Blake Corum leads charge of early standouts in Rams summer grind

The hype around Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has been exciting but a bit unbelievable. After all, it's not uncommon to be misled by overly enthusiastic reports from training camp. The Rams have adhered to the pattern of sticking with veterans.

But several young players have seized center stage. Corum leads the early oohs and ahs from camp. Backup quarterback Stetson Bennett and new veteran cornerback Alex Johnson are also making themselves known.

The greatest thrill of training camp is the chance to see unexpected players make great plays. Even as the roster's headline talent has spiked, lesser-known strangers to the spotlight also deserve some recognition.

The three names above have earned the right to be called out for standout performances.

Rams trio giving fans exactly what they want to see

1. Cornerback Alex Johnson steps up

If you don't recognize the name Alex Johnson, you are likely in good company. The veteran DB signed with the Horns' practice squad near the end of last season. But he showed up big on the first day in pads at camp, per beat reporters Stu Jackson & Zach Edwards:

"On the second-team defense, Johnson made himself known on the field early and often in the first padded practice. On the first passing play for the second-team offense, Johnson stuck right with his man on a slant route to force an incompletion."

Johnson clocks in at 6-foot-0 and a svelte 185 pounds. Listed as a defensive back, he has the versatility to move all around the secondary. LA sustain a cornerback exodus after last season. It's reassuring that Johnson is stepping up to provide depth.

2. Running back Blake Corum came to play

Jackson & Edwards showered Corum with praise as well. All offseason, Corum has garnered attention for his elite workouts and disciplined prep work ahead of the 2026 season. Well, when the pads went on in camp, the transformation of the newly ripped former Wolverine was obvious:

"Seeing him go through individual and team drills Friday, it was apparent that work is paying dividends."

Of course, Corum will need more than pure power. But his workouts have included exercises to improve his agility, endurance, and elusiveness. In short, he is raring to go.

3. Quarterback Stetson Bennett has strong command of offense

Stetson Bennett continues to show up and perform. With the continued focus on who will step up as QB2 behind Matthew Stafford, evidence continues to stack up in Bennett's favor:

"Two of his best throws of the day were a 25-yard touchdown pass down the sideline to running back Kyren Williams and a deep completion to wide receiver Mario Williams."

Rookie Ty Simpson is still trying to learn this offense. Bennett is showing his command of it.

Rams head coach Sean McVay is a stickler for the script. He was frustrated with former quarterback Jared Goff because McVay could not dummy-down his reads enough to optimize Goff's raw talents. Since then, LA has insisted upon raising the bar for quarterback IQ.

Bennett, Simpson, and even undrafted rookie Matt Caldwell are the result. While each possesses unique physical traits, all excel at reading defenses and making quick decisions.

The Horns may have nearly all starters from 2025, but much of this season will hinge upon getting more from rotational players. Early in training camp, those players are delivering. Give them a round of applause.

And thanks so much for reading.

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