Kalel Mullings Michigan RB: Rising Star in the Wolverines’ Backfield for 2025 Season
Kalel Mullings has transformed himself into one of Michigan’s most reliable offensive weapons. The senior running back has already amassed 948 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. His powerful north-south running style has become a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ ground attack.
His remarkable journey from linebacker to a bruising ball carrier demonstrates the versatility and football IQ that has NFL scouts viewing him as the 15th ranked running back in the upcoming draft class.
The 6’2″, 233-pound West Roxbury, Massachusetts native brings a unique combination of size and speed to the position. Mullings has been instrumental in Michigan’s offensive success, stepping up when the team needed him most after transitioning from defense. His power running style, coupled with surprising receiving ability, makes him a potential three-down back at the next level.
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Kalel Mullings’ Early Life and High School Career
Kalel Mullings built his foundation as an athlete in Massachusetts before arriving at Michigan. His journey from a young football enthusiast to a highly-rated prospect showcases his dedication to the sport from an early age.
High School Highlights
Mullings attended Milton Academy in Milton, Massachusetts, where he developed into a standout two-way player under coach Kevin MacDonald. During his senior year, he put up impressive numbers, gaining 371 rushing yards and scoring 22 touchdowns.
What made Mullings special wasn’t just his production but his versatility. Standing at 6’2″ and possessing unusual athleticism for his size, he excelled on both sides of the ball. As a linebacker, he showed natural instincts and sideline-to-sideline range that caught recruiters’ attention.
His performance earned him four-star status and recognition as one of Massachusetts’ top prospects. Mullings wasn’t just a football star, though—he developed a well-rounded athletic profile that would serve him well at the collegiate level.
Recruitment
Mullings emerged as the No. 153 overall recruit nationally in the class of 2020, generating interest from numerous Power 5 programs. His four-star linebacker rating made him one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the Northeast.
The recruitment process revealed Mullings’ academic priorities alongside his athletic ambitions. He began playing football at six years old and maintained his passion while excelling in the classroom.
Michigan ultimately won the battle for his services, with Mullings seeing a path to both athletic and academic success in Ann Arbor. His commitment to the Wolverines represented a significant recruiting win, bringing versatility to their defensive recruiting class.
Mullings’ High School Rankings:
| Category | Ranking |
|---|---|
| National Overall | No. 153 |
| Position | 4-star LB |
| State | Top prospect in MA |
College Career at Michigan
Kalel Mullings arrived at Michigan as a linebacker but transformed into one of the Wolverines’ most reliable running backs. His journey from defensive player to offensive weapon showcases his exceptional athleticism and team-first mentality.
Freshman Season
Mullings began his Michigan career in 2020 during the COVID-shortened season. Initially recruited as a four-star linebacker out of Milton Academy, he saw limited action in his first year with the Wolverines.
The Massachusetts native appeared in four games while preserving his redshirt status. Despite the challenging pandemic-affected season, Mullings showed flashes of his athletic potential, primarily on special teams.
The defensive coordinator at the time saw raw talent in Mullings, but the coaching staff would later identify his potential on the offensive side of the ball. His combination of size, speed, and power made him an intriguing prospect for position flexibility.
Sophomore Season
In 2021, Mullings continued primarily as a linebacker but began his transition to running back late in the season. The coaching staff experimented with his versatility as the Wolverines marched toward their first Big Ten championship under Jim Harbaugh.
His most notable sophomore moment came in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia, where he carried the ball twice in a limited offensive role.
The dual-position experiment highlighted Mullings’ team-first attitude. While many players might resist a position change, he embraced the opportunity to contribute in multiple phases of the game.
His willingness to adapt impressed Michigan’s coaching staff, setting the stage for a more significant offensive role in his junior campaign.
Junior Season
Mullings fully committed to the running back position in 2022, though he maintained his linebacker knowledge. His physical running style at 6’2″ and 232 pounds made him an immediate fit in Michigan’s ground-oriented attack.
He emerged as a valuable short-yardage and goal-line specialist for the Wolverines. His linebacker mentality translated well to running back, where he showed remarkable toughness between the tackles.
The 2022 season saw Mullings score his first career rushing touchdown against Purdue in the Big Ten Championship Game. He finished with 12 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards as Michigan’s offensive identity continued to evolve.
His academic pursuits also flourished as he balanced athletics with his studies at Michigan’s Ross School of Business, demonstrating the well-rounded nature that NFL scouts would later appreciate.
Kalel Mullings’ Position Analysis
Kalel Mullings has transformed into a powerful running back for Michigan after converting from linebacker. His combination of size, patience, and surprising vision makes him an intriguing NFL prospect heading into the 2025 draft.
Running Back Role
At 6’1½” and 226 pounds, Mullings brings exceptional power to Michigan’s backfield. He excels as a between-the-tackles runner who can wear down defenses with his physical style. What separates him from other power backs is his surprising vision and footwork despite his relatively limited experience at the position.
His patience behind the offensive line stands out on film. Mullings consistently presses close to his blockers before making decisive cuts. This approach allows him to maximize running lanes.
Mullings has also shown versatility in Michigan’s offense. While primarily used as a short-yardage specialist early in his transition, he’s developed into a more complete back capable of contributing on various downs.
