context.
Acknowledging the Challenges: Realities of the Position
It’s important to acknowledge that being a shorter running back can present some challenges. One potential challenge is seeing over the offensive line, which can make it more difficult to identify running lanes. Another potential concern is durability, as smaller players may be more susceptible to injury from repeated collisions with larger defenders. However, Corum has demonstrated that he can overcome these challenges through his exceptional vision, his ability to avoid contact, and his unwavering commitment to conditioning. He’s developed a keen understanding of how to navigate through traffic and protect himself from unnecessary hits. He knows when to lower his shoulder, when to avoid contact, and when to simply run out of bounds. It is also important to factor in advances in training and protective gear that contribute to the overall protection of the player.
The Future is Bright: Looking Ahead
As Blake Corum continues his career, whether in college or potentially the National Football League, his future looks incredibly bright. He possesses all the necessary tools to succeed at the highest level. By continuing to hone his skills, maximize his strengths, and maintain his unwavering determination, he can solidify his place as one of the elite running backs in the game. It is all about continuous improvement. Focusing on agility drills, strength training, and film study will elevate him to even greater heights. He defies limitations.
Conclusion: Redefining Success
Blake Corum’s height is undoubtedly a topic of discussion, but it’s also a superficial observation that overlooks his extraordinary talent and unwavering spirit. He exemplifies that success in football is not solely determined by physical stature, but by a combination of skill, athleticism, intelligence, and heart. He is a testament to the fact that hard work and determination can overcome any perceived limitations. He has proven that a lower center of gravity, exceptional speed, remarkable vision, surprising power, and an unyielding will to succeed are far more valuable than simply being tall. Blake Corum’s legacy will be one of defying expectations, overcoming obstacles, and proving that size truly doesn’t matter when you have the heart of a champion. He is inspiring a new generation of athletes and proving that with hard work and talent, anything is possible. He is rewriting the narrative on what it means to be an elite running back.
