2022 Michigan Football Awards and Honors
12/1/2022 1:00:00 PM | Football
• 2022 National Awards
• 2022 Michigan All-America Honorees
• Zinter Named Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators (12/20/22)
• Corum Named MVP During Football Awards Show at Michigan Stadium (12/18/22)
• Offensive Line Makes History, Repeats as Joe Moore Award Winners (12/17/22)
• Harbaugh Named Finalist for Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year (12/16/22)
• Corum Named 2022 Chicago Tribune Silver Football Winner (12/15/22)
• Harbaugh Named Finalist for Bear Bryant Award Coach of the Year (12/13/22)
• Oluwatimi Wins Pair of National Awards, Claiming Outland, Rimington Trophies (12/8/22)
• Michigan, Georgia Named Two Finalists for Joe Moore Award (12/7/22)
• Harbaugh Named AFCA Region 3 Coach of the Year, Finalist for Eddie Robinson Award (12/6/22)
• Oluwatimi Chosen as Rimington Finalist for Top Center (12/7/22)
• Harbaugh Named AFCA Region 3 Coach of the Year, Finalist for Eddie Robinson Award (12/6/22)
• Oluwatimi Chosen as Rimington Finalist for Top Center (12/5/22)
• Corum, Oluwatimi, Zinter, Line Among All-Big Ten Offensive Honorees (11/30/22)
• Morris, Moody, Smith Lead All-Big Ten Defensive, Special Teams Honorees (11/29/22)
• Corum, Moody, Oluwatimi Land Finalist Bids for Major Awards (11/29/22)
• D Coordinator Minter Among Finalists for Broyles Award as Top Assistant (11/28/22)
• Zinter Earns Academic All-District 5 Honors from College Sports Communicators (11/22/22)
Ronnie Bell (Dec. 1)
Comeback Player of the Year Award -- The Associated Press and College Sports Communicators have named wide receiver Ronnie Bell of the No. 2-ranked Michigan football program as one of 15 semifinalists for the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Michigan's leading receiver in 2020, Bell barely got started in the 2021 season before he tore his ACL in the season-opener against Western Michigan. He had already scored a 76-yard touchdown in that game before the injury. An offensive captain, he remained an important part of the locker room as U-M captured the Big Ten Championship. Now healthy again and a captain for the second time in 2022, Bell is again leading the team in receptions (51) and yards (687), and the Wolverines have a chance at a second consecutive Big Ten Championship. The offense is No. 7 in the nation in points per game (39.8) and Bell has six games with at least four catches, including a career-high 11 catches for 121 yards at Indiana earlier this year. Three winners of the Comeback Player of the Year Award will be named in mid-December. » College Sports Communicators Release
Jim Harbaugh (Nov. 29)
Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week -- Following the program's win at Ohio State last weekend, J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh was recognized as the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week. The Wolverines won 45-23 in Columbus against the then-No. 2-ranked Buckeyes. U-M scored its most points in Ohio Stadium since 1946, and set its best margin of victory since a 22-0 shutout in 1976. The Wolverines out-rushed the Buckeyes 242-19 in the second half. U-M reached the 12-0 mark for the fourth time in school history and is in a position to achieve a school-record 13 wins. The Wolverines will appear in the Big Ten Championship game this weekend against Purdue, seeking the program's second consecutive Big Ten title and the 44th in program history. » Dodd Trophy Release
Donovan Edwards (Nov. 28)
Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week -- Following his performance in the win over Ohio State last weekend, U-M running back Donovan Edwards was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week by the league. It is Edwards' first career Big Ten honor. The recognition comes after Edwards posted a 22-carry, 216-yard rushing line on the Buckeyes in Columbus. He registered 207 yards in the second half and had long touchdown runs of 75 and 85 yards in the game's final eight minutes to help put the game away for the Maize and Blue. No Wolverine had ever recorded two touchdown runs of 70-plus yards in the same game before. Edwards' 216 yards are the second-most ever by a Wolverine in the history of the rivalry; Tim Biakabutuka (313 yards on 37 carries) holds the record. The win clinched the Big Ten East division for Michigan, the team's second straight division title, and punched the team's ticket to the Big Ten Championship game. » Big Ten Release
J.J. McCarthy (Nov. 28)
