Brian Griese. He was so putridly bad when he got to UM -- the first year he played, he could barely throw 5 yards past the LOS. He came a long, long way and was a testament to hard work. I felt great confidence in his leadership.

But he was a distant #2 to #2.

It was awesome that you could watch this guy on tv laying someone out and a day or two later see him at a poetry jam on campus. Proximity bias speaking here but that dude was the pinnacle of student athlete, mostly because he was better than you at both.

But while we are recalling that year, I'd just like to pour one out for Daydrion Taylor who ended two careers in one instant:

I have to say Charles. I mean 1997 was epic he wins the Heismen Michigan wins the title and the Wings won the cup. As a sports fan every year has been a disspointment since.

I would have to say Chris Howard was really underated. He is the definition of power back. Chris Floyd was also a player that I loved to watch. I was fullback in Middle School and my brother would always tell me to pay attention to number 7 Chris Floyd. 

My real Number two favorite behind Woodson was Marcus Ray. The entire secondary was so strong it is no wonder players like Steele, Renes and Copenhaver were so dominant up front. The way the defensive line and secondary worked in sync with one another is the main reason Michigans defense was so dominant.  

(Context - I was in the class of 1997 and in the MMB, so this was the peak of my fandom)

Without question my favorite player besides Woodson was Glen Steele.  He seemed to be in the backfield on every other play and I honestly believe that part of what made Woodson so dominant was his ability to disrupt the pocket and force bad decisions by the QB (just a small part.....but still).  He wasn't that huge, he wasn't that fast, and he wasn't a physical specimen.  He just worked hard on every play.  

 

Marcus Ray got a ton of accolades from people (and still does) but I actually didn't think he was that great of a safety.  I thought he tried too hard for a knockout blow rather than making sure tackles.  Then again, we've been a wasteland at safety since Vada Murray and Tripp Welbourne were back there so Ray does stand out.  

 

I liked Tai Streets because he played on the basketball team at the same time as the football team.  But as star Michigan wide receivers go he was sort of the weak link in the chain that stretches from AC to Braylon.  (Though he had a better NFL career than some of those guys.)  

 

Finally, there was an OL who was a bit of a star and it wasn't the freshmen - it was Jon Jansen.  He was the likeable mauler wearing #77 before Long and Lewan.  He was the guy who never missed a game or a block.  He was a local kid.  So he'd probably be my #2 besides Steele for this question.

I will always adore Marcus for punking Boston. Weathers is a close second. 

 

WTH? Go to 6:11 for this thing of beauty:

 

I would have to say Marcus Ray. I was 12 years old and my dad worked for ABC. He scored 4 tickets at the 50 yard line, 4th row for the OSU game. I remember a few moments from that game besides the punt return. That hit on David Boston was unreal. The crowd chanting Boston-Boston-Boston. After that day I was hooked, it's like a drug. 

no.8 Chris Howard was my favorite.  My aunt got me a National Championship magazine after the game and I would try to trace/draw the players from the pictures on the pages.  I remember thinking his photo was the coolest one 

That was my senior year at Michigan...

 

The 1997 Ohio State game was the first Michigan game my wife ever attended.

 

My pick -  Jerame Tuman.

Just look at some of those clips on defense:  

 

Ray, Sword, Steele, Gold, Horn, Irons

Charles Woodson fo rme for sure. I was 9 and didn't really know everything that was going on like I do now, but I knew that Woodson was GOAT.

Woodson absolutely deserved the Heisman. I rooted hard for the more unsung. I agree that Tuman was huge, and one of the best TEs ever at UM. (remember Eric Kattus?, very under appreciated)

 But Aaron Shea, how many critical third down catches or lead blocks did he produce? In my memory from being 37 at the time, he was an animal.

Wore my 97 NC hat today. It's sad that I wasn't even born when it was made though

senior in HS for the 97 season was able to make it all of the home games that year for the first time ever... like everyone i loved meself some charles woodson but i always had a soft spot for diallo johnson... the guy played like 3 or 4 different postions (/s) in his time at Michigan just to be able to help out the team...

