“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” – B. Olatunji
Merry Christmas!
The Past (History)
I have put together several unique lists below taking a bit of a different look at Michigan football history the past 45 years or so.
All class references listed below refer to the year that the player was (would have been with respect to the rare transfer) a true freshman at Michigan.
Players in the lists below are in chronological order.
I only cover players since the 1969 team, the first year of the Bo Schembechler era.
Please note that most of these lists are done from my personal notes and recollections. I am sure that I have missed a few players and made a few mistakes. Please feel free to point out any errors or ommisions,
A couple of interesting asides
The 1988 freshman class the only class to be completely redshirted as freshmen since freshmen became eligible in 1973. Desmond Howard was part of that class and did not start his first game at Michigan until his third year in the program.
I always find it interesting that two of the greatest players to ever play the game, Tom Brady and Charles Woodson, entered Michigan together as freshmen in the fall of 1995 (Happy 20th Anniversary!). That fact alone is interesting. I doubt that any school has ever produced a one-to punch in the same class that had such an impact on the game. Even more interesting, however, is the fact that the two never started a game together at Michigan. While Woodson became a starter early in his freshman season, Brady did not start his first game until the 1998 season, as a redshirt junior and a season after Woodson led Michigan to the national title. Just goes to show that sometimes when trying to piece together how recruits will impact a program it may not only be a question of talent, but also of timing and when playing time becomes available.
Top Father-Son Combinations
It is quite rare for a son to follow in his father's footsteps and be as successful at Michigan. In fact, when perusing the below list the only son who outshined his father was Braylon Edwards. Interestingly, backfield mates Stanley Edwards and Butch Woolfolk are members of my top two ranked father-son combos. Troy Woolfolk had a solid, if not spectacular career, which just goes to show how rare it is to find successful father-son combos.
Please note that I have only included father-son combos where BOTH players played at Michigan since 1969. there are several Michigan players, including the Dufeks and Elliotts, who had fathers who played at Michigan before 1969.
Look for some movement in the rankings in the near future. In fact, this year there were an amazing eight players on the roster with fathers who played at Michigan. That has to be some sort of record. Four of those players are scholarship players. The younger Runyan and Wheatley are two to watch. They are classmates while their all-star fathers were a year apart.
1966 Pete Sarantos C
2001 Joe Sarantos LB
2002 Paul Sarantos LB
1966 Jim Mandich TE
2001 Dave Mandich LB/TE
THREE:
1967 Marty Huff ILB
1993 Ben Huff LB/DE/DT
1976 John Wangler QB
2013 Jack Wangler WR/DB
Jared WanglerLB/DB/WR
ONE:
1977 Stanley Edwards TB/FB
2001 Braylon Edwards WR
TWO:
1978 Butch Woolfolk TB
2007 Troy Woolfolk CB
1979 Craig Dunaway TE
2015 Jack DunawayDL/LB
1979 Rich Hewlett QB/DB
2014 Joey Hewlett DB/QB
1982 Tony Gant CB/S
2012 Allen Gant DB/WR
1984 Dave Dever T
2012 Bo Dever WR
1991 Tyrone Wheatley TB
2015 Tyrone (T.J.) Wheatley TE
1992 Jon Runyan G/T
2015 Jon Runyan Jr. OL
Top Brother Combinations
Successful brother combinations have been much more common than father-son combos.
Don Dufek was an a.ll-aemerican safety while younger brother Bill was headed in that direction before incurring an injury. Bill played befire severa other talented classmates on the OL who went on to garner major honors (Mike Kenn, Walt Doawning, Mark Donahue).
The Hammerteins starred on he line in the early to mid-80s. Mark was an all-conference OL. Mike was an all-american DT and team MVP.
The Seymours were the first brother combo to make an impact under Bo. Phil was a two-time all-conference OLB. Paul was a two-year starter at TE before becoming an all-american OT in his final season and going with the 7th overall pick in the draft.
Out of New Jersey the Hicks brothers made an impact at safety. Ivan was a two-year starter. Dwight started three years, was an all-conference pick and had a solid career with the 49ers.
Erick Anderson was the Butkus winner as a LB. Younger bother Kurt came on late and started at center his fifth year.
The Glasgow brothers are unique in that they are all walk-ons and their legacy is still being written. Ryan has another year while Jordan was just a true freshman this year.