Manning Award Stars of the Week, Rose Bowl Game Big Ten Player of the Week -- Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been named one of eight quarterbacks for the Manning Award "Stars of the Week" for his performance in Michigan's win over Ohio State last weekend. McCarthy was also selected as the Rose Bowl Game Big Ten Player of the Week for Week 13. McCarthy had his first career four-touchdown game, matching a career-best with three touchdown passes and rushing for another. He was 12-of-24 passing for 263 yards in total and helped spark the Wolverines' victory with touchdown passes of 45 yards (to Colston Loveland), 69 yards, and 75 yards (to Cornelius Johnson). McCarthy is the first player in the history of the rivalry to throw three or more touchdowns of 45-plus yards for Michigan. He helped the Wolverines get to 12-0 in his 11th start and is the first U-M quarterback to win each of his first 11 career starts without a loss. » Manning Award Release
Michigan Football Team (Nov. 28)
FWAA Cheez-It Bowl National Team of the Week -- After completing a perfect regular season with a win in Columbus last weekend, Michigan was named the Cheez-It Bowl National Team of the Week for Week 12. It is the team's fifth time earning the writer from the Football Writers Association of America. The award came after U-M ended OSU's 29-game conference home winning streak which had dated to the 2015 season. U-M scored three touchdowns of 45-plus yards in the game, the most against an AP Top-Five ranked team since 2005. It was U-M's most points at OSU since 1946 (58 points) and the Wolverines' most lopsided win in the rivalry since 1976 (22-0).
Blake Corum (Nov. 22)
Doak Walker Award Semifinalist -- The Wolverines' leading scorer and rusher, Blake Corum, has been chosen as one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker National Running Back Award. Corum is third in the country with 1,457 rushing yards this season, the most by a Wolverine back since Mike Hart's 2006 season (1,562 yards). He has scored 18 rushing touchdowns, two shy of the single-season program record, and 19 total touchdowns (tied-most) and is second in the nation in first downs (96). Corum has been the leader of Michigan's top-10 scoring offense and the backbone of its No. 4 rushing attack (241.3 yards per game), the best in the Big Ten. His historic season has helped U-M reach an 11-0 record, in part due to an active stretch of eight games with 100-plus yards on the ground and at least one rushing touchdown. The award, which recognizes the nation's premier running back, will announce finalists on Nov. 29.
Jake Moody (Nov. 21)
Lou Groza Award Star of the Week -- For the third time this season and the fourth time in his career, kicker Jake Moody was named by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission as one of the Lou Groza Award Stars of the Week. Moody converted four-of-four field goal tries in the game, including the game-winner from 35 yards as the clock wound down. It was his first career game-winning field goal and came in his last career game in Michigan Stadium, completing a 13-point game. Moody is the leading scorer in the country (122 points).
Jake Moody (Nov. 21)
Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week -- After he sealed the win for his team on senior day last weekend, kicker Jake Moody was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week by the conference. Moody converted four-of-four field goal tries in the game, with three in the fourth quarter and the game-winner from 35 yards out with only nine seconds remaining on the clock. It was his first career game-winning field goal and came in his last career game in Michigan Stadium, completing a 13-point game. It was Moody's 25th made field goal of the season, which is tied for the most in a single season in program history. Moody hit from 46 yards in the third quarter, then followed up with 41-, 33-, and 35-yarders in the final frame. He is the nation's leading scorer (122 points), and this marks his third Big Ten honor of the season and the fourth of his career. The field goal also gave Moody sole possession of most field goals made in a Michigan career (65). » Big Ten Release
Jesse Minter (Nov. 21)
Broyles Award Semifinalist -- Matthew and Nicole Lester Family Football Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the 2022 Broyles Award, which honors college football's top assistant coach. Minter is directing a Michigan defense that ranks No. 1 in total defense, No. 2 in rushing defense, scoring defense, and pass efficiency defense, and also has top-five ranks in first downs allowed (third) and passing defense (fifth). In Minter's first year with the program, he has helped the Wolverines reach an 11-0 record. No opponent has scored in the fourth quarter against U-M's defense in the last six games. The defense has forced 43 three-and-outs, pressuring opponents with 31 sacks while limiting teams to 2.8 yards per carry in the run game. Five finalists will be chosen for the 2022 Broyles Award before a winner is selected.
