The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1273784
8 THE WOLVERINE AUGUST 2020 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS MICHIGAN NEAR THE TOP IN MULTIPLE 'POSITION U' RANKINGS Bleacher Report writers David Kenyon and Kerry Miller recently identified the college football programs that have produced the most productive NFL players at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, defen- sive line, linebacker and defensive back since 1970. Michi- gan football received recognition in three position groups — quarterback, offensive line and defensive back. Each position groups' set of rankings included three top spots, with several honorable mentions also named. For the quarterback position, the Wolverines were behind only Purdue, checking in at No. 2, with a huge reason being Tom Brady's unmatched professional success as a signal- caller. "Superior depth is not Michigan's strength," Miller wrote. "The program does, however, boast the most accomplished quarterback in NFL history. "Brady alone accomplished what the best two quarter- backs from any other program could combine to offer." The NFL success and longevity of Jim Harbaugh, Brian Griese, Elvis Grbac, Todd Collins and Chad Henne were also mentioned when it came to why U-M cracked the top two. The Wolverines have long held a reputation for having some of the best offensive line groups in the country, and that has translated over to the professional ranks. U-M also came in at No. 2 for its NFL products up front. "In every decade since the AFL-NFL merger, a former Michi- gan lineman has starred at the professional level," Kenyon wrote, citing Pro Football Hall of Famers Dan Dierdorf, Steve Hutchinson, Tom Mack and Reggie McKenzie, and more as U-M blockers that had terrific pro careers, while acknowl- edging that current Tennessee Titan Taylor Lewan is blos- soming into one of the league's top tackles. U-M earned an honorable mention (one of six) in the defensive backs category, with USC, Ohio State and Florida State taking the top three spots, respectively. Depth held the Wolverines out of a ranking for secondary play, even though longtime standouts Charles Woodson and Ty Law are two of the better players at their positions in recent time. "Aside from USC's duo of Ronnie Lott and Troy Polamalu, good luck finding any school with a better one-two punch than Charles Woodson and Ty Law," Miller wrote. To wrap up the series of rankings, Kenyon and Miller granted U-M an honorable mention for the NFL accom- plishments of former Wolverines in both overall offense and defense. U-M ATHLETICS LEADERS TO ACCEPT TEMPORARY PAY CUTS Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Univer- sity of Michigan athletics department is taking measures to protect itself financially. Director of athletics Warde Manuel announced a projected $1-million surplus for the fiscal year 2020, which ended July 1, while the department expects a $26.1-million budget deficit for the 2021 fiscal year. The surplus for 2020 was based on operating revenues of $187.4 million and operating expenses of $186.4 million. The projection of a deficit for 2021 is based on operating revenues of $135.8 million and projected expenses of $161.9 million. In attempting to reduce expenses, Manuel, head football coach Jim Harbaugh, head basketball coach Juwan Howard and senior-level administrators, among others in the depart- ment, will accept 10-percent salary reductions starting Aug. 1, 2020 through the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, full-time staff members earning between $50,000-$100,000 will have salaries reduced by five percent, and employees earning between $100,001-$150,000 will have wages reduced by 7.5 percent during the same period. Athletics department staff earning less than $50,000 will not see any pay reduction. MICHIGAN ANNOUNCES TICKET POLICIES FOR 2020 FOOTBALL SEASON If fans are allowed into Michigan Stadium for football games this fall, the capacity will be reduced due to the CO- VID-19 pandemic, the U-M athletics department announced July 15. "We have been working closely with a wide variety of leaders to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our student-athletes, coaches, fans and support staff associ- ated with a game at Michigan Stadium," director of athlet- ics Warde Manuel said in a statement. "We will follow the direction that all of these agencies and experts continue to provide during this challenging time." Changes that are set to take place are significant, starting with the fact that there will be no season tickets, though season ticket holders' status remains unchanged, with loca- tions being retained for the 2021 season. If fans are indeed allowed to attend in 2020, all home games will be sold on an individual game basis, with sales limited to current season ticket holders and students (and only on mobile platforms). U-M will not sell tickets to the general public. Further details will be issued once it is determined whether or not fans will be allowed inside The Big House this fall. — Clayton Sayfie MAIZE AND BLUE NOTEBOOK On the strength of Tom Brady's unmatched professional success, Michigan was listed at No. 2 on Bleacher Report's "Quarterback U" list. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN