DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 18: Barry Sanders during the Pro Football Hall of Fame half time show during the Chicago Bears v Detroit Lions game at Ford Field on October 18, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

It doesn’t get much better than getting encouragement from one of your idols. In Michigan football, it doesn’t get much bigger than Barry Sanders. So, can you imagine being a Michigan football player and getting acknowledgement from the 10-time Pro Bowler, former MVP and Heisman Trophy winner?

That’s just what’s happening to a hard-working Michigan football player.

Michigan’s Blake Corum scored a nice shoutout from Sanders. He must be on cloud nine, because Corum, apparently, is a big Sanders fan. During an appearance on on the “Zach Gelb Show” on CBS Sports Radio, Corum – who is a Heisman candidate – said that he frequently watches highlights of Barry Sanders, Brian Dawkins and Marshawn Lynch. “I watch a lot of Barry Sanders on YouTube. I wish I was able to watch him growing up,” Corum said. “But I watch a ton of Barry Sanders [cause] I think he’s the best running back ever.”

Sanders found out about the flattering comments and replied on Twitter, “I am watching [Blake Corum] too – Good Luck.” Check out the tweet below. Corum is having a stellar year. If he picks up the Heisman Trophy, he’ll be the third non-quarterback to receive the trophy since 2010. The other two were former Alabama players DeVonta Smith and Derrick Henry. If you’re a football fan, listen to “The Squad with Anne Erickson” on Apple Podcasts HERE, Spotify HERE and below. Hit me up with your thoughts on the NFL season Facebook HERE.

Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.