Michigan running back Blake Corum. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Corum compared to all-time NFL great by Skip Bayless

By Nicholas Meyer | Last updated 3/3/24

Blake Corum is Michigan football's fifth all-time leading rusher and all-time leader in touchdowns scored, but the electric running back isn't isn't projected to be a first round pick in April's NFL Draft.

Corum attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis as one of a record 18 Wolverines to receive invites. He ran the 40-yard dash among other drills, and received an eyebrow-raising comparison from longtime sports analyst Skip Bayless.

Bayless, the host of Fox Sports 1's "Undisputed," sees a resemblance to the NFL's all-time leading rusher in Corum.

Blake Corum has some Emmitt Smith in him.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 2, 2024

Corum ran for 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns for Michigan football last season. The Marshall, Virginia native is a powerful and low-to-the-ground runner who has sometimes been compared to Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders for his 5-foot-8 frame and shiftiness, but rarely Smith.

He ran a 4.53 40-yard dash, considered to be a below average time for running backs, according to Pro Football Focus.

Smith's purported lack of top-end speed was a knock on him as an NFL hopeful out of Florida. He was drafted 17th overall in the 1990 NFL Draft and went on to exceed expectations at the next level.

The 5-foot-9 former Gator had 18,355 yards over the course of his 15 years in the NFL, thirteen of them with the Dallas Cowboys and his last two with the Arizona Cardinals.

Corum said recently that he plans on bringing a blue collar work ethic and uncommon effort to whatever team takes him in the 2024 NFL Draft.

"It's helped me get this far, best believe I won't stop just because I'm going to the NFL and going to be on an NFL roster," Corum said according to Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press.

"No, I'm going 10 times harder. This is a dream, but the dream isn't finished until it's finished."

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