Blake Corum (Nov. 16)
Walter Camp Player of the Year Award -- Running back Blake Corum has been named one of 22 semifinalists for one of the nation's most prestigious honors, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. Corum is the engine of U-M's No. 5-ranked scoring offense (41.4 points per game) and ranks third in the nation in rushing (1,349 yards) with 18 touchdowns (tied-most in the nation). Corum's rushing total is the best by a Wolverine since the 2010 season. He leads the country in first downs (91), and his active streak of seven games with 100-plus yards and at least one rushing touchdown is the longest in the last 25 seasons at Michigan. Five finalists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award will be named Wednesday, Nov. 30.
Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award -- Running back Blake Corum has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to the Division I college football player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field. Corum has been exceptional on the field for the Wolverines, racking up 1,349 rushing yards (No. 3, NCAA) with 18 total touchdowns (one receiving) for the No. 5-ranked Michigan scoring offense. As good as he's been, he has been even more impactful in the surrounding community near Ann Arbor and near his hometown of Marshall, Virginia. Corum has made annual traditions out of a youth football camp, a Back to School supply giveaway, a Thanksgiving turkey and food giveaway to local families in need, and a Holiday gift drive.
Olusegun Oluwatimi (Nov. 16)
Outland Trophy Semifinalist -- Center Olusegun Oluwatimi has been selected as one of seven semifinalists for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best college football interior lineman in the nation. Oluwatimi has made 10 starts for the Wolverines and helps direct the nation's No. 4 rushing attack which averages 251.4 yards per game (No. 1 Big Ten) and has totaled 31 rushing touchdowns. The team averages 6.0 yards per sack-adjusted carry while supporting Heisman Trophy candidate Blake Corum, who is third in the nation in rushing and tied-first in touchdowns. Oluwatimi has been a model of consistency for U-M and has helped keep the level of play high across the line. In the pass game, U-M has permitted only 12 sacks across 10 games, and Oluwatimi has been charged with just six pressures (no sacks) all season. The Outland Trophy finalists will be named on Tuesday, Nov. 29.
J.J. McCarthy (Nov. 15)
Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Semifinalist -- U-M signal-caller J.J. McCarthy was chosen as one of 21 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award. McCarthy has posted a 147-of-213 passing line (69 percent, ninth in the NCAA) for 1,744 passing yards, added 276 rushing yards, and created 17 total touchdowns (three rushing). He has helped lead U-M to a 10-0 record with the nation's No. 5 scoring offense (41.4 points per game) and is directing the offense to points on 65 percent of his drives. In McCarthy's nine career starts, U-M has scored on the opening possession in eight games. Three finalists for the award will be named on Nov. 29 and the winner will be announced on Dec. 8.
Michigan Offensive Line (Nov. 15)
Joe Moore Award Semifinalist -- The reigning Joe Moore Award winners are in the mix for the award again this year, as the U-M offensive line was recognized as one of nine semifinalist units by the award's committee. U-M has the nation's No. 5 scoring offense (41.4 points per game) thanks in part to the nation's No. 4 rushing attack (251.4 yards per game). The Wolverines have the FBS' 10th-highest run rate (62.3 percent) and average 6.0 yards per sack-adjusted carry with 31 rushing touchdowns (tied-No. 2 nationally). In the passing game, teams have totaled just 12 sacks in 10 games against U-M quarterbacks. The unit has paved the way for running back Blake Corum, whose 1,349 yards rushing are the most by a Wolverine since 2010. Center Olusegun Oluwatimi and guard Zak Zinter have made all 10 starts, and tackle Ryan Hayes and guard Trevor Keegan (eight starts), tackle Trente Jones (six starts), tackle Karsen Barnhart (five starts), and guard Giovanni El-Hadi (two starts) have each made contributions to the starting lineup.
Jesse Minter (Nov. 15)
Broyles Award -- Matthew and Nicole Lester Family Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter has been chosen as one of 51 nominees for the 2022 Broyles Award, which honors college football's top assistant coaches. Minter directs the nation's No. 1 defense in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and first downs allowed. The unit also is second in pass efficiency defense and fourth in passing yards allowed per game, among nine top-15 rankings overall. Opponents have managed just 17 trips to the red zone, and 2.6 yards per rush overall. Five of U-M's last six opponents have been held at or below 75 yards rushing, and U-M's dominance has been especially noticeable in the second half, where the team has not allowed a third-quarter touchdown all season. U-M is outscoring opponents 117-3 in second half of the last five games.