THREE:
1966 Phil Seymour TE/OLB
1968 Paul Seymour TE/T
1968 Bruce Elliott CB
1970 David Elliott CB
1968 Al "Butch" Carpenter G/OLB
1978 Brian Carpenter CB
1970 Harry Banks TB/DB
1970 Larry Banks OLB
ONE:
1972 Don Dufek S
1974 Bill Dufek T
1971 Steve Strinko LB
1972 Greg Strinko OLB
FOUR:
1974 Dwight Hicks S
1982 Ivan Hicks S
1976 Mike Leoni T
1976 Tony Leoni TB-DB
1968 Mike Keller OLB
1976 Tom Keller ILB
1977 Rodney Feaster SE
1986 Curtis Feaster ILB
1981 Mike Mallory ILB
1983 Doug Mallory S
1988 Curt Mallory ILB
TWO:
1981 Mike Hammerstein DT
1982 Mark Hammerstein G-T/G
1982 Paul Jokisch SE
1987 Dan Jokisch SE
1975 Mark Schmerge TE
1982 Paul Schmerge TE
1983 Todd Schulte ILB
1983 Tim Schulte OLB
1981 Art BalourdosG/C
1983 John Balourdos ILB
1980 Tom Hassel OLB
1985 Rick Hassel S
1986 Todd Plate CB
1989 Troy Plate T
1985 Derrick Walker TE
1990 Marcus Walker ILB
FIVE:
1987 Erick Anderson ILB
1997 Kurt Anderson LB/DT/G/C
1987 Mike Evans DT
1992 Steve Evans OLB/DT
1992 Harold Goodwin G
1997 Jonathan Goodwin G-C
1997 Shawn Thompson TE
2002 Brian Thompson LB/FB
1997 Eric Brackins FB/LB
1999 Philip Brackins S/LB/TE
1998 Julius Curry CB/S
2000 Markus Curry CB
1999 John Spytek DE/LB
2001 David Spytek DE/TE
2000 Pat Massey DE-DT
2004 Mike Massey TE
2005 Kevin Grady TB
2007 Kelvin Grady TB/DB
2005 Jason Forcier QB
2009 Tate Forcier QB
2010 Terry Talbott DL/OL
2010 Terrence Talbott DB
SIX;
2011 Graham Glasgow OL
2012 Ryan Glasgow DL/OL
2015 Jordan Glasgow LB/RB
2012 Drew Offerdahl LB/RB
2015 Jameson Offerdahl LB/RB
Brief Impact
These are players who made a brief impact at Michigan. the brief impacts were due to a variety of reasons - transferring, academics, legal issues, going pro early, injuries, quitting to focus on other sports, etc......
1971 Roy Burks DB
1973 Jim Hall T
1974 Bill Dufek T
1974 Scott Corbin FB
1978 Jeff Reeves S
1986 Warde Manuel DT
1988 Jon Vaughn TB
1991 Felman Malveaux SE
1992 Shawn CollinsOLB
1992 Damon Jones TE
1993 Trevor Pryce OLB/DE
1993 Clarence Thompson S/CB
1993 Seth Smith SE
1994 Scott Dreisbach QB
1995 David Bowens LB/DE
1995 Daydrion Taylor S
1996 John Anes FB
1997 William Peterson CB
1997 Ray Jackson FB
1997 Demetrius Smith FB
1998 Drew Henson QB
1998 Justin Fargas TB/S
2000 Zia Combs CB/WR/CB
2001 Sean Sanderson FB
2002 Larry HarrisonDT
2004 Roger Allison FB
2005 Carson Butler TE
2006 Justin Boren G/C
2007 Ryan Mallett QB
2008 Sam McGuffie RB
2008 Boubacar Cissoko DB/WR
2009 Tate Forcier QB
2013 Kyle Bosch OL/DL
Those Who Left and Did Better
These are players who enjoyed more success after transferring from Michigan.
1978 Chuck Rowland T
1985 Mike Jones TE
1992 Kerwin Waldroup OLB
1992 Damon Jones TE
1993 Trevor Pryce OLB/DE
1993 Jon Ritchie FB
1998 Justin Fargas TB/S
2003 Ryan Mundy S-CB/S
2007 Toney Clemons WR
2007 Ryan Mallett QB
2008 Mike Cox RB
2010 Josh Furman LB/DB/RB
2011 Thomas RawlsRB/LB
High Profile but did not contribute much (Including due to injuries)
These are highly rated prospects (would be considered four and five stars today) who did not nearly live up to expectations due to a variety of reasons (just not that good, academics, injuries, etc....). This list primarily comprises players who did not contribute much and excludes highly touted players such as Will Campbell who did not live up to their loft prep rankings but were still contributors. Five star level prospects have a star (*) next to their names.
1976 Robert Taylor MG
1977 *Fred Brockington SE (Transfer from UCLA/former top-ranked prospect in MI)
1978 *Chuck Rowland T
1978 David Brewster FB
1979 *Mike Cade TB
1981 Brian Mercer TB
1981 Greg Washington S
1981 Joe Gray ILB/MG
1981 Bruce Brown T
1983 Dwayne Freeman S
1983 Glenn Mogle T
1984 Bob Tait OLB
1984 Mike Kovac TE
1984 Bob Cernak QB
1986 Allen Jefferson TB
1986 Tim Williams OLB
1986 *Warde Manuel DT
1986 Trey Walker TE
1987 Ken Sollom QB
1987 Eric Bush QB/DB
1987 Wilbur Odom QB
1988 D.J. Brown ILB
1989 Joel “Tony” Blankenship S
1989 Doug Musgrave QB
1990 Greg McThomas ILB-FB
1991 Walter Reggans MG
1991 Jamie Mignon OLB
1991 *Deollo Anderson S
1992 *Shawn Collins OLB
1992 Eric Boykin QB
1993 J.J. Brown LB
1994 *Rasheed Simmons DE/DT
1996 Jason KapsnerQB
1996 Aaron Wright SE
1997 Jason Brooks G
1997 Pat McCall TB/CB
1997 Todd Mossa G
1998 Dave Armstrong DT/FB
1998 Walter Cross TB
1999 Ryan Beard TB
2000 Jeff Gaston G
2000 Reggie Benton TB
2001 Scott McClintock LB
2001 David Underwood TB
2001 *Kelly BarakaTB
2002 Mike Kolodziej TE/T
2002 Matt Gutierrez QB