Used to dine with Dhani in East Quad, baller on the field and awesome in life.  With that bias stated (and acknowledging that Woodson was a once in a lifetime game changer) I would say that Chris Floyd was the most delightful fullback I have ever watched.  Without the bubble he gave to Griese on an every play basis, M does not win the NC.  I had never seen FB play like that, and haven't since then.  How I long for Shallman, or Houma, or Kerridge to channel his play... Let the line create the pocket, let the FB blow up any who enter.  Title.

Blast from the past.  One of my favorites on that team, as well.  As a relatively new fan to football, I didn't fully appreciate what a tight end actually did.  He caught so many balls that for a while I actually thought he was just a wide receiver.  Also, his name was cool.

I can't believe Tai Streets isn't getting more love.

He didn't really blow-up until '98, but he and Tuman combined for 51 catches and eight of the team's 14 receiving TDs.

I thought Chris Howard was overlooked too often just because A-Train was a freshman; Howard, at that point, really was a far better all-purpose back who led the team in rushing and receptions.

On defense, they all seemed like stars.  Marcus Ray was amazing, but I loved Dhani, Sword, and James Hall.

well sonny, let me tell ya a story about Chris Floyd, all everything fullback and destroyer of worlds. Loved him because I was a blocking (slow,fat) TE when I played and I always gravitated toward guys who gave themselves up for the betterment of the team, the team, the team. Chris Floyd was one helluva fullback and watching him blow dudes up was always a good time.

stoned him.  Guns don't kill people - Chris Howard kills people.

Tai Streets was another of my favs.  His catch & run tds versus ND and Iowa begat two big come from behind wins at home that could very easliy have wound up in the loss column.

If he doesn't make those plays, then his tds in Pasadena don't happen.

Because I saw him play in high school.

But Glenn Steele was the person that made me love DL play before I understood what DL play was all about. And I always loved A-Train.

State wrestling champ and built like a wrecking ball.  High-motor guy.  Never quit.

 

Offense: Brian Griese.

Buckeye-killer.  Smart.  Not flashy, but could and would do whatever it took to keep the chains moving.  Knew that our D would win the games and all he needed to do was play smart, mistake-free ball.

The co-captain of the 1997 National Championship team, Mayes only recorded 46 tackles in his career at Michigan. He served as a backup linebacker in 1995 and 1996 after walking on to the football program. His impact on the field in 1997 was overshadowed by the contributions of Woodson, Greise, Streets, Ray, Tuman, and a host of others. However, Mayes' impact as a leader was as large as any player in recent memory. Mayes' career at Michigan followed a Disney-esque storyline. The Kalamazoo native transferred to Michigan in 1995 after going to Xavier College, a small Louisiana school that did not have a football program. As a walk on, Mayes contributed on special teams during his first two years on the team, registering 16 total tackles in that time. After the departure of All-American and captain Jerrett Irons before 1997, Mayes took advantage of the chance to fill both Irons' starting role and his captaincy. He had the best game of his career against Notre Dame, making 14 tackles (one for a loss) and breaking up a pass.Unfortunately, his playing career ended in the very next game. On Indiana's fourth play from scrimmage, Mayes took an awkward cut after shedding a block during a routine running play, tearing a ligament in his knee. It was quickly revealed that the injury would not allow him to return that season. As a fifth-year senior who was not eligible for a medical redshirt, Mayes had played his last game as a Wolverine. Despite not being able to contribute on the field, Mayes continued to fulfill his duties as a captain. One of the most memorable images of the 1997 season occurred after Michigan beat Ohio State, clinching the Big Ten title and sending the #1 Wolverines to the Rose Bowl. During the on-field celebration, the Michigan team carried Mayes on their shoulders.

that happened to 17 years ago for emotional comfort with our football program?  We have had an ND like run of irrelevance over the last 10-15 years.  Thanksfully we now have the best possible coach on board to begin changing the narrative.

 

In any event, Rob Renes was a guy I loved watching at the time. 

Was in middle school at the time and played run stuffing inside linebacker.  I gravitated towards Sam Sword.  Was pissed that my coach would not let me wear #93.  None of my coaches ever would.  Was #28 for some reason.  That and I loved swords at the time.