The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
Mark Messner Ranks As U-M's Most Productive Defensive Tackle Michigan senior Jibreel Black is hoping to rack up the tackles for loss and sacks this season, but he has a long way to go before he's among the most productive defensive tackles in Michigan history. Through three years, Black has tallied 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, with a career-high five tackles for loss and three sacks last season. Mark Messner (1985-88) is, by far, the most prolific U-M defensive tackle — if not defensive player, period — in recent years. Messner, a four-year starter at defensive tackle, twice recorded Messner 20 or more tackles for loss in a single season, with 26 in 1988 (which ranks second in single-season program history) and 20 in 1987 (which ranks eighth in single-season program history). Three of his campaigns rank in the top 15 in single-season sack totals, too. He tallied 11 in 1985 (second in program history), 10 in 1987 (seventh) and eight in 1988 (13th). Messner finished his career with an impressive 70 tackles for loss and 36 sacks, numbers that no player has come close to touching. Former defensive end Brandon Graham (2006-09) is second in program history in tackles for loss (56) and sacks (29.5), well behind Messner. As a frame of reference, the NCAA record for career tackles for loss is 75, just five more than Messner (Western Michigan's Jason Babin, 2000-03). The NCAA record for career sacks is 44, eight more than Messner (Arizona State's Terrell Suggs, 2000-02). Messner's exploits on the field are legendary, but it should be noted that the Wolverines used a 3-4 defense during his career. As the end man on the line of scrimmage, Messner has more options than a player like Black, who shares his side of the field with a defensive end. Most Career Sacks By A U-M Defensive Tackle, Since 1980 Years Name PlayedSacks 1. Mark Messner 1985-88 36* 2. Chris Hutchinson 1989-92 24 3. Jason Horn 1992-95 24 4. Mike Hammerstein1981-85 17 5. Mike Evans 1988-91 17 *Program record for career sacks Most Career Tackles For Loss By A U-M Defensive Tackle, Since 1978 YearsTackles Name PlayedFor Loss 1. Mark Messner 1985-88 70* 2. Curtis Greer 1976-79 48 3. Jason Horn 1992-95 39 4. William Carr 1993-96 39 5. Chris Hutchinson1989-92 38 *Program record for career tackles for loss