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 ^
Love the legends numbers. Hoke seems to want to make them positional (87 stayed tight end, 11 stayed dback), and those positions dont correspond to the legend's position. Olineman cant wear 98 and typically qbs and other backs dont wear it either. On defense, we already have 47 and 48 for linebackers and 11 for dbacks. This leads me to believe old 98 will be worn by a dlineman. My money is on pipkins.
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:43 AM ^
in the diary section a few days ago. And, while I'm not trying to take away from a good conversation piece, its uncanny how similar Norfleet is compared to Harmon in the same light.
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:45 AM ^
the #1 jersey to come back, and the #2 when Peppers wears it
September 3rd, 2013 at 7:49 AM ^
He is not going to wear the #2. Peppers wants #5.
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:15 AM ^
You can't always get what you want
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:53 AM ^
- team 134 game one" in the diaries... all I have to say is "go blue!" and rest in peace ST2.
September 3rd, 2013 at 2:55 AM ^
Idea of bringing out these numbers etc: it's an honor to wear one of them, but what if a player would like to make his own mark? Is that selfish is that wrong or him to maybe not want to wear the jersey. Just saying.
September 3rd, 2013 at 6:17 AM ^
I guess we will see if what I heard is true or not.
September 3rd, 2013 at 6:27 AM ^
I'll spend most of my time this week thinking about the numbers that will have gold helmets on. Could care less who wears #98. Let Hoke wear it fergodsake!
September 3rd, 2013 at 6:37 AM ^
To beak it down YTD. I think the top 3 players on the team are:
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 ^
Hear hear -- completely agree. Harmon stands alone in the Michigan pantheon. He defined Michigan football and was the dominant player in all of college football. This number shouldn't be given on the come to a first time starter (DG), a scrappy kid (dileo), it should only be given to a proven all American -- only one possible choice.
September 3rd, 2013 at 7:35 AM ^
If we were breakdown legendary numbers by position #77 would be for an O-lineman and #2 would go to a cornerback. I'm assuming #7 would be for a quarterback, so.... Not sure where that would leave #98. It could be perceived as THE Michigan number considering Harmon was an overall skill player and the first Heisman winner but... Again, not sure who you'd stamp it on.
But if we threw all this logic out of the window where does that leave the #1 jersey, especially with #21 now going to the top wide receiver... ?
September 3rd, 2013 at 7:48 AM ^
#77, #7, and #2 are not legends numbers (though they are obviously legendary).
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:55 AM ^
I said they were legendary numbers, NOT legends numbers. That is assuming they'd be assigned to a particular position.
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:14 AM ^
I think the number 1 jersey is still the top jersey for a WR...that's why you have to earn it and be a badass dude to get it...they give 21 out every year, not the 1 jersey
September 3rd, 2013 at 8:01 AM ^
Gibbons
/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 ^
My source, who's next to me in class currently says no one will wear it anytime soon. He's a freshman on the team
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 ^
I think you misread, he was saying thy a freshman player told him that nobody was going to wear it.
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 ^
For one game it might be cool, like Homecoming or something, maybe. But that's it. Let them become legends themselves.
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 ^
The list of retired numbers could not be extended, making it impossible for modern players to earn this honor. The legend jersey program allows the recognition and keeps the numbers in circulation. Q
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 ^
contender to ever where 2 or 98, although I think they should've made 21 the same rule. maybe used 1 as the number for Gallon and roundtree.
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:41 AM ^
What us this number one jersey you speak of? I can't seem to remember....
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:35 AM ^
People don't understand the purpose of the legend jerseys. People on here are saying things such as "Gallon doesn't deserve Desmond's number" and "No one is good enough to wear #98". While there is some merit to what some posters have said. The purpose of the legacy jersey isn't to give them to players who are equally as good as the listed legend (ie Avery as #11). The purpose of the legacy jersey is to give them to players who embody the same characteristics such as leadership, toughness, team player etc on and off the field as the legend did during his time at Michigan. I think when people understand that they won't complain about players getting them. With all that being said I feel Q Wash deserves to honor Ol 98.
September 3rd, 2013 at 1:55 PM ^
That the wearing of #98 doesn't go to a freshman because I sincerely doubt any freshman or sophomore possibly could achieve the accolades Harmon has. That being said I see no problem with wearing the legacy patches to honor those who came before you, it reminds those of us whom were alive during those times to reminisce of bygone eras and those like myself whom weren't around to see a legendary number revived if for a season.
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.