Jake Moody (Nov. 10)
Lou Groza Award Semifinalist -- Reigning Lou Groza Award winner Jake Moody has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the award which recognizes college football's best place kicker, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced. Moody is the NCAA's No. 3 scorer (99 points) and is on the verge of becoming the third Wolverine to ever record back-to-back 100-point seasons. He has converted on 19-of-24 field goal tries this year, with three misses from 50-plus yards and one blocked kick. Moody has gone 15-of-16 inside 40 yards this year and set a new career-long with his 54-yard make against Michigan State. He has double-digit scoring in six of nine games this season and has been a weapon in the kickoff role as well, leading the country in combined touchbacks and fair catches (56) despite ranking fourth in kickoffs. Semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award will be voted on by a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, media members, SIDs, former award finalists, and current NFL kickers to select three finalists. Finalists will be announced Nov. 29 and will be honored at the award's banquet on Dec. 5 in Palm Beach County.
Michael Barrett (Nov. 7)
Rose Bowl Game Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week -- Linebacker Michael Barrett's two-interception performance at Rutgers earned him the weekly spotlight from the 15-person Tournament of Roses and Rose Bowl Game Football Committee, which selects one player from the Big Ten and one player from the Pac-12 as offensive and defensive players of the week. Barrett's two interceptions came on consecutive possessions near the start of the third quarter, on Rutgers' second and third drives of the second half. Both plays led to touchdowns, including the latter, a 31-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Barrett. He was the catalyst for a dominant defensive performance that limited Rutgers to one second down in the final two quarters and helped the Wolverines generate 38 unanswered points to end the game.
Olu Oluwatimi (Nov. 2)
Rotary Lombardi Award Semifinalist -- Center Olu Oluwatimi has been named as one of 12 semifinalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award, which goes annually to the college football lineman (offensive or defensive) who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the character and discipline of Vince Lombardi. Oluwatimi anchors the U-M offensive line, which was chosen as a Joe Moore Award semifinalist in October. The unit has paved the way for the No. 8 scoring offense, averaging 41 points per game, and the nation's No. 5 rushing attack, averaging a Big Ten-best 246 rushing yards per game. Behind Oluwatimi and the offensive line, running back Blake Corum is the nation's No. 4 rusher (1,078 yards) and No. 2 scorer (90 points). The men up front have surrendered only nine sacks, including two across the last four games combined. The finalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award will be announced on Nov. 17. » Rotary Lombardi Award Release
Blake Corum, Mike Morris, J.J. McCarthy (Nov. 1)
Maxwell Award, Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalists -- Two U-M players picked up major award semifinalist honors (top 20) following the Wolverines' win over Michigan State. Running back Blake Corum was named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, given to the top offensive player in college football. Corum ranks fourth in the country in rushing yards (1,078), second in touchdowns (15), and leads the nation in first downs picked up (71). He has five consecutive 100-yard games rushing, and four multi-touchdown games this season. Corum is one of three Big Ten backs averaging at least 130 rushing yards per game (134.8). He has recorded each of his top-five career rushing workloads (25, 28, 29, 30, 33 carries) and four of his top career five rushing outputs (243 yards, 177 yards, 166 yards, 133 yards) in the most recent five-game stretch. » Maxwell Football Club
Edge defender Mike Morris was named to the semifinalist list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the top defensive player in college football. Morris has been a force for the No. 3-rated Michigan defense. He leads all Wolverines with nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, which ranks tied for third and tied for second in the Big Ten, respectively. In total, Morris has made 17 tackles with 12 solo stops. Morris is graded by PFFCollege with the second-best pass rush grade in the Big Ten. He entered the 2022 season with just a half-sack to his name, and has proven he is among the nation's best defenders this year. Morris anchors a defense that limits opponents to 2.8 yards per rush and has yet to allow a 150-yard rushing team performance this year. » Maxwell Football Club
Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2022 -- Signal caller J.J. McCarthy was recognized as one of 40 quarterbacks on the Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2022 list. McCarthy leads U-M's No. 8-ranked scoring offense (41.0 points per game) which ranks among the top 25 nationally in nine categories. McCarthy is the nation's most accurate passer. He is completing 74.6 percent of his attempts (126-of-169), and is not afraid to throw deep, averaging 13.2 yards per attempt on play action and 8.7 yards per attempt overall. He also is among the nation's top-rated quarterbacks in passing efficiency (13th) and NFL Passer rating (12th) while sporting a 10:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Overall, McCarthy helps the offense score points. The team has scored on 64 percent of all complete drives (excludes kneel-downs, etc.) led by McCarthy this season and he has helped the Wolverines score in 34 of 37 red zone trips during his seven starts this season. Being included on the list for the Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2022 makes McCarthy eligible to be voted as one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, presented in December.
