Who Is Your Favorite Michigan Football Player of All Time?
So, who is your favorite Michigan player of all time? My answer is Desmond. I was 12 we he was going through that magical 1991 season, so he was a hero of mine. That really was the perfect age for being awestruck by a Michigan Football player. I actually got his signature after a game on one of those old programs they used to hand out. He wrote "Magic" on it. Pretty sweet...I was really really excited about that for a long time. Now all the players are younger than me, so I don't really "look up" to them, I just cheer them on and hope they do well. I've learned there are greater people out there than sports figures, but when I was 12, man there was no one cooler than Desmond.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:22 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:31 AM ^
I didn't remember Vitale so I looked him up. Did you know he died of cancer in 2000? He was only 34.
I read that he and Bo had a close relationship.....here's one of their exchanges:
Vitale: "Are you going to work us today chief?"
Bo: "I'm gonna kick your butt!"
Vitale: "Good."
October 15th, 2008 at 11:15 AM ^
October 19th, 2008 at 2:10 PM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:26 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:29 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:31 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:30 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:30 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:48 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:31 AM ^
My favorities are Hart and Woodson. Two clear choices.
However, I am more interested in your most obscure favorite. Like a Tim Biakabatuka.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:35 AM ^
I was pretty young during the Desmond Howard era, so my first favorite player was of course Woodson. Braylon is a highlight, and my jersey has Mike Hart's number.
Incidentally the other day I saw Braylon hawking 5 Hour Energy (those little energy shots that they sell at the register of gas station stores). I've never bought one, but I think I will now!
October 15th, 2008 at 11:25 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:36 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:37 AM ^
I really liked Wheatley when I was a kid, but looking back I'd say it's a tie between John Navarre (I'm serious) and Chris Perry.
Navarre I always felt got shit on way too much - Perry was just awesome in 03 and that was one of my favorite Michigan teams of all time.
October 15th, 2008 at 11:32 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 10:44 AM ^
Anthony Carter.
Similar to Chrisgocomment's reasoning about Desmond. I was 7 years old when he arrived on campus. His first year coincided with the my grandparents taking me to games for the first time.
His game winning catch vs IU in 1979 was my second game ever at the Big House. He was a mythological figure in this young boys mind.
There have been other players that have earned a place in my heart, but A.C. was the first.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:48 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 12:16 PM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:04 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:06 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:11 AM ^
I really liked, irrationally, Dhani Jones. I knew him a bit, and he was such a cool, weird, dude. Also, a good player. I also loved Ian Gold - he endeared himself to me before he was a starter, and he was the "wedge-breaker" on kickoffs. He'd just go tearing down the field, wand wail the guy that was the point of the wedge - sometimes he floored the guy, sometimes he got floored, but he was just a mad-bomber.
Also - soft spot for Scott Dreisbach. The dude had been a starter, benched, demoted to 3rd string, and asked to be put on the field for kick and punt coverage, just so he could contribute - always thought that was really cool.
October 15th, 2008 at 11:13 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:19 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:22 AM ^
I gotta go with Desmond as well. My first ever trip to the Big House just happened to be the Notre Dame game in which Desmond made that AMAZING diving catch in the end zone. That was 17 years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday. My Dad and I probably reenacted that play in our front yard 1,000 times. During freshmen football when it came time to pick uni numbers I went right for #21. Being from Green Bay and a huge Packer fan I was so excited when they picked him up and just jacked when he returned that kick for a TD in the Super Bowl (still wish he would have flashed the Heisman pose in the endzone.) I love him on College Game Day and I love how he got on Herbstreet for his handling of the Les Miles issue. I live in Phoenix just missed a chance to meet him last year at the Super Bowl. He was staying at the hotel attached to my office building and I was on a damn phone call when a partner of mine came and told me he had just seen him. So pissed! Anyways, he represents the start of Michigan Football for me and it was awesome getting to watch him for both the Wolverines and Packers.
Woodson is close 2nd for most of the same reasons...I love him for my Packers! He has to get the Pro Bowl nod this year. 3 ints through 6 games with 2 of those going for TDs (not to mention all of that on a broken toe).
I got love Brylan as well but it was always a real love hate thing. Loved him against State but hated him for the drop against OSU. Loved him in the Rose Bowl against Texas, but hated him against USC.
October 15th, 2008 at 11:23 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:29 AM ^
Walter Smith.
