As the NFL regular season concludes, the anticipation for the NFL Draft grows, offering football enthusiasts a glimpse of the college stars set to continue the legacy of NFL legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. In keeping with this yearly custom, a number of collegiate standouts have lately announced their plans to join the NFL Draft, moving one step closer to their goals of playing at the national level.
Two promising players who had successful stints with the Michigan Wolverines are quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum. They now openly declare their desire to go to the next level in their professional football careers.
J.J. McCarthy enters 2024 NFL Draft
J.J. McCarthy has decided to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. With the declaration, he let go of his remaining college football eligibility. He made the announcement via a statement shared on social media, in which McCarthy expressed gratitude for his time at the University of Michigan and acknowledged the difficulty of the decision.
“After three incredible years at the University of Michigan, I have decided to enter the 2024 NFL draft,” McCarthy stated.
Forever a Michigan Man đđ pic.twitter.com/0i50FzLsoB
— J.J. McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) January 14, 2024
He emphasized his love for teammates, coaches, and the Ann Arbor community, making it clear that the decision was challenging due to his deep connection with the university. The quarterback, who was a popular figure under recently retired coach Nick Saban, consulted with various individuals, including family, Coach Harbaugh, and others whose opinions he highly valued.
âI have talked to many in and out of football, including my family, Coach Harbaugh, and many whose opinions I greatly admire and respect. The decision was not easy and how could it be â I love my teammates. I love my coaches and I love it here in Ann Arbor.â
His decision puts him in the spotlight of the 2024 NFL Draft, joining a high-profile quarterback class that includes 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, UNC’s Drake Maye, USC’s Caleb Williams, and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. This move marks a significant step in McCarthy’s football career and positions him as a potential first-round pick.
The quarterback played a crucial role in leading the Wolverines to their first national title in 26 years during the past season, finishing with an impressive record of 27-1. His standout performance in the 2023 season, where he took over as the starter, proved his skills as a dynamic playmaker. McCarthy completed 240 of 332 passes for 2,911 yards, throwing 22 touchdown passes with just four interceptions.
Michigan RB Blake Corum announces NFL Draft entry
Michigan’s football program faced another departure as star running back Blake Corum declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, joining quarterback J.J. McCarthy in taking the next step in their football careers. Corum made the announcement through a video shared on Twitter, expressing gratitude to Michigan and signaling the beginning of a new chapter.
“Michigan, thank you for everything!! Onto the next chapter in my journey!! #2024nfldraft,” Corum captioned the post.
Michigan, thank you for everything!! Onto the next chapter in my journey!! #2024nfldraft pic.twitter.com/ue6W0GPGvm
— #2âŁBeSavage (@blake_corum) January 14, 2024
Corum elevated his status to superstardom in 2022, accumulating 1,463 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns. His remarkable contributions led Michigan to a third straight Big Ten championship and a College Football Playoff national title, where he earned offensive MVP honors in the championship game against Washington.
The 4-star recruit in the class of 2020 leaves behind a legacy, setting school records with 58 career rushing touchdowns, including 27 in the 2023 season. His outstanding performance included 1,245 rushing yards and an impressive 27 touchdowns in the 2023 campaign.
Corum’s impact went beyond individual achievements, as he was recognized as the Big Ten Running Back of the Year in consecutive seasons. Notably, he stood out as the only player at the FBS level to score a touchdown in every game during the 2023 season.
Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department highlighted Corum’s draft potential, listing him as the 120th best overall player and the seventh-best running back in its recent big board of top prospects.
As Corum and McCarthy embark on their NFL journeys, Michigan football faces a period of transition, bidding farewell to key contributors who played pivotal roles in the team’s recent success.