Blake Corum, Jake Moody (Oct. 31)
Big Ten Offensive, Special Teams Players of the Week -- Running back Blake Corum won his third Offensive Player of the Week nod, and kicker Jake Moody earned his fourth Special Teams Player of the Week honor for their contributions in Michigan's 29-7 win over Michigan State on Saturday (Oct. 29). Both players received their second conference honor of the 2022 season. Corum set a career high against the Spartans with 33 carries, notching 177 yards with two touchdowns (one receiving). According to Pro Football Focus, Corum forced 15 missed tackles in the game. He continued to push his lead as the FBS' top touchdown-scorer, up to 15 in total, and also passed the 1,000-yard rushing mark on the season in the contest.
Moody converted on five field goals, including a career-long 54-yarder, in addition to his two PATs for 17 points. Moody approached his program records in field goals made (six) and points (19) in the game and also hit six touchbacks on eight kickoffs. He also entered the top five all-time at Michigan in career scoring (297 points) and now sits third all-time in field goals made (58). » Big Ten Release
Jake Moody (Oct. 31)
Lou Groza Award Star of the Week -- For the second time this month, kicker Jake Moody was named a Lou Groza Award Star of the Week. This followed Moody's performance against Michigan State last weekend, when he went five-for-five on field goals and added two extra points for 17 total points scored. In both made field goals and total points, Moody approached his own program records (six, 19) after converting on kicks of 22, 25, 39, 33, and a career-long 54 yards. It was the fifth-longest field goal in school history and Moody's third at 50-plus yards in his career, one shy of another school record. The Northville, Michigan, native ranks as the No. 3 scorer in the nation (89 points) and the leading kick-scorer, is up to 18 made field goals this season (on 21 attempts). It's his third career honor from the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
Mike Morris (Oct. 31)
Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List -- Edge defender Mike Morris was named to the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the top defensive player in college football. Morris has been a force for the No. 3-rated Michigan defense. He leads all Wolverines with 9.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, which rank tied-third, and tied-second in the Big Ten, respectively. In total, Morris has made 17 tackles with 12 solo stops. Morris is graded by PFFCollege with the second-best pass rush grade in the Big Ten. He entered the 2022 season with just a half-sack to his name, and has proven he's among the nation's best defenders this year. Morris anchors a defense that limits opponents to 2.8 yards per rush and has yet to allow a 150-yard rushing team performance this year.
Blake Corum (Oct. 21)
The Wuerffel Trophy Nominee -- Running back Blake Corum was named to the watch list for The Wuerffel Trophy, which honors college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society, and inspire greater service in the world. Corum has been a service-oriented individual during his time at Michigan. This year, he organized an event to donate more than 100 backpacks, school supplies, and sports equipment in Ypsilanti, Michigan during a Back to School event. Last fall, Corum purchased Thanksgiving turkeys during his Giving Back 2 Give Thanks event, and at Christmas, he partnered with the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) to provide supplies and gifts to the league's basketball players. He has put on a BC2 Youth Football Camp near his hometown in Virginia, worked with The Uniform Funding Foundation (TUFF), and more. Semifinalists for the award will be named on Nov. 1 and finalists on Nov. 29.
