The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/106890
Sorting Out The Best Of The Best Michigan features All-Americans, record-setters and NFL products on an almost annual basis. Ranking them makes for unending debate among those passionate about Michigan football. Here are two lists, both of which include Denard Robinson — the 10 best U-M football players from 2000 on, and the top five U-M quarterbacks since Jim Harbaugh stood behind center. These were based on a points system in voting by the staff of The Wolverine. Top 10 Wolverines (2000 Forward) 1. Mike Hart, RB, 2004-07 — Michigan's all-time leading rusher (5,040) never gave ground to anyone, despite a diminutive stature. He didn't possess breakaway speed, but always managed to break away from the pack … including this one. 2. Jake Long, OL, 2004-07 — Long endeared himself to Michigan fans in many ways, not the least of which involved consistently grinding opponents into Michigan's FieldTurf. Then after staying for a fifth year and a second AllAmerican campaign, he became the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. 3. Braylon Edwards, WR, 2001-04 — Edwards distinguished himself as the only Big Ten receiver ever (and the third in NCAA history) to gain 1,000 or more receiving yards in three straight seasons. He earned the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver as a senior. 4. Denard Robinson, QB, 2009-12 — Robinson rewrote the record book in his four-year stint in Ann Arbor. His total of 10,776 career yards may never be touched. 5. Steve Hutchinson, OL, 1997-2000 — Hutchinson formed part of Michigan's national championship offensive line in 1997. The two-time All-American earned All-Big Ten status for four consecutive years, prior to moving on to a strong NFL career. 6. Brandon Graham, DL, 2006-09 — Graham operated in some leaner times for the Wolverines, but emerged as a bright and forceful light on Michigan's defensive front wall. He shared the Silver Football as the Big Ten's co-MVP in 2009, capping a career featuring 29.5 sacks and 56 tackles for loss with AllAmerica honors. 7. LaMarr Woodley, DL, 2003-06 — Woodley provided an imposing force along Michigan's front wall, culminating in All-America honors in his senior season of 2006. He was the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year, prior to moving on to become a stalwart for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 8. Chad Henne, QB, 2004-07 — Henne started strong, carving out the distinction of becoming the only quarterback in Big Ten history to lead his team to a conference championship and the Rose Bowl as a freshman. He finished his