The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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10 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JANUARY 2025 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Michigan senior running back Donovan Edwards didn't have the huge season he envisioned, splitting time with Kalel Mullings and finishing with 589 yards rushing (4.6 per carry) and 4 touchdowns in the regu- lar season. At the same time, the U-M captain will leave Ann Arbor a national champion and with no regrets. He talked with us before the Wolverines' upset of Ohio State in Columbus … here's what he said in our Q&A. The Wolverine: What does the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry mean to you, and how will you remember it? Edwards: "It's a year-round thing. For me, the way I look at it, I remember learning about it in class. … How [former OSU coach and the late] Woody Hayes said something along the lines of calling up a Michigan player and they're always going to be there for you. Because that's honestly what it's all about — it's a respected rivalry. "I have guys on their team I respect and admire, and I've been able to understand them and be able to get to know them. … I think that's what it's mostly about. Respect the rivalry. Two legendary teams, people who genuinely care about one another and don't hate each other just because they play for another team." The Wolverine: Many believed you would have a big year … what are your overall thoughts on your season individually? Donovan Edwards: "It's not the year that I wanted to have. I really wanted to have a [Boise State Heisman Trophy candidate running back] Ashton Jeanty [type] year, for real … you feel me? I'm a little jealous of Ashton Jeanty right now. But no, I'm happy for his success. "It's not what I wanted it to be, just statistically. But ultimately, I'm proud of how I've been able to carry myself and the leader that I've become … and having the respect of the people around me and being able to be healthy throughout this whole year. Because that's what matters to me, a lot." The Wolverine: A lot of people will point to the 2022 game at Ohio State (216 yards, 2 touchdowns) as the highest point of your career. Do you see it that way? Edwards: "That was kind of a blur for me, just because I had a great game against Penn State within that year already. I had a great game against Rutgers, [too]. "But you guys [in the media] talking about 'legendary status' and stuff like that — I never looked at it as that. So, I don't think that really defines or shapes my career." The Wolverine: How do you respond to people who say that was your defining game at Michigan? Is it a good thing? Edwards: "To me, it doesn't really matter because I have a body of work that I've put on display. Ultimately, just one play or one game doesn't define who I am. Inside Schembechler Hall people know who I truly am as a man — as a per- son. That's what matters the most to me. The person I am … the man that I am." The Wolverine: What would you want the fans to say they remembered you for? Edwards: "I could say that I gave every game my all. Was it always pretty or perfect? No. Have I missed pass protections? Absolutely. But that's part of the game, and I'm not perfect. I'm a human being." — Chris Balas ❱ Sitting Down With Senior Running Back Donovan Edwards Edwards finished the regular season of his senior campaign with 589 yards rushing, bringing his career total to 2,251. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL NIL and bring more of an understand- ing for the true opportunity, not only for the student-athletes but for also college athletics looking toward the future." Whitehead says that one of the largest myths in the NIL space is that student- athletes simply want to get paid to play. She says that could not be further from the truth in terms of how she views her job. "When I tell people what I do, it has this negative connotation," Whitehead said. "And unfortunately, it's because the spotlight has been on how much these athletes are being paid. It isn't about salaries or paychecks. "What it was meant to be was an op- portunity for student-athletes, who previously could not work an intern- ship without the possibility of losing their eligibility or couldn't even accept a meal from someone without violat- ing some policy. I have always meant to level the playing field for student-ath- letes where they have the same oppor- tunities as anyone else whose personal brand name, image and likeness are be- ing used commercially. It gives them the opportunity to earn income from that. "That is one of the biggest myths to dispel about NIL — it's not about put- ting money in players' pockets. It's about creating opportunities for them to earn money for legitimate activities and through the use of their likeness to promote universities, sports programs and brands through sponsorships and endorsements." One of Michigan's biggest NIL core missions is to make sure that it provides its student-athletes with money man- agement skills for life. "This is an institution that is founded on academic principles. So, it is mak- ing sure that the student-athletes are learning more about the business, how to manage their NIL opportuni- ties through financial literacy, contract review and these skills that they can take where they go beyond their days in Michigan." ❑