Been a UM fan since 1971, season ticket holder since 1983 – was recently thinking about the biggest upside/downside surprises at certain positions. Thought I would put some down electronically, hopefully compare/contrast with others’ experience/perception.
Quarterback: Biggest positive surprise: John Navarre – few players have taken the amount of grief handed out by UM fans in my lifetime. For a player recruited as a defensive end by QB-poor Wisconsin, Navarre was clearly a top half of B10 QB. The Navarre-led 2H comeback at Minnesota on a Halloween eve was one of the most thrilling UM comebacks I have seen. Biggest Disappointment: for me, Drew Henson. Henson was developing in to a true All American candidate – his first half on the road at Purdue his junior year was the finest I have seen by a UM QB. (then Lloyd decided to play small ball and we lost despite a big halftime lead.) I marveled at not only the completion percentage, but the placement of his passes that made the receivers job relatively easy. Thanks again, George Steinbrenner. Honorable Mention: Upside – Denard Robinson (who would have thunk it?), Brian Griese (if not for his dad’s rep likely different outcome), Elvis Grbac. Downside – Demetrious Brown (wonderous arm, poor decision maker), Clayton Richards, Jason Kapsner, Tate Forcier, Steve Smith (good career, but always expected more, especially running).
your list?
Quarterback: Biggest positive surprise: John Navarre – few players have taken the amount of grief handed out by UM fans in my lifetime. For a player recruited as a defensive end by QB-poor Wisconsin, Navarre was clearly a top half of B10 QB. The Navarre-led 2H comeback at Minnesota on a Halloween eve was one of the most thrilling UM comebacks I have seen. Biggest Disappointment: for me, Drew Henson. Henson was developing in to a true All American candidate – his first half on the road at Purdue his junior year was the finest I have seen by a UM QB. (then Lloyd decided to play small ball and we lost despite a big halftime lead.) I marveled at not only the completion percentage, but the placement of his passes that made the receivers job relatively easy. Thanks again, George Steinbrenner. Honorable Mention: Upside – Denard Robinson (who would have thunk it?), Brian Griese (if not for his dad’s rep likely different outcome), Elvis Grbac. Downside – Demetrious Brown (wonderous arm, poor decision maker), Clayton Richards, Jason Kapsner, Tate Forcier, Steve Smith (good career, but always expected more, especially running).
your list?