2002 Quinton McCoy CB
2003 Will Paul DE/DT/FB
2003 Anton Campbell TB/S
2003 Jeff Zuttah G
2003 Clayton Richard QB
2004 Jeremy Ciulla G/C-G/G
2004 Doug Dutch WR/CB
2004 Brett Gallimore T/DT
2004 Max Martin TB
2005 *Kevin GradyTB
2005 James McKinney DE/DT
2005 Cory Zirbel T
2005 Justin Schifano G
2005 Eugene Germany DE
2005 Marques Slocum DT
2005 Antonio Bass WR
2007 Michael Williams S
2008 Dan O'Neill OL/DL
2009 Justin Turner DB/RB
2009 Je’Ron StokesWR/DB
2009 Anthony LaLota DL/OL
2010 Marvin Robinson DB/LB/RB
2010 Cullen Christian DB
2010 Ricardo MillerWR
2011 Chris Barnett TE/DL
2011 Chris Bryant OL/DL
2012 *Ondre Pipkins DL/OL
2012 Tom Strobel DL
2012 Terry Richardson DB
2013 Derrick GreenRB/LB
2013 Patrick KuglerOL/DL
2013 Kyle Bosch OL/DL
2013 Shane Morris QB
2013 Chris Fox OL/DL
Sleeper Signees (excluding walk-ons) who were better than advertised
One of my favorite lists to put together. Players who were not high profile reruits but went on to enjoy outstanding careers. My favorite class when it came to sleepers was the 1988 freshman class, the one that I mentioned was entirely redshirted. Steve Everitt was a very late offer in the class and went on to stardom. I remember getting a call saying that we had received a verbal from a 6-6 QB out of Cleveland by the name of Elvis who ran the option in high school. I was thinking-you have got to be kidding me. He was listed nowhere among Tom Lemming's 100+ Ohio prospects. One reason his team ran the option was because they had a halfback by the name of Desmond Howard. Desmond was listed as an afterthought in Lemming's newsletter, not among the 70+ Ohio players wit full bios but on an additional list of about 30 other kids to watch. Nobody knew what was coming in that 1988 class. The first inkling I had that Desmond could be special was in November or December of his freshman year when Bo was quoted in one of the Detroit papers as comparing him to Anthony Carter. That blew my mind.
Everitt was one of several tall but thin linemen who Bo was able to bulk up and turn into stars. Mike Kenn and Kurt Becker are two others who really fit that mold. They were tall, thin but could run and had the sort of frames that could get a lot bigger. I loved those sort of recruits and often wonder if Bo had still been the coach if he would have gone after Joe Staley and Eric Fisher, latter day versions of those Michigan stars who ended up at CMU.
1974 Mike Kenn T
1977 Kurt Becker G
1982 Jim Harbaugh QB
1983 John Elliott T
1984 Mark MessnerDT
1984 Jamie Morris TB
1985 John Kolesar SE
1986 Jarrod Bunch FB
1986 Chris Calloway SE
1986 Tom Dohring T
1986 Mike Teeter DT-MG
1988 Desmond Howard SE
1988 Steve Everitt C
1988 Elvis Grbac QB
1992 Jon Runyan G/T
1993 Tshimanga Biakabutuka TB
1993 Brian Griese QB-P
1993 Glen Steele TE/DE
1994 Marcus Ray S
1995 Tom Brady QB
1995 James Hall DE
1999 Shantee Orr LB/DE
2002 Dave Harris LB
2004 Mike Hart TB
2008 Patrick Omameh OL/DL
2009 Denard Robinson QB/DB/WR
2010 Jake Ryan LB
2011 Frank Clark LB/TE/WR/DB
2012 Jehu Chesson II WR
2012 Jeremy Clark DB/WR
2012 Willie Henry DL/OL
Players who made a mark in Media
These are former players who have gone on to make a mark in broadcast media.
1966 Jim Mandich TE
1967 Dan Dierdorf T
1968 Jim Brandstatter T
1988 Desmond Howard SE
1993 Brian Griese QB-P
1994 Jon Jansen T
1994 Marcus Ray S
Better Pros than College Players
Late bloomers, misused, switched positions, injured? The reosons afre varied as to why these players were not as successful at Michigan as they were in the NFL
1969 Larry Cipa QB Pro-style QB who saw some NFL time but played very little in Bo'S option offense.
1974 Mike Kenn T Late bloomer
1976 Mel Owens OLB More athletic and bigger than all-american classmate Ron Simpkins
1994 Jay Feely PK
1995 Tom Brady QB Fine Michigan career, but greatest player in the game EVER???
1998 Cato June S Position switch to LB in the NFL helped
2002 Dave Harris LB Solid college player but a tackle machine in th NFL
2006 Steven BrownS Late-bloomer? Misused? Matured late?
2008 Mike Cox RB Fumble probe or could not learn playbook?
2011 Thomas Rawls RB Wow, just wow.
Great College Players, Not So Great Pros (Excluding players who were injured such as Biakabatuka, Boles, Welborne)
These players all had fine Michigan careers but lacked the size/speed measurables to excel at the next level.
Rick Leach and Dennis Franklin were two of the greatest QBs to ever play at Michigan, but they were option QBs and not pro-style NFL QBs.