Jim Harbaugh (Oct. 19)
Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List -- Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was recognized by The Bobby Dodd Foundation as one of 20 coaches included in its midseason watch list for The Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC, which annually honors the FBS football coach whose program reflects three pillars of success: scholarship, leadership and integrity. Harbaugh has the Wolverines off to a 7-0 start in back-to-back years for the first time since 1974-75. U-M is one of three teams ranking in the top 10 in both scoring offense (seventh) and scoring defense (fifth), joining Georgia and Ohio State. U-M has a +214 scoring differential, second only to the Bulldogs for best in the nation. The Wolverines are a balanced unit with one of the nation's top run games (ninth, rush yards per game), an elite defense (fifth, total defense), an efficient passing offense (16th), and elite special teams (second, net punting; 13th, kickoff defense). Four different Wolverines have been named midseason All-Americans, and last weekend the Wolverines beat a top-10 team, also a division opponent, without 41:46 minutes of possession and no Michigan punts. » Bobby Dowd Foundation Release
Michigan Offensive Line (Oct. 18)
Joe Moore Award Midseason Watch List -- Winners of the Joe Moore Award for the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football last season, the men up front for the Wolverines have again caught the eye of the award's committee this year as the U-M offensive line was recognized as one of 18 units included on the midseason watch list. The Wolverines rank ninth in the FBS in rushing yards per game (241.7), paving the way for the country's seventh-rated scoring offense (42.7 points per game) with 24 rushing touchdowns, which is tied for the best in the FBS. They have paved the way for running back Blake Corum to lead the country in total touchdowns (13), runs of 10-plus yards (13) and first downs (57) while ranking second in rushing yards (901). The unit has been rock solid in pass protection, too, having allowed14 combined sacks (nine) and hurries (five) across 28 quarters of play. Last weekend, the group dominated Penn State with 418 rushing yards in a controlling effort. The unit is led by Olusegun Oluwatimi (seven starts, center), Zak Zinter (seven starts, guard), Ryan Hayes (six starts, tackle), Trevor Keegan (six starts, guard), Trente Jones (five starts, tackle), Karsen Barnhart (two starts, tackle), and Giovanni El-Hadi (one start, guard). No program has been recognized with the Joe Moore Award in consecutive seasons.
Blake Corum (Oct. 18)
Associated Press, Sporting News Midseason All-American -- Running back Blake Corum was named to the Midseason All-American team for the Associated Press and Sporting News. Through seven games, Corum has totaled 901 rushing yards (second most, FBS), and leads the country in touchdowns (13, all rushing), first downs (57) and runs of 10-plus yards (13). Corum has four straight 100-yard games in Big Ten play, averaging 166.5 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game in that span at 5.87 yards per carry. He has at least one rush of 20-plus yards in six of seven games and is the main reason why U-M is tied for the NCAA lead with 24 rushing touchdowns. » Sporting News Release
Blake Corum, Olu Oluwatimi, Mazi Smith, Mike Morris (Oct. 18)
The Athletic Midseason All-Americans -- Four Wolverines were recognized by The Athletic's midseason All-America team, including three first-teamers. On offense, running back Blake Corum and center Olusegun Oluwatimi were both named to the first team. Per the outlet, Oluwatimi has not given up a sack this year and he and the line have helped U-M's run game rank fifth in yards before contact. Corum is averaging 6.2 yards per carry with an FBS-best 13 rushing touchdowns and 901 rushing yards. On defense, tackle Mazi Smith was chosen as a first-team selection. He anchors U-M's defense ranked sixth in rush yards per game. Edge Mike Morris was chosen as a second-team pick. Morris leads the Wolverines and ranks third in the Big Ten with five sacks. » The Athletic release
Ryan Hayes, Olu Oluwatimi (Oct. 17)
Rotary Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List -- Left tackle Ryan Hayes and center Olusegun Oluwatimi, starters for the Michigan offensive line, were recognized for their outstanding play by the Rotary Club of Houston, which added both players to its midseason watch list for the award. Hayes (six starts) and Oluwatimi (seven) have been anchors for the unit that dictates Michigan's offensive success. The line has paved the way to an average of 6.22 yards per sack-adjusted rush this season, including a 418-yard dominating display against Penn State last weekend. PSU had not permitted a 100-yard rusher this season before U-M had two backs (Blake Corum, 166 yards; Donovan Edwards, 173 yards) double up the Nittany Lions' team average of 78 rushing yards allowed per game. The OL has helped Corum lead the country in first downs (57) and rank second in rushing yards (901), including 23 runs of 10-plus yards and an FBS-best 13 runs of 20-plus yards. Michigan is tied for the NCAA lead with 24 rushing scores. In the passing game, Wolverine quarterbacks have been hurried (five) or sacked (nine) just 14 combined times across 28 quarters of play.
