Football Student-Athlete Spotlight: Blake Corum
10/12/2023 10:00:00 AM | Football
Balancing life as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan is no easy task. In this series, U-M football players -- who are getting their business done on the field and in the classroom -- are spotlighted as a credit to their work ethic and organization. Get to know them better as students by learning what subjects, experiences, teachers, professors, and lessons have impacted them most during their academic careers in this student-athlete spotlight series.
Q. As you consider your time remaining as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan, what do you want your legacy to be off the field and on?
Blake Corum: As my time is coming to an end as a University of Michigan student-athlete, what do I want my legacy to be remembered as? I want to be remembered as not just a football player, not even a student. I just want to be remembered as a good human being, someone that came here and made a difference on the field and off the field. I want to be someone that changes people's lives; someone who puts a smile on someone's face; someone who is always here to uplift when people are down. I think that's what means the most in life. It's not about the money, it's not about the fame, it's not about the football. It's just about being a good human being and helping others, and that's how I want to be remembered. I want my legacy to last forever.
Q. Outside of your athletic achievements, what are you most proud of during your time at the University?
BC: It's honestly just being a Michigan Man and setting the standard for what that means, and for me, it's always been bigger and about building a community. One man can change the world, but if many men and women come together, they can really change the world, and that's been my goal since I've been here: just try to bring communities together to make this world a better place. And I feel like I've done a pretty good job at that, but I want to do even better, whether that be giving turkeys away, back-to-school drives, or Christmas giveaways. Whatever it is, I'm just trying to make a difference, and that's something I'm proud of and that I've done since I've been here at the University of Michigan.
Q. What has been the important skill that you have developed in your time at Michigan and in achieving your academic goals?
BC: The most important skill that I have developed in my time here at Michigan when it comes to academics is time management, being able to do assignments on time, and not being a procrastinator. A lot of times, when an assignment is due in two weeks, you think you have two weeks to do it, but why wait? Why wait until the night before to do it? And it took me some time to realize I didn't want to be a procrastinator. Once I stopped procrastinating, it made my academic career way easier. So, I suggest that everyone -- whether you're in elementary, middle school, or college -- don't be a procrastinator and have good time management skills.
Q. What is your biggest goal for the academic year?
BC: My biggest goal for the academic year is to officially obtain that degree. It's going to take me a long way in life -- longer than football will take me -- and further. I look forward to getting that University of Michigan degree that I've been working very very hard for.
Q. What's some advice you would give an incoming freshman or someone interested in attending the University of Michigan?
BC: Some advice I would give is to first, come to the University of Michigan. That will be the best decision you ever make in your life, from just meeting new people to meeting the biggest alumni base in college. It's the perfect university. What would I tell incoming freshmen? Be where your feet are, take in each and every moment, and be consistent in everything you do. From the time you wake up, make your bed, and attack your schoolwork. Reach out to people, don't be scared, and network. You don't want to come into your junior year and realize you don't have any connections. Use the University of Michigan because it will set you up for life.
Q. What was the best school field trip you ever went on?
BC: Being from the DMV, there are so many historical field trips that I've been on. I've been to Williamsburg, went to DC a ton, and saw the Pentagon and the Washington Monument. But my favorite and best school field trip I went on was in fifth grade when we went to Camp Highroad. We actually stayed overnight for two nights. It was really just about learning how to farm and canoe. It was good bonding time for us fifth graders going into a new school, middle school (the) next year. It was a great experience for me and some of my best friends. We still talk to this day because of that opportunity to go to Camp Highroad in fifth grade.
Q. What is your favorite academic memory for elementary or middle school?
BC: My favorite academic memory from elementary school would be just being in the classroom with my third-grade teacher, Ms. Fansler. Probably one of my favorite teachers and the teacher who had the biggest impact on my education career in terms of being in my youth. I had a bad ADD problem, and she was very patient with me. She allowed me to learn the way I learn best, which I appreciate her for, and it's given me the ability to be where I'm at today. I went back home and saw her for the first time since third grade and, it was cool.
Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular clubs or leadership activities?
BC: Actually, I just got nominated to the All-State Good Works team, where they select a handful of athletes and leaders around the NCAA. We come together, speak a little bit, and try to promote community service. In my time here, I've created a great relationship with the community in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit. Always just try to give back because that's what I feel like my purpose is, and as a leader, that's what we are supposed to do. We are the Leaders and the Best.
Q. In addition to your professors, who have been the most influential people in your academic career?
BC: Definitely Claiborne Green. When I first got here, he worked in the Academic Center and just made sure myself, all incoming freshmen, and other athletes were staying on top of their work. This allowed me to start my career here at Michigan with a high GPA, which set the standard for myself. And he's been helping me throughout my whole career, staying on top of me and making sure everything is going smoothly, that I'm getting good grades, and most definitely, getting that degree. Claiborne Green has been a huge influence and help throughout my career.
Q. What has been your most memorable academic experience?
BC: I have a ton, but the most memorable academic experience I've had was getting to know other students on campus and creating those relationships. When everyone's smart and attends the University of Michigan, they are likely to become future CEOs and business owners. You never know. So just meeting everyone and building those relationships that are probably going to last a lifetime has been my best experience.
Q. What has been your favorite class and what professor has had the greatest impact?
BC: My favorite class has been Kelli Donahue's (Sport Management) class, and the professor who has had the greatest impact on me has been Kelli Donahue here as well. She takes her job really seriously. I've taken a couple of her classes, and she's just prepared me for the future. It wasn't all about getting an A or B; it was more about setting yourself up for your career, internships, and life lessons. I appreciate her for that.
Q. What is your favorite book and podcast?
BC: My favorite book is "Rich Dad Poor Dad." It's a great real estate book. For myself, being into real estate and having a couple of properties, it was a great first read. My favorite podcast would be my podcast, "How Did You Do It?" -- where I talk to successful businesspeople, trying to get gems from both younger and older individuals on how others can be successful in their ventures.