1966 Tom Curtis S
1967 Henry Hill MG
1968 Billy Taylor TB
1971 Dennis Franklin QB
1971 Steve Strinko LB
1972 Calvin O’NealILB
1972 Timmy Davis MG
1972 Gordon Bell TB
1974 Mark Donahue G
1975 Rick Leach QB
1976 Ron Simpkins ILB
1981 Mike Hammerstein DT
1981 Mike Mallory ILB
1984 Mark MessnerDT
1984 John Vitale G/C
1987 Dean Dingman G
1987 Erick Anderson ILB
Prominent Coaching Careers
Here is a listing of some of the players who went on to successful coaching careers.
1971 Chuck Heater TB/FB
1972 Les Miles G
1979 Jim Herrmann ILB
1981 Mike Mallory ILB
1983 Doug Mallory S
1982 Jim Harbaugh QB
1982 Andy Moeller ILB
1982 Thomas Wilcher TB
1984 Erik CampbellS/SE/CB-S
1988 Curt Mallory ILB
1989 Joe Barry ILB
1991 Tyrone Wheatley TB
1992 Harold Goodwin G
1993 Mike Elston OLB
1993 Scott LoefflerQB
1994 Chris Singletary LB
2000 Roy Manning LB
2000 Jim Fisher DE/TE
Future ADs
These players went on to become ADS, including two at Michigan and a possible future third one at Michigan.
1970 Dave BrandonOLB
1973 Jim Hackett ILB/C
1977 Brad Bates DB
1986 Warde Manuel DT
Most Questionable Signees
I wondered why these prospects were offered scholarships by Michigan. Jut did not seem to make sense. Most questionable signee? I will go with George Morales.
2004 Grant DeBenedictis G
2006 David Cone QB
2008 Justin Feagin QB/DB
2008 George Morales OL/LSN
2010 Ray Vinopal DB/RB
2010 D.J. Williamson WR/DB
2011 Russell Bellomy QB
2013 Reon DawsonDB
2013 Csont'e York WR/DB
2014 Brady Pallante DL/OL/LB
Position Changes (Initial college position listed first)
I have highlighted with stars that most successful position changes that were not moves to a similar position (within the OL or secondary or between TB, FB & WB)
1966 Tom Curtis QB/S*
1968 Paul Seymour TE/T*
1969 Randy Logan CB/S
1969 Tom Kee DT/ILB
1970 Harry Banks TB/DB
1971 Gil Chapman SE/TB/WB
1971 Chuck Heater TB/FB
1973 Rob Lytle TB/FB-TB
1974 Walt Downing G/C
1975 Jon Giesler DT/T*
1977 Stanley Edwards TB/FB
1979 Rich Hewlett QB/DB
1980 Tom Dixon G/C
1980 Doug James MG/G-T/G
1981 Clay Miller DT/T
1981 Art BalourdosG/C
1982 Tony Gant CB/S
1982 Dieter Heren S/OLB
1983 Gerald White TB/FB
1984 Erik CampbellS/SE/CB-S
1986 David Key TB/CB*
1987 Tripp Welborne SE/S*
1991 Jay Riemersma QB/TE*
1993 Glen Steele TE/DE*
1993 Zach Adami G/C
1993 Damon Denson DT/G*
1993 Ben Huff LB/DE/DT
1995 Aaron Shea TE/FB
1996 Steve Hutchinson DT/G*
1996 Ian Gold TB/LB*
1996 Dave Brandt DT/G/C*
1997 Maurice Williams DE/T/G/T*
1997 Bill Seymour LB-DE/TE
1997 Kurt Anderson LB/DT/G/C*
1998 Dave Petruziello DE/DT/G
1999 Andy Mignery QB-P/TE
1999 Dave Pearson DE/DT/C
1999 Charles DrakeTB/S*
2004 Morgan Trent WR/CB*
2006 Brandon Graham LB/DE*
2006 Jonas Mouton S/OLB*
2009 Cameron Gordon WR/DB
2010 Devin Gardner QB/WR/QB
2011 Keith Heitzman DE/TE
2012 Devin Funchess TE/WR
2013 Henry Poggi DE/FB-TE
2014 Chase Winovich LB/TE
2014 Freddy Canteen WR/CB
2015 Brian Cole WR/S
Top Walk-ons (excluding kickers/punters)
1993 Brian Griese QB 1
1967 Henry Hill NG 2
1972 Timmy Davis NG 3
2008 Jordan Kovacs S 4
2011 Graham Glasgow OL 5
2012 Ryan Glasgow DT 6
1972 Jim Czirr C 7
1987 Mike Evans DT 8
1993 Eric Mayes LB 9
1973 Curt Stephenson WR 10
1983 Ken Higgins WR 11
2011 Joey Kerridge FB 12
1986 Todd Plate CB 13
1987 Yale VanDyne WR 14
2007 Will Heininger DT 15
Junior College Transfers
In this case the year refers to the first season the player was at Michigan
1986 Mike Kerr
1996 Russell Shaw
2007 Austin Panter
The Present (Today)
The present is fleeting. I wanted to discuss the make-up the current roster b ut have decided to save it for a future post so I could get this post out as a Christmas present. That being said, I do have an interesting Ohio State story below.
Obligatory Ohio State Aside
Remember that hit Joey Bosa made on his former Aquinas teammate Jake Rudock. Many of you know that Bosa’s dad is John Bosa, a former All-American defensive end at Boston College, who played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. His uncle is Eric Kumerow, a retired NFL linebacker who also played for the Dolphins. But few know about his other bloodlines. Check out this link:
http://gangsterreport.com/future-hi...traces-lineage-to-historic-chicago-godfather/
Merry Christmas!
