Michigan’s Donovan Edwards lays out key factors in successfully leading the Wolverines following J.J. McCarthy’s exit

Donovan Edwards played a key role in Michigan's national title success last season. The running back will return to the program for his fourth college football season but won't have a key member of his offense in 2024.

Edwards forged an excellent partnership with former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was the No. 10 pick by the Minnesota Vikings in this year's NFL draft. The duo won three successive Big Ten championships and the national title in the 2023 season.

Nonetheless, Edwards has outlined the leadership mentality among his Wolverines teammates ahead of the upcoming season, and how Michigan will aim to defend its crown.

While speaking to Yahoo Sports' Trevor McCue, Edwards said:

"It's not just one person saying everything. If Colston Loveland says something, you listen. If Will Johnson says something, you listen. If Mason or KG say something, you listen. If Alex Orji says something, you listen."

Notably, the Wolverines also lost coach Jim Harbaugh in the offseason, as he departed to the NFL after being hired by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Sherrone Moore was appointed the new Michigan coach following Harbaugh's exit. Moore was the Wolverines' tight ends coach during his first three seasons from 2018 to 2020 and coached the offensive line for the past three seasons. He also shared responsibilities as a co-offensive coordinator before taking full control of the role in 2023.

Moore was appointed the interim head coach for the Wolverines for four games last season when Harbaugh was serving a suspension for the team's alleged involvement in a sign-stealing scandal. He led the program to win all games as Michigan won the national title going undefeated.

Edwards is likely to play a big role for Moore's Michigan if the team plans to retain its national title.

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A glimpse into Donovan Edwards' collegiate career

Michigan Wolverines RB Donovan Edwards (Source: Getty)

Donovan Edwards joined Michigan in 2021. In his first season, he rushed for 174 yards on eight carries with three touchdowns. He also caught 20 passes for 265 yards with one touchdown.

In the 2022 season, Edwards rushed for 997 yards and seven touchdowns. As a wideout, he caught two touchdowns for 200 yards on 18 receptions.

During the 2023 season, he recorded 497 rushing yards and five touchdowns as Michigan won the national title, beating Washington in the CFP final.