Kalel Mullings eager to step into 'thunder' role in Michigan backfield tandem
Assuming history repeats itself with the Michigan Wolverines, there will be plenty of opportunities to run the football in head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell‘s system. That means room for multiple backs, and graduate Kalel Mullings wants to be at the top of that tandem.
Projections heading into the 2024 season revolve around Mullings and senior Donovan Edwards, continuing a tradition of 1A and 1B options at the position. Edwards had that at times with Blake Corum and Corum had that at times with Hassan Haskins.
For Michigan, an Edwards/Mullings backfield could fit like a glove.
“I think our games complement each other,” Mullings said Thursday from Al Glick Field House at Schembechler Hall. “Dono can take that thing 90 yards like that. I feel like I can definitely bring some thunder to that lightning, and it will be great to play off of each other, so I’m excited.”
Mullings, who had 36 carries for 222 yards and a touchdown last year, along with two catches for 32 yards, is two full years removed from a switch from linebacker to running back and is setting the table for his turn as spring football continues at Michigan.
“My mindset is just continuing to be who I am,” Mullings said. “That’s the person that’s gonna put it all on the line for the team and do everything to showcase my abilities when the opportunity is presented. It’s just a matter of showcasing everything. I’m confident in all my abilities.
“There’s more to my game that I want to show. I view myself as somebody who’s able to do it all. You could ask me to do anything on the football field, and I’ll be able to do it. That’s how I view myself.”
Edwards has had a ton of big moments in a Michigan uniform, and Mullings has his as well. If Edwards is going to be the big play, lightning-in-a-bottle threat on offense, Mullings things the comparisons to Haskins are apt.
“I think that’s a great comparison,” Mullings said. “I know H2 played a little defense back in his day. I did as well. We’re about the same size; both run hard, so that’s a great comparison. I’m a fan of H2’s game, and when I was first making this transition to offense, that’s really who I was looking at as a role model. I’m all for that comparison.”
Of course, Michigan’s backs will have a different voice leading the group this year in Tony Alford, who joined this spring after nine years at Ohio State. It has been an adjustment from the Mike Hart era, but Mullings and others have taken a shine to their new position coach.
“Coach Alford’s been a great new addition to the running back room,” Mullings said. “He’s just really gone about everything in a great way. Understanding that it’s a process and adjustment for us and for him as well. He’s been great doing that and going over the details and the fundamentals for us. Making sure that we’re all squared away in all aspects of the run game, pass game, offense, you know, football really in general.”
