Michigan football: Donovan Edwards’ role, Jahmyr Gibbs comparison

There’s been a lot of talk this offseason about how Michigan Wolverines football will use junior running back Donovan Edwards, a versatile weapon on offense. The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder has proven to be a high-level runner as well as a standout receiver, having totaled 1,165 rushing yards and 465 receiving yards (eighth among U-M running backs all time) with 13 total touchdowns throughout his career.

With senior Blake Corum back for one last season, Michigan has the opportunity to utilize both running backs and, perhaps, play them together at times. Edwards has played some slot receiver in the past, and running backs coach and run game coordinator Mike Hart has said he could start there anywhere in America.

“I’m the best dual-threat running back. I’ll catch a ball 50 yards down the field, over the shoulder,” Edwards told PFF. “I’ll be the best slot receiver in the country if I was really mastering that craft, which I am this year. You can’t put a linebacker or safety on me. Shoot, you might have to double-team me or put your best corner on me. You can’t look at my game and go, ‘Oh, that’s weak.’”

PFF analyst Max Chadwick, who conducted an in-depth interview with Edwards this week, believes the West Bloomfield (Mich.) High product will be featured in a multitude of ways on the Michigan offense this fall.

“Even if Blake is on the field, don’t expect Donovan Edwards to be on the sidelines,” Chadwick told TheWolverine.com. “There’s a good chance that he could be lining up a lot at slot receiver this year, because of how good he is as a receiver.”

Edwards was listed as the third-best 2024 NFL Draft prospect among running backs by PFF, one spot behind Corum. But Chadwick believes those two could flip-flop by the time next spring rolls around, and Edwards’ versatility is a big reason why.

“He even said, ‘Hey, man, when I get to the NFL, that’s what’s going to separate me,’” Chadwick said of his conversation with the Michigan standout. “He’s like, ‘I know how a lot of running backs right now are not getting paid; I think I’m going to get paid because I bring something different to the table and my receiving ability will set me apart.’ … I think that receiving ability absolutely sets him apart.

“He’s a terrific runner — I’m not going to take that away from him, he is an unbelievable runner — but also as a receiver, man, I think he is really, really good, too. I would expect a lot out of him as a receiver this year, especially if Michigan lines him up in the slot as much as he told me they would.”

Michigan fans have pointed to Detroit Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Alabama, as an apt comparison for Edwards. Gibbs actually had less rushing yards (926) than Edwards (991) in 2022. But he produced even more as a receiver, lining up at either slot or wideout for 78 pass plays compared to 27 for Edwards. He hauled in 44 catches for 444 receiving yards, numbers that would’ve ranked second and third on Michigan’s team, respectively. Gibbs’ dual-threat ability is a major reason why the Lions surprised and took him as high as they did.

“I think that’s the mold, that’s the blueprint for him,” Chadwick said after we mentioned the comparisoin. “Look at Gibbs — he’s a top-15 pick, which I thought was incredibly high for him. I don’t know if Donovan will ever be able to hit that high, but right now he is the No. 3 running back in next year’s draft.

“With that receiving ability, I can see a lot of Jahmyr Gibbs in his game. They’re both extremely fast running backs, too. They’re tough to tackle in a phone booth. That’s kind of the goal that Donovan Edwards is looking at and the blueprint. Luckily for him, with Gibbs being taken in the top 15, that’s what NFL teams are looking for right now. They want a guy that can catch it — which is why I think Blake Corum is the better running back in college, but I would not be surprised if Blake Corum is not the first Michigan running back picked in the NFL Draft, because I think Donovan Edwards’ skill set might entice teams more than Blake Corum, even though I love Blake Corum’s game and think he’s by far the best running back in college football right now.

“There’s a chance, at least, that Donovan Edwards could overtake him in the NFL Draft process.”

In the meantime, Edwards making plays will greatly help the Michigan offense. After that, it’ll get him drafted to the NFL. Chadwick didn’t rule out Edwards being a first-round pick but said he’s “definitely” going to be selected in the second or third round if he declares for next spring.

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