October 15th, 2008 at 11:41 AM ^
Are you serious? I never thought he reached his potential.
Get this - at one of the many games I went out autograph seeking in my younger days Walter Smith signed his glove and gave it to me. I still like Desmond better!
October 15th, 2008 at 11:31 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:32 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:38 AM ^
But I can't choose one. I too got sucked into UM football at the perfect age (10 or so, when you're old enough to get it, and young enough to be thoroughly sucked in) when Desmond was performing his magic. I liked Tony Boles when I was a kid, loved Tyrone Wheatley (his performance in the Rose Bowl win over UW caused me to create my first weird, UM-superstition (yes, I've developed many "tics" along the way)).
LOVED Woodson for obvious reasons, plus he's from my mom's hometown of Fremont.
Loved Brady- he was my frosh year QB, and I didn't like Henson. Easy pick there, and the Orange Bowl win was crazy.
Completely agree with dex re: Navarre. No QB has been given more shit, thrust into a worse situation, and by and large, performed well. I still feel bad about the time I called him out at a Halloween party after the UCLA loss and he didn't really say anything. I was a drunk, classless undergrad and he was the team's "never supposed to be" QB. I've rooted for him HARD ever since the start of his junior year season, and got into many a memorable fights with friends at the Jug arguing his case. He won me over.
C-Perry, Braylon, Mike Hart? Perry and Braylon-- both compelling stories with their early struggles, feeling out of place at UM, and ultimately becoming Heisman candidates and 1st rounders? Hart, the ultimate "Michigan Man." Will never be another Mike Hart. I mean, really, the 27 years I've followed UM football, there's no way I can pick one... I can only imagine how the old-timers feel!
October 15th, 2008 at 11:40 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:42 AM ^
to my already huge list.
Hat tip to chitownblue. I met Dhani a few times as well, nicest guy I've ever met on the team, really smart. My friend house sat for him one time in Philly, and Dhani told him to feel free to look around and take some pics-- my buddy sent me a pic of the centerpiece of his display area, an encased UM helmet. Love it.
David Harris... Ty Law... Jason Avant (I remember the Daily doing a fantastic article on him, another guy I'm thrilled has found NFL success)... Jumbo Elliot
October 15th, 2008 at 11:55 AM ^
At the end of my Senior year, I worked at Jimmy Johns on Packard - and Dhani would come in about every other day, and just stand there and talk the entire time. He was smart, happy, and so positive about everything. Everytime, he ordered the same damn sandwich and everytime he'd just start going on and on about how awesome it was.
Also, when I was a Sophomore, I was studying in the UGLi, and was with a guy who lived on his hall in East Quad. It was the day of the first snow fall, so the West Quad vs. South Quad snowball fight was underway. Dhani had a cooler filled with snowballs and water balloons, and was trying to get together a group of East Quad kids to crash the fight with him. We went (I didn't live in EQ, but went for shits and giggles), and got our asses kicked - it was quite funny.
October 15th, 2008 at 12:26 PM ^
If you haven't seen this british TV segment on his summer playing rugby, I think you'll enjoy it;
October 15th, 2008 at 11:43 AM ^
Braylon or the Wisterts.
Braylon came in and transformed himself from an immature, selfish player into a human highlight film. He was absolutely dominant and clutch. The fact that he's a second generation Michigan Man is awesome. IMO, he's even handled himself better off the field.
The Wisterts were some of the "founding fathers" as it were. These guys are what make that uniform so special. Alvin Wistert: "(It's) unprecedented in the annals of college football: that three brothers all would go to the same school, all played football. All played tackle, all wore the same number 11, all made All-American. Two of us played on four national championship teams. And all were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame."
I'd love to see a movie made about them. Two brothers had Marine Corps and Navy service during WWII, one was a nine time NFL all pro, one was on the only NFL team to win back to back championships by shutout, one served as captain of the College All-star team that beat the National Football League Champion Washington Redskins 27-7 in Chicago, one was a member of the Mad Magicians - great stuff!
October 15th, 2008 at 11:51 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 4:34 PM ^
Staring at your question isn't helping me so let me circle back to the purpose of this thread. Quoting OP now:
"So, who is your favorite Michigan player of all time?"