The Past (History)
I have put together several unique lists below taking a bit of a different look at Michigan football history the past 45 years or so.
All class references listed below refer to the year that the player was (would have been with respect to the rare transfer) a true freshman at Michigan.
Players in the lists below are in chronological order.
I only cover players since the 1969 team, the first year of the Bo Schembechler era.
Please note that most of these lists are done from my personal notes and recollections. I am sure that I have missed a few players and made a few mistakes. Please feel free to point out any errors or ommisions,
A couple of interesting asides
The 1988 freshman class the only class to be completely redshirted as freshmen since freshmen became eligible in 1973. Desmond Howard was part of that class and did not start his first game at Michigan until his third year in the program.
I always find it interesting that two of the greatest players to ever play the game, Tom Brady and Charles Woodson, entered Michigan together as freshmen in the fall of 1995 (Happy 20th Anniversary!). That fact alone is interesting. I doubt that any school has ever produced a one-to punch in the same class that had such an impact on the game. Even more interesting, however, is the fact that the two never started a game together at Michigan. While Woodson became a starter early in his freshman season, Brady did not start his first game until the 1998 season, as a redshirt junior and a season after Woodson led Michigan to the national title. Just goes to show that sometimes when trying to piece together how recruits will impact a program it may not only be a question of talent, but also of timing and when playing time becomes available.
Top Father-Son Combinations
It is quite rare for a son to follow in his father's footsteps and be as successful at Michigan. In fact, when perusing the below list the only son who outshined his father was Braylon Edwards. Interestingly, backfield mates Stanley Edwards and Butch Woolfolk are members of my top two ranked father-son combos. Troy Woolfolk had a solid, if not spectacular career, which just goes to show how rare it is to find successful father-son combos.
Please note that I have only included father-son combos where BOTH players played at Michigan since 1969. there are several Michigan players, including the Dufeks and Elliotts, who had fathers who played at Michigan before 1969.
Look for some movement in the rankings in the near future. In fact, this year there were an amazing eight players on the roster with fathers who played at Michigan. That has to be some sort of record. Four of those players are scholarship players. The younger Runyan and Wheatley are two to watch. They are classmates while their all-star fathers were a year apart.
1966 Pete Sarantos C
2001 Joe Sarantos LB
2002 Paul Sarantos LB
1966 Jim Mandich TE
2001 Dave Mandich LB/TE
THREE:
1967 Marty Huff ILB
1993 Ben Huff LB/DE/DT
1976 John Wangler QB
2013 Jack Wangler WR/DB
Jared WanglerLB/DB/WR
ONE:
1977 Stanley Edwards TB/FB
2001 Braylon Edwards WR
TWO:
1978 Butch Woolfolk TB
2007 Troy Woolfolk CB
1979 Craig Dunaway TE
2015 Jack DunawayDL/LB
1979 Rich Hewlett QB/DB
2014 Joey Hewlett DB/QB
1982 Tony Gant CB/S
2012 Allen Gant DB/WR
1984 Dave Dever T
2012 Bo Dever WR
1991 Tyrone Wheatley TB
2015 Tyrone (T.J.) Wheatley TE
1992 Jon Runyan G/T
2015 Jon Runyan Jr. OL
Top Brother Combinations
Successful brother combinations have been much more common than father-son combos.
Don Dufek was an a.ll-aemerican safety while younger brother Bill was headed in that direction before incurring an injury. Bill played befire severa other talented classmates on the OL who went on to garner major honors (Mike Kenn, Walt Doawning, Mark Donahue).
The Hammerteins starred on he line in the early to mid-80s. Mark was an all-conference OL. Mike was an all-american DT and team MVP.
The Seymours were the first brother combo to make an impact under Bo. Phil was a two-time all-conference OLB. Paul was a two-year starter at TE before becoming an all-american OT in his final season and going with the 7th overall pick in the draft.
Out of New Jersey the Hicks brothers made an impact at safety. Ivan was a two-year starter. Dwight started three years, was an all-conference pick and had a solid career with the 49ers.
Erick Anderson was the Butkus winner as a LB. Younger bother Kurt came on late and started at center his fifth year.
The Glasgow brothers are unique in that they are all walk-ons and their legacy is still being written. Ryan has another year while Jordan was just a true freshman this year.
