I-n-a-u-g-u-r-a-l.

I'm not arguing that Abram or Brown need to make the final cut, but the parameters for nomination haven't exactly been etched in stone.  Abram was a consistent contributor, playing for an incompetant HC and while fighting through an injury plagued career.  Brown worked as hard as anyone.  He was constantly going after lose balls and he was a solid rebounder. 

Some notable stats for Abram and Brown:

• Abram sits at #28 on Michigan's career leaders for total points scored.
• Abram sits at #18 on three pointers made.
• Abram sits at #4 on free throw percentage.
• Brown sits at #20 for total rebounds.
• Brown sits at #28 for average rebounds.
• Brown and Abram are tied for 11th for games started.

Are these stats overly impressive?  No.  However, we are talking about a pretty small window (2005-present).  The list of potential candidates will be inherently thin.  Abram and Brown may not belong in an "elite" HOF, but Brian said himself that being "really good" should not be the only metric for consideration.  I stand by my OP.

Kolarik was amazing. He was the 2nd leading scorer on one of our best statistical seasons ever. As for timely goals, he holds the NCAA record for game winners in a season with 7.

I think we agree on RVB being worthy, but disagree on reasons.  My 3:

1. Sugar Bowl domination on 1.25 ankles

2. Leadership

3. Indiana backfield explosion 2009

Having seen admittedly few games from Hagelin's career, I think Cogs was faster. Hagelin was by far the better player overall, but there's a reason Cogs' speed was compared to Bure in his draft year.

Also, Kolarik definitely deserves at least some consideration on the list. He's not a shoo-in like Porter, but if someone completely overrated like Brent Petway is on the list, there's no way Kolarik isn't. He completely changed his game between his freshman year and his senior year, and in his senior year did everything he could to push for Porter getting the Hobey despite being just as good and important to the team. When he got hurt against Lake State and had to miss the series against MSU and Ferris (including the senior night festivities), it was heartbreaking because he really was one of those guys who gave his all to the team. And to come back from that injury by posting a hat trick against UNO in the CCHA playoffs was awesome, especially because you could tell that he still wasn't 100%.

The more I think about it, the more I'm convincing myself that Kolarik should totally be in this HOF...

...different list, might be fun to put together though.

like Shawn Crable, that is, until that personal foul, which would get him dropped from consideration

Those numbers in the big games total and average out to

157 total carries 595 yds (6 TD) and 3.78 ypc and

74.3 yards/game  and .75 touchdowns. (on 19.65 carries)

Those are NOT awful numbers, especially considering as you point out it is against the cream of the crop.In one of the games he played hurt, and in others, he wasn't the only person that shit the bed. He also was 2-2 against Notre Dame, and 4-0 against MSU, 3-0 against PSU

You mention his 2 fumbles against Florida, he had 1 other (3total) on 1015 rushes. 

If Mike Hart isn't a first ballot player, who is more deserving as a leader and player? Who is it that never had a bad game? Who else exceeded expectations quite like him (3* rivals)?

First ballot.