He didn't say who've you watched that you liked the way they tackled or caught a ball. Those three inspired me when I first read about them. As someone who served in the Marine Corps, I love that connection to them as well. The Wisterts have a ton of history and together they represent a very important part of Michigan tradition. #11 is one of what, 4 total numbers retired and you're critical of the pick? Who are you to call out who a person's heroes are? Michigan fans really do suck.
For what it's worth, my answer tomorrow would have been Jon Vaughn. Friday it would have been AC or Mike Hart. My brother makes fun of me to this day for another player I've always had a fondness for, Scott Dreisbach. I've rooted for him and pulled for him everywhere he's gone for all that he battled through and for the feeling he gave all of us for just one amazing game. There are way too many players, way too many memories to settle on just one or two, or even three players.
But I love this thread. We need more like it, especially now.....
October 15th, 2008 at 11:46 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:55 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:57 AM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 11:58 AM ^
My favorite defensive player was Mark Messner. He played during my early teen years when I finally realized that defense was important too. Messner always seemed to be stuffing a run or sacking a QB. During those days, I felt safe when UoM's defense was on the field.
My favorite offensive players were two RBs of my childhood. They had great names like Harlan Huckaby and Butch Woolfolk (fabric/utensil).
I also used to love the way Jim Brandstatter would mention that Bob Perryman was from Buzzard's Bay, Massachusetts every time he got a touch.
October 15th, 2008 at 12:02 PM ^
To not see more love for Hart. His legend has only grown this year as players randomly drop the ball for no reason.
Runners up on offense: Askew, Boles, & Avant.
Defense - Dave Harris. His 2006 season spoiled me everytime I watch a LB miss a tackle.
Runners up on defense: Woodson, Marlin Jackson, LeSueur (the ultimate liability turned into solid player)
October 15th, 2008 at 12:03 PM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 12:03 PM ^
Jansen was the acknowledged leader of the only Michigan National Championship team in my lifetime. I didn't know him personally, but he has always carried himself with class and dignity whenever he is interviewed or speaks in an alumni function. In addition, he gets mega props for being an in-state guy.
October 15th, 2008 at 12:04 PM ^
Great question Chris.
My favorite offensive players were two running backs from my childhood: Harlan Huckaby and Butch Woolfolk (fabric/utensil). They got the majority of carries during the first games I attended.
My favorite defensive player was Mark Messner who seemed always to be stuffing the run or sacking the QB. I felt safe with the UoM D on the field during those days.
My favorite random memory was the way Jim Brandstatter would always mention that Bob Perryman was from Buzzard's Bay, Massachusetts when he got a touch.
October 15th, 2008 at 12:15 PM ^
Tshimanga Biakabatuka had the most badass name in the history of Michigan sports and nobody knew how to say it like Frank Beckman, which is why in my blog i refuse to call him Tim.
A-Train came off the bench his freshman year to carry the mail and did so in helping us to win a national championship. After that he stayed and won two Big Ten Championships and an Orange Bowl. He was an athletic power runner like Tyrone Wheatley in my opinion, unfortunately however i was only seven when Wheatley graduated so i never got to admire him as much as A-Train. I also love him because he stayed to get his degree when some scouts were projecting him as a first round pick after his junior year.
October 15th, 2008 at 12:18 PM ^
October 15th, 2008 at 12:21 PM ^
Chris Perry has had a rough start to his NFL career but he is one cool dude and will was part of one of my favorite Michigan memories. Last year at the during Super Bowl weekend I was out in Scottsdale for happy hour. There were NFL players all over the spot I was at. Out of no where comes Chris Perry and sits right behind me. I go up and introduce myself and tell him I'm a huge UM fan yada yada yada and he asks me if I have seen the other UM guys there. I say no and he leaves for a moment. He comes back with Breaston, Marlin Jackson and Leon Hall and introduces them all to me like I have no clue who they are. It was one of the coolest moments ever! We just shot the shit for awhile and they were all so cool! No matter how those guys pan out in the NFL they are all class acts and represent Michigan Football extremely well. GO BLUE!
In hindsight I wish there was some way we could have kept Mallett. I know he was a punk but I really tihnk he was the start of something big. He was probably the highest rated recruit we ever got and feel he could have been the foundation for other big time players. That being said I love where we are headed and can't wait for next year!
October 15th, 2008 at 12:26 PM ^
Tshimanga Biakabutuka. 313 represent.
Also, he makes Jesus-chains now. Want.