Rushing Statistics
Mullings’ production improved steadily throughout his time at Michigan. His power running style makes him particularly effective in the red zone, where he converted a high percentage of his carries into touchdowns.
| Season | Carries | Yards | YPC | TDs | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 63 | 252 | 4.0 | 6 | 15 |
| 2024 | 148 | 719 | 4.9 | 11 | 14 |
His draft stock has risen considerably over the past year. Currently projected as a 5th-round selection and ranked as the #15 running back prospect, Mullings offers NFL teams a specialized skill set.
What makes Mullings attractive to NFL scouts is his good burst in the hole combined with his violent running style. He consistently falls forward and breaks tackles, turning potential short gains into meaningful yardage.
Significant Games and Performances
Kalel Mullings established himself as a key playmaker for the Michigan Wolverines through several standout performances. His ability to deliver in crucial moments helped Michigan secure important victories during the 2024 season.
Exceptional Matchups
Mullings’ breakout game came against USC on September 21, 2024, where he posted career highs with 17 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns. This performance helped Michigan secure a crucial conference win and move to 3-1 on the season.
The senior running back consistently showed his value throughout 2024, finishing with impressive season totals:
| Stat | 2024 Season |
|---|---|
| Carries | 185 |
| Yards | 948 |
| Touchdowns | 12 |
| Average | 5.1 ypc |
Scouts note Mullings’ ability to perform in big games as a significant factor in his NFL draft stock. His combination of power and vision made him especially effective in short-yardage situations, converting critical third downs in multiple games.
Rivalry against Ohio State
Mullings stepped up in “The Game” against Ohio State, continuing Michigan’s recent dominance in the storied rivalry. His physical running style proved particularly effective against the Buckeyes’ defensive front.
In the high-stakes environment of the Michigan-Ohio State matchup, Mullings demonstrated his ability to handle pressure situations. His touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped seal another victory for the Wolverines against their bitter rivals.
NFL scouts have been particularly impressed with Mullings’ performance in rivalry games, noting that his ability to excel when the stakes are highest translates well to professional football. This clutch factor, combined with his versatility, has elevated his draft projection.
Kalel Mullings’ Team Dynamics
Kalel Mullings carved out a unique role within Michigan’s championship-caliber backfield. His transformation from linebacker to running back exemplifies his team-first mentality and versatility.
Relationship with Teammates
Mullings has earned immense respect in the Michigan locker room. His willingness to switch positions from linebacker to running back midway through his collegiate career speaks volumes about his commitment to the team’s success.
Players routinely praise his work ethic and physical presence. At 6’2″ and 233 pounds, he’s become the bruising complement in Michigan’s diverse backfield attack, earning him the nickname “The Hammer” among teammates.
Coaches point to Mullings as a locker room leader who leads by example. His defensive background gives him a unique perspective that he shares with younger teammates, helping them understand blocking schemes and defensive reads.
His dual-position knowledge made him valuable in practice scenarios, occasionally stepping in to demonstrate linebacker techniques to offensive players.
Playing Alongside Donovan Edwards
Mullings and Donovan Edwards formed one of college football’s most complementary backfield duos during Michigan’s championship run. Where Edwards brings explosion and receiving ability, Mullings contributes power and short-yardage reliability.
Their contrasting styles kept defenses off-balance throughout the 2024 season:
| Player | Rushing Style | Best Situation | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mullings | Power/Patience | Short-yardage/Red zone | Breaking tackles |
| Edwards | Speed/Elusiveness | Open field/Passing downs | Breakaway speed |
Edwards’ presence allowed Mullings to specialize in what he does best. He patiently pressed behind blockers before powering through contact. Meanwhile, Mullings’ effectiveness in short-yardage situations created opportunities for Edwards to face lighter defensive boxes.
The duo’s effectiveness wasn’t just complementary on the field. Their mutual respect and friendship contributed to a selfless backfield approach that prioritized team success over individual statistics.
Future Prospects
Kalel Mullings has carved out an interesting path to the NFL draft boards. The powerful Michigan running back brings a bruising, north-south style that’s becoming increasingly valuable in today’s specialized backfields.
Currently, Mullings is ranked as the #15 running back prospect for the 2025 draft. Many teams covet him for his reliability in short-yardage situations. His background as a converted linebacker gives him a unique perspective when attacking defenses.
What’s most intriguing about Mullings isn’t just his 4.62 forty time, but his potential ceiling. Despite limited experience at the position, he’s shown surprising vision and footwork.
Draft Stock Indicators:
- Strengths: Power running, burst through holes, tackle-breaking ability
- Areas for Development: Receiving skills, pass protection consistency
- NFL Fit: Early-down specialist, short-yardage situations
The converted linebacker drags would-be tacklers with him, offering a physicality that’s reminiscent of old-school power backs. For teams looking to complement a shiftier lead back, Mullings presents compelling value in the middle rounds.
| Attribute | Rating | NFL Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 8.5/10 | Latavius Murray |
| Speed | 7.0/10 | Jordan Howard |
| Receiving | 5.5/10 | Developing |
| Vision | 7.5/10 | Better than expected |
His development in Michigan’s pro-style offense has prepared him well. However, his evolution as a receiver will determine whether he becomes a two-down specialist or develops into a more complete NFL back.