THREE:
1966 Phil Seymour TE/OLB
1968 Paul Seymour TE/T
1968 Bruce Elliott CB
1970 David Elliott CB
1968 Al "Butch" Carpenter G/OLB
1978 Brian Carpenter CB
1970 Harry Banks TB/DB
1970 Larry Banks OLB
ONE:
1972 Don Dufek S
1974 Bill Dufek T
1971 Steve Strinko LB
1972 Greg Strinko OLB
FOUR:
1974 Dwight Hicks S
1982 Ivan Hicks S
1976 Mike Leoni T
1976 Tony Leoni TB-DB
1968 Mike Keller OLB
1976 Tom Keller ILB
1977 Rodney Feaster SE
1986 Curtis Feaster ILB
1981 Mike Mallory ILB
1983 Doug Mallory S
1988 Curt Mallory ILB
TWO:
1981 Mike Hammerstein DT
1982 Mark Hammerstein G-T/G
1982 Paul Jokisch SE
1987 Dan Jokisch SE
1975 Mark Schmerge TE
1982 Paul Schmerge TE
1983 Todd Schulte ILB
1983 Tim Schulte OLB
1981 Art BalourdosG/C
1983 John Balourdos ILB
1980 Tom Hassel OLB
1985 Rick Hassel S
1986 Todd Plate CB
1989 Troy Plate T
1985 Derrick Walker TE
1990 Marcus Walker ILB
FIVE:
1987 Erick Anderson ILB
1997 Kurt Anderson LB/DT/G/C
1987 Mike Evans DT
1992 Steve Evans OLB/DT
1992 Harold Goodwin G
1997 Jonathan Goodwin G-C
1997 Shawn Thompson TE
2002 Brian Thompson LB/FB
1997 Eric Brackins FB/LB
1999 Philip Brackins S/LB/TE
1998 Julius Curry CB/S
2000 Markus Curry CB
1999 John Spytek DE/LB
2001 David Spytek DE/TE
2000 Pat Massey DE-DT
2004 Mike Massey TE
2005 Kevin Grady TB
2007 Kelvin Grady TB/DB
2005 Jason Forcier QB
2009 Tate Forcier QB
2010 Terry Talbott DL/OL
2010 Terrence Talbott DB
SIX;
2011 Graham Glasgow OL
2012 Ryan Glasgow DL/OL
2015 Jordan Glasgow LB/RB
2012 Drew Offerdahl LB/RB
2015 Jameson Offerdahl LB/RB
Brief Impact
These are players who made a brief impact at Michigan. the brief impacts were due to a variety of reasons - transferring, academics, legal issues, going pro early, injuries, quitting to focus on other sports, etc......
1971 Roy Burks DB
1973 Jim Hall T
1974 Bill Dufek T
1974 Scott Corbin FB
1978 Jeff Reeves S
1986 Warde Manuel DT
1988 Jon Vaughn TB
1991 Felman Malveaux SE
1992 Shawn CollinsOLB
1992 Damon Jones TE
1993 Trevor Pryce OLB/DE
1993 Clarence Thompson S/CB
1993 Seth Smith SE
1994 Scott Dreisbach QB
1995 David Bowens LB/DE
1995 Daydrion Taylor S
1996 John Anes FB
1997 William Peterson CB
1997 Ray Jackson FB
1997 Demetrius Smith FB
1998 Drew Henson QB
1998 Justin Fargas TB/S
2000 Zia Combs CB/WR/CB
2001 Sean Sanderson FB
2002 Larry HarrisonDT
2004 Roger Allison FB
2005 Carson Butler TE
2006 Justin Boren G/C
2007 Ryan Mallett QB
2008 Sam McGuffie RB
2008 Boubacar Cissoko DB/WR
2009 Tate Forcier QB
2013 Kyle Bosch OL/DL
Those Who Left and Did Better
These are players who enjoyed more success after transferring from Michigan.
1978 Chuck Rowland T
1985 Mike Jones TE
1992 Kerwin Waldroup OLB
1992 Damon Jones TE
1993 Trevor Pryce OLB/DE
1993 Jon Ritchie FB
1998 Justin Fargas TB/S
2003 Ryan Mundy S-CB/S
2007 Toney Clemons WR
2007 Ryan Mallett QB
2008 Mike Cox RB
2010 Josh Furman LB/DB/RB
2011 Thomas RawlsRB/LB
High Profile but did not contribute much (Including due to injuries)
These are highly rated prospects (would be considered four and five stars today) who did not nearly live up to expectations due to a variety of reasons (just not that good, academics, injuries, etc....). This list primarily comprises players who did not contribute much and excludes highly touted players such as Will Campbell who did not live up to their loft prep rankings but were still contributors. Five star level prospects have a star (*) next to their names.
1976 Robert Taylor MG
1977 *Fred Brockington SE (Transfer from UCLA/former top-ranked prospect in MI)
1978 *Chuck Rowland T
1978 David Brewster FB
1979 *Mike Cade TB
1981 Brian Mercer TB
1981 Greg Washington S
1981 Joe Gray ILB/MG
1981 Bruce Brown T
1983 Dwayne Freeman S
1983 Glenn Mogle T
1984 Bob Tait OLB
1984 Mike Kovac TE
1984 Bob Cernak QB
1986 Allen Jefferson TB
1986 Tim Williams OLB
1986 *Warde Manuel DT
1986 Trey Walker TE
1987 Ken Sollom QB
1987 Eric Bush QB/DB
1987 Wilbur Odom QB
1988 D.J. Brown ILB
1989 Joel “Tony” Blankenship S
1989 Doug Musgrave QB
1990 Greg McThomas ILB-FB
1991 Walter Reggans MG
1991 Jamie Mignon OLB
1991 *Deollo Anderson S
1992 *Shawn Collins OLB
1992 Eric Boykin QB
1993 J.J. Brown LB
1994 *Rasheed Simmons DE/DT
1996 Jason KapsnerQB
1996 Aaron Wright SE
1997 Jason Brooks G
1997 Pat McCall TB/CB
1997 Todd Mossa G
1998 Dave Armstrong DT/FB
1998 Walter Cross TB
1999 Ryan Beard TB
2000 Jeff Gaston G
2000 Reggie Benton TB
2001 Scott McClintock LB
2001 David Underwood TB
2001 *Kelly BarakaTB
2002 Mike Kolodziej TE/T
2002 Matt Gutierrez QB
