Who will wear #98?
I say Dennis Norfleet.
Why? He's elusive. He's a dynamic return threat and a weapon.
Tom Harmon was just that. He had no true genuine position. He played all over the place.
Also, Dennis Norfleet isn't already established with a set jersey # like Fitz or someone like that. He's had #26 and now #23.
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:24 AM ^
Since there is a Michigan presence in space, maybe there can be a "stencil" like satellite built which will essentially sit in front of the sun on game days and block the light in specific places to show the retired numbers. =)
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:40 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:43 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:45 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 7:49 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:15 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:53 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 2:55 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 6:17 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 6:27 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 6:37 AM ^
Taylor Lewan
Devin Gardner
Jake Ryan
My point here is I feel like Harmon should not be forced and given to the right person or the value is take away a bit. He was where it all started! I don't think the top 3 should wear his number and we wait....it's special don't force it.
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:34 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 7:35 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 7:48 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:55 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:14 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:01 AM ^
/end thread
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:51 AM ^
1) It will never be offered to anyone who's had serious legal or other off the field issues.
2) The player will be a prominent starter.
3) Position won't matter. Whether the player wants it will.
4) It will never be someone already wearing a legacy number.
Gardner is the most obvious candidate. 98 is such an odd number for a QB that I could see him not wanting it. Dileo, Washington and Countess are the players I see as next in line.
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:56 AM ^
Reducing weirdness has so far been part of the Legends jerseys. 11 is fine for a safety, 47 is fine for a linebacker, etc.
Normally I'd say Gibbons, but I agree with your first point.
Countess would be an interesting choice.
September 3rd, 2013 at 9:42 AM ^
Because “98" has become a number that isn’t immediately identified with quarterbacks, running backs, receivers or defensive backs, and these days "98" might be worn more frequently by defensive linemen, kickers and punters, could Michigan satisfy the “legend” requirement and still honor Tom Harmon’s legacy by keeping number “98" retired, but issuing Tom Harmon - 98 legend patches to be worn for the rest of this year by Devin Gardner, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Drew Dileo, Blake Countess, Brendan Gibbons and Matt Wile?
In the future, the Tom Harmon - 98 legend patches then could be limited to those quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, defensive backs, kickers and punters who have displayed enough of Tom Harmon's qualities to have earned the legend patch.
September 3rd, 2013 at 10:06 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 10:14 AM ^
then its probably Dymonte Thomas.... who else ? He plays both ways, and is expected to be a star.
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:12 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:49 PM ^
Don't let the facts get in the way. This is the internet after all.
Now, let's all fight about the fact that Hoke is giving 98 to a freshman.
September 3rd, 2013 at 4:34 PM ^
yes that is correct, my bad about the rambling previous post
September 3rd, 2013 at 10:23 AM ^
This whole "legends" number thing is dumb, and irritating. Funchess is #19, Gallon is #10, why do we have to fuck with things?
September 3rd, 2013 at 10:52 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 10:42 AM ^
yet DB decided to fix it.
Now we're faced with the ridiculous notion of "honoring" Tom Harmon by giving his long-retired number to a player who hasn't come remotely close to "honoring" Harmon's memory with his play on the field. This isn't a knock on any of the kids on the team, but there isn't any of them who won't suffer by comparison.
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:10 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:53 PM ^
The Michigan basketball program has been honoring jerseys while keeping them in normal circulation for, what, almost 15 years now? Why couldn't that have been an option? Or were there not enough marketing opportunities and "WOW experiences" in that?
September 3rd, 2013 at 10:43 PM ^
I find myself agreeing with you more and more.
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:25 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:41 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:35 AM ^
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:55 PM ^
Ideally I'd rather retired numbers be given to seniors and possibly juniors whom may leave for graduation or for the latter turn pro because that will be the last time they ever wear a Michigan uniform and play for the University. At least that's what I hope DB is doing. As far people who could wear my money is on Jabrill Peppers. It seem his athleticism is such he does just about everything well and he might possibly just scrape what Harmon achieved if his play now can match his play here. Guess we'll see.
September 3rd, 2013 at 3:29 PM ^
I have this weird feeling it's going to be Cam Gordon.