Jake Moody (Oct. 17)
Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week, Lou Groza Award Star of the Week -- Kicker Jake Moody was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week by the league and chosen as one of three Lou Groza Award Stars of the Week following his 15-point effort against Penn State. Moody converted on field goals of 23, 24, 29, and 37 yards and added three extra points in the contest. He also drilled five touchbacks on nine kickoff attempts, allowing just 14 yards per return, on average. Moody made his first career tackle in the game to help set the tone for the second half when he laid a hit on PSU's Nicholas Singleton to open the third quarter. He is up to sixth on Michigan's all-time point scorers list (280 points) for his career. This marks Moody's third career Big Ten honor.
Ronnie Bell (Oct. 12)
Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List -- Wide receiver Ronnie Bell was chosen as one of 42 players named to the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Watch List, presented by College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) and the Associated Press. Bell leads the Wolverines in receptions (30) and yards (390) this season to go along with two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving). The 2021 campaign saw Bell named an offensive captain, only to have his season cut short by a torn ACL in the season-opener against Western Michigan, a game in which he had already recorded a 76-yard receiving touchdown and a jaw-dropping acrobatic sideline reception called back after he was ruled out of bounds. Bell was out for the remainder of 2021, but remained engaged in practices and team activities, remaining a consummate team captain. He was rewarded with that title again in the 2022 campaign and is playing the best football of his career. » College Sports Communicators Release
J.J. McCarthy (Oct. 10)
Davey O'Brien Great 8 List, Midseason Watch List -- Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was named to the Davey O'Brien Great 8 list for his performance in the Wolverines' week six victory at Indiana. McCarthy set career highs in attempts (36), completions (28), and yards (304), recording his first career 300-yard game and his second three-touchdown passing effort of the season. McCarthy leads the nation in completion percentage (78.3), and he ranks fifth in pass efficiency (182.1) and eighth in yards per attempt (9.6). The Wolverines scored 21 points in the second half at IU and outgained the Hoosiers, 263-29, while McCarthy helped lead three touchdown drives in the final 23 minutes. This is McCarthy's first career honor from the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award and automatically adds him to the midseason watch list.
Jake Moody (Sept. 28)
William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist -- Kicker Jake Moody was named as one of 156 semifinalists for the 2022 William V. Campell Trophy. Now in its 33rd year, the award recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership. The NFF Will announce 12-14 finalists in November, and each will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2021 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class. One winner will be chosen later this year and will have his postgraduate scholarship raised to $25,000. A consensus All-American last year, Moody is the 2021 Lou Groza Award winner and the 2021 Bakken-Anderson Big Ten Kicker of the Year. He ranks 10th all-time in scoring at Michigan (249 points). Moody has been a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2019-21) while pursuing his degree in sport management and in 2021, he was a CoSIDA Academic All-District 5 selection. Moody is now pursuing a Real Estate Development degree from the Rackham Graduate School. » NFF Release
Blake Corum (Sept. 27)
Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week -- In its first season presenting a National Running Back of the Week honor, the Doak Walker Award committee recognized running back Blake Corum with the distinction. It marks his third honor, national or conference, following his performance against Maryland which saw him achieve new career-highs in rushes (30) and yards (243). Corum reached the seventh-best single-game rushing total in program history and the fourth-best against any Big Ten opponent. Corum's 11 runs of 15-plus yards lead all FBS backs, and he had five such runs against Maryland. It was the most yards by a U-M ball carrier since Denard Robinson in 2010 (258 vs. Notre Dame). Corum secured the honor over fellow Week 3 candidates Devon Achane (Texas A&M), Keyon Mozee (Miami (Ohio)), and Jadyn Ott (Cal). The Doak Walker Award has been awarded to the nation's top running back since 1990. Semifinalists for the award will be named on Nov. 22, and three finalists will be named a week later.
Blake Corum (Sept. 26)
Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week, Rose Bowl Big Ten Player of the Week -- Running back Blake Corum's historic performance last weekend was rewarded by the Big Ten conference on Monday (Sept. 26) with a share of the league's offensive player of the week honors. Corum was also recognized by the Rose Bowl Game Football Committee as the Big Ten Player of the Week. Corum set career bests with his 30 carries and 243 rushing yards against Maryland, averaging 8.1 yards per rush attempt. He scored two touchdowns, giving him an FBS-leading nine through the first four games of the year -- the most by any U-M back in the modern era through the first four games. Corum has produced eight of Michigan's 26 explosive plays (20-plus yards) on offense, and PFFCollege credits him with 11 designed rushes of 15-plus yards, most among FBS ball carriers. This is Corum's second career Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor, following his performance against Washington last season.