2002 Quinton McCoy CB
2003 Will Paul DE/DT/FB
2003 Anton Campbell TB/S
2003 Jeff Zuttah G
2003 Clayton Richard QB
2004 Jeremy Ciulla G/C-G/G
2004 Doug Dutch WR/CB
2004 Brett Gallimore T/DT
2004 Max Martin TB
2005 *Kevin GradyTB
2005 James McKinney DE/DT
2005 Cory Zirbel T
2005 Justin Schifano G
2005 Eugene Germany DE
2005 Marques Slocum DT
2005 Antonio Bass WR
2007 Michael Williams S
2008 Dan O'Neill OL/DL
2009 Justin Turner DB/RB
2009 Je’Ron StokesWR/DB
2009 Anthony LaLota DL/OL
2010 Marvin Robinson DB/LB/RB
2010 Cullen Christian DB
2010 Ricardo MillerWR
2011 Chris Barnett TE/DL
2011 Chris Bryant OL/DL
2012 *Ondre Pipkins DL/OL
2012 Tom Strobel DL
2012 Terry Richardson DB
2013 Derrick GreenRB/LB
2013 Patrick KuglerOL/DL
2013 Kyle Bosch OL/DL
2013 Shane Morris QB
2013 Chris Fox OL/DL
Sleeper Signees (excluding walk-ons) who were better than advertised
One of my favorite lists to put together. Players who were not high profile reruits but went on to enjoy outstanding careers. My favorite class when it came to sleepers was the 1988 freshman class, the one that I mentioned was entirely redshirted. Steve Everitt was a very late offer in the class and went on to stardom. I remember getting a call saying that we had received a verbal from a 6-6 QB out of Cleveland by the name of Elvis who ran the option in high school. I was thinking-you have got to be kidding me. He was listed nowhere among Tom Lemming's 100+ Ohio prospects. One reason his team ran the option was because they had a halfback by the name of Desmond Howard. Desmond was listed as an afterthought in Lemming's newsletter, not among the 70+ Ohio players wit full bios but on an additional list of about 30 other kids to watch. Nobody knew what was coming in that 1988 class. The first inkling I had that Desmond could be special was in November or December of his freshman year when Bo was quoted in one of the Detroit papers as comparing him to Anthony Carter. That blew my mind.
Everitt was one of several tall but thin linemen who Bo was able to bulk up and turn into stars. Mike Kenn and Kurt Becker are two others who really fit that mold. They were tall, thin but could run and had the sort of frames that could get a lot bigger. I loved those sort of recruits and often wonder if Bo had still been the coach if he would have gone after Joe Staley and Eric Fisher, latter day versions of those Michigan stars who ended up at CMU.
1974 Mike Kenn T
1977 Kurt Becker G
1982 Jim Harbaugh QB
1983 John Elliott T
1984 Mark MessnerDT
1984 Jamie Morris TB
1985 John Kolesar SE
1986 Jarrod Bunch FB
1986 Chris Calloway SE
1986 Tom Dohring T
1986 Mike Teeter DT-MG
1988 Desmond Howard SE
1988 Steve Everitt C
1988 Elvis Grbac QB
1992 Jon Runyan G/T
1993 Tshimanga Biakabutuka TB
1993 Brian Griese QB-P
1993 Glen Steele TE/DE
1994 Marcus Ray S
1995 Tom Brady QB
1995 James Hall DE
1999 Shantee Orr LB/DE
2002 Dave Harris LB
2004 Mike Hart TB
2008 Patrick Omameh OL/DL
2009 Denard Robinson QB/DB/WR
2010 Jake Ryan LB
2011 Frank Clark LB/TE/WR/DB
2012 Jehu Chesson II WR
2012 Jeremy Clark DB/WR
2012 Willie Henry DL/OL
Players who made a mark in Media
These are former players who have gone on to make a mark in broadcast media.
1966 Jim Mandich TE
1967 Dan Dierdorf T
1968 Jim Brandstatter T
1988 Desmond Howard SE
1993 Brian Griese QB-P
1994 Jon Jansen T
1994 Marcus Ray S
Better Pros than College Players
Late bloomers, misused, switched positions, injured? The reosons afre varied as to why these players were not as successful at Michigan as they were in the NFL
1969 Larry Cipa QB Pro-style QB who saw some NFL time but played very little in Bo'S option offense.
1974 Mike Kenn T Late bloomer
1976 Mel Owens OLB More athletic and bigger than all-american classmate Ron Simpkins
1994 Jay Feely PK
1995 Tom Brady QB Fine Michigan career, but greatest player in the game EVER???
1998 Cato June S Position switch to LB in the NFL helped
2002 Dave Harris LB Solid college player but a tackle machine in th NFL
2006 Steven BrownS Late-bloomer? Misused? Matured late?
2008 Mike Cox RB Fumble probe or could not learn playbook?
2011 Thomas Rawls RB Wow, just wow.
Great College Players, Not So Great Pros (Excluding players who were injured such as Biakabatuka, Boles, Welborne)
These players all had fine Michigan careers but lacked the size/speed measurables to excel at the next level.
Rick Leach and Dennis Franklin were two of the greatest QBs to ever play at Michigan, but they were option QBs and not pro-style NFL QBs.
