Rams’ Blake Corum Draws Parallel Between Sean McVay & Jim Harbaugh and Opens Up on Michigan Commitment

From the “Big House” to the “House that Stan Built,” Blake Corum‘s football journey reads like a Hollywood script. The former Michigan standout, now a Los Angeles Rams rookie, recently spilled the beans on the gridiron’s odd couple: Jim Harbaugh and Sean McVay. It’s a tale of two cities, two coaches, and one running back caught in the middle of L.A.’s most intriguing football subplot since “Any Given Sunday.”

On “The Herd w/Colin Cowherd,” Corum didn’t beat around the bush when comparing his former college coach to his current NFL mentor. “Is there anything about Sean that it feels a little Jim Harbaugh?” Colin probed. Corum’s response was as swift: “Yeah, I would definitely say their enthusiasm for the game.”

Corum couldn’t stop gushing about McVay’s coaching style “You see that daily by coach McVay, like his energy, you know, it doesn’t matter what time it is in the morning or what time it is in the evening. Like he’s the same guy each and every day.” The young running back has struck a chord with this consistency as he continued, “I love playing for him so far, and it’s only been, what? Maybe a month and a half of OTAs. I’m blessed.”

The praise from McVay to Corum was also almost similar. During the OTAs, the head coach of the Rams stated, “On the offensive side, I’ve been pleased with a lot of guys but Blake Corum has really stood out.” He highlighted Corum’s maturity, “I love even more how when there’s been a couple of things that didn’t go the way we wanted, how he responded the next play.”

However, we should not forget Jim Harbaugh, as he is the one who transformed Corum into what he is today. Indeed, the khaki-wearing and milk-chugging man from Ann Arbor, Jim Harbaugh left a lasting impression on Corum’s career. Working under his guidance turned Corum into a two-time all-American, two-time Heisman Trophy top ten finisher, and 2023 Comeback Player of the Year. Besides breaking a 24-year-old record with total touchdowns numbering 56, an all-time best for Michigan athletes; this is also a complete Wolverine makeover.

The impact that Harbaugh has had on Corum is more than just numbers. Talking about his commitment to college, Corum said “I committed on the spot. I went up to coach Harbaugh’s office. I said, I’m coming.” What was it about? “It was because of, uh, you know, his coaching style, his demeanor for the game, his love for the game, his passion for his players.”

Now fate has led Corum into Los Angeles. However, it is not under Harbaugh’s wings as many thought it would be. Instead, Sean McVay is teaching him the ropes; this wonder kid whose first season turned around 4-12 Rams going to 11-5 playoff contenders. What a twist!

Blake Corum’s gridiron evolution from Wolverine to Ram

His ability to adapt is the main reason why Corum made it from Michigan to the Rams. In Michigan, he was the brain of a rough-style offense that would make Vince Lombardi smile. He had an exemplary work ethic that included speed work, running, and stability workouts at 4:30 AM each day. He’s part of McVay’s offense with high-octane innovative schemes that look more like “The Matrix” than “The Longest Yard.”

A month ago, on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Corum revealed what distinguished their styles: “Total opposites in terms of their personalities. I think they’re both great coaches, but they are definitely total opposites.” It is from this disparity that Corum has developed a varied set of skills comparable to the versatility of the Swiss Army knife.

Corum credits Harbaugh for preparing him for the NFL grind: “Playing under center, playing in a pistol and things like that…prepared me for what we’ve done with this offense so far.” But he’s equally effusive about McVay’s approach: “I love coach McVay’s energy, you know, he’s positive, he’s consistent, bringing the energy each and every day, growth mindset.”

Now, as he transitions into life in the NFL, he carries forward bits from both coaches. Reflecting on it all he said, “What Michigan prepared me for was just being where my feet were, taking it a day at a time and that’s kind of what I’m doing here,”  With Harbaugh’s grit and McVay’s innovation now part of his football DNA, Corum is poised to make waves in the NFL.

The hype around Corum isn’t just locker room talk. His former Michigan coach, Sherrone Moore, was beating the drum for him even before the draft. Moore praised Corum’s “elite status,” listing his strengths: “Contact, balance, strength, breakaway speed, short-yardage back, pass protection. All the things you want—make a big play, take over a game.”

So, as the Rams and Chargers gear up for their SoFi Stadium showdowns, keep an eye on number 24 in Rams blue. He’s not just a running back; he’s a living bridge between two of football’s most intriguing coaching philosophies. From his high school days as Georgia 4A Offensive Player of the Year to his record-breaking college career and now his promising NFL start, Corum’s journey is a testament to the impact of great coaching.