1966 Tom Curtis S
1967 Henry Hill MG
1968 Billy Taylor TB
1971 Dennis Franklin QB
1971 Steve Strinko LB
1972 Calvin O’NealILB
1972 Timmy Davis MG
1972 Gordon Bell TB
1974 Mark Donahue G
1975 Rick Leach QB
1976 Ron Simpkins ILB
1981 Mike Hammerstein DT
1981 Mike Mallory ILB
1984 Mark MessnerDT
1984 John Vitale G/C
1987 Dean Dingman G
1987 Erick Anderson ILB
Prominent Coaching Careers
Here is a listing of some of the players who went on to successful coaching careers.
1971 Chuck Heater TB/FB
1972 Les Miles G
1979 Jim Herrmann ILB
1981 Mike Mallory ILB
1983 Doug Mallory S
1982 Jim Harbaugh QB
1982 Andy Moeller ILB
1982 Thomas Wilcher TB
1984 Erik CampbellS/SE/CB-S
1988 Curt Mallory ILB
1989 Joe Barry ILB
1991 Tyrone Wheatley TB
1992 Harold Goodwin G
1993 Mike Elston OLB
1993 Scott LoefflerQB
1994 Chris Singletary LB
2000 Roy Manning LB
2000 Jim Fisher DE/TE
Future ADs
These players went on to become ADS, including two at Michigan and a possible future third one at Michigan.
1970 Dave BrandonOLB
1973 Jim Hackett ILB/C
1977 Brad Bates DB
1986 Warde Manuel DT
Most Questionable Signees
I wondered why these prospects were offered scholarships by Michigan. Jut did not seem to make sense. Most questionable signee? I will go with George Morales.
2004 Grant DeBenedictis G
2006 David Cone QB
2008 Justin Feagin QB/DB
2008 George Morales OL/LSN
2010 Ray Vinopal DB/RB
2010 D.J. Williamson WR/DB
2011 Russell Bellomy QB
2013 Reon DawsonDB
2013 Csont'e York WR/DB
2014 Brady Pallante DL/OL/LB
Position Changes (Initial college position listed first)
I have highlighted with stars that most successful position changes that were not moves to a similar position (within the OL or secondary or between TB, FB & WB)
1966 Tom Curtis QB/S*
1968 Paul Seymour TE/T*
1969 Randy Logan CB/S
1969 Tom Kee DT/ILB
1970 Harry Banks TB/DB
1971 Gil Chapman SE/TB/WB
1971 Chuck Heater TB/FB
1973 Rob Lytle TB/FB-TB
1974 Walt Downing G/C
1975 Jon Giesler DT/T*
1977 Stanley Edwards TB/FB
1979 Rich Hewlett QB/DB
1980 Tom Dixon G/C
1980 Doug James MG/G-T/G
1981 Clay Miller DT/T
1981 Art BalourdosG/C
1982 Tony Gant CB/S
1982 Dieter Heren S/OLB
1983 Gerald White TB/FB
1984 Erik CampbellS/SE/CB-S
1986 David Key TB/CB*
1987 Tripp Welborne SE/S*
1991 Jay Riemersma QB/TE*
1993 Glen Steele TE/DE*
1993 Zach Adami G/C
1993 Damon Denson DT/G*
1993 Ben Huff LB/DE/DT
1995 Aaron Shea TE/FB
1996 Steve Hutchinson DT/G*
1996 Ian Gold TB/LB*
1996 Dave Brandt DT/G/C*
1997 Maurice Williams DE/T/G/T*
1997 Bill Seymour LB-DE/TE
1997 Kurt Anderson LB/DT/G/C*
1998 Dave Petruziello DE/DT/G
1999 Andy Mignery QB-P/TE
1999 Dave Pearson DE/DT/C
1999 Charles DrakeTB/S*
2004 Morgan Trent WR/CB*
2006 Brandon Graham LB/DE*
2006 Jonas Mouton S/OLB*
2009 Cameron Gordon WR/DB
2010 Devin Gardner QB/WR/QB
2011 Keith Heitzman DE/TE
2012 Devin Funchess TE/WR
2013 Henry Poggi DE/FB-TE
2014 Chase Winovich LB/TE
2014 Freddy Canteen WR/CB
2015 Brian Cole WR/S
Top Walk-ons (excluding kickers/punters)
1993 Brian Griese QB 1
1967 Henry Hill NG 2
1972 Timmy Davis NG 3
2008 Jordan Kovacs S 4
2011 Graham Glasgow OL 5
2012 Ryan Glasgow DT 6
1972 Jim Czirr C 7
1987 Mike Evans DT 8
1993 Eric Mayes LB 9
1973 Curt Stephenson WR 10
1983 Ken Higgins WR 11
2011 Joey Kerridge FB 12
1986 Todd Plate CB 13
1987 Yale VanDyne WR 14
2007 Will Heininger DT 15
Junior College Transfers
In this case the year refers to the first season the player was at Michigan
1986 Mike Kerr
1996 Russell Shaw
2007 Austin Panter
The Present (Today)
The present is fleeting. I wanted to discuss the make-up the current roster b ut have decided to save it for a future post so I could get this post out as a Christmas present. That being said, I do have an interesting Ohio State story below.
Obligatory Ohio State Aside
Remember that hit Joey Bosa made on his former Aquinas teammate Jake Rudock. Many of you know that Bosa’s dad is John Bosa, a former All-American defensive end at Boston College, who played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. His uncle is Eric Kumerow, a retired NFL linebacker who also played for the Dolphins. But few know about his other bloodlines. Check out this link:
http://gangsterreport.com/future-hi...traces-lineage-to-historic-chicago-godfather/
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