The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/213966
But even in the last quarter century, the Wolverines have featured athletes able to multitask. Some notable ones include: • Charles Woodson (1995-97) — Woodson set the standard for modern-day jack-of-all-trades work. In Michigan's national championship season of 1997, his efforts on defense, offense and special teams helped propel him to the Heisman Trophy. Woodson picked off eight passes that season, including huge interceptions against Ohio State and in the Rose Bowl versus Washington State, as well as a memorable one-hander in East Lansing. But he also caught a dozen passes for 238 yards and a pair of touchdowns on offense, while causing defensive scrambles anytime he entered the game. His 78-yard game-changer of a punt return touchdown against the Buckeyes will remain ever etched in Michigan minds. • Jay Riemersma (1992-95) — Before showing his versatility in politics, Riemersma executed a notable move from backup quarterback to tight end. After realizing he wasn't rising to the top of the QB depth chart, Riemersma proved a huge boost elsewhere, snagging 41 passes for 370 yards and a touchdown in his senior season. • Andy Mignery (1999-2003) — Mignery made a similar move, shifting to tight end from quarterback. Mignery wound up making five catches for 73 yards, including a pair of touchdowns, getting off a 46-yard punt in Michigan in the 2002 Outback Bowl against Florida, and helping the Wolverines to a Big Ten title the following year. Countless others have also shifted around when asked, finding their niche and helping the Wolverines win in the process. — John Borton Andy Mignery, who played at Michigan from 1999-2003, shifted from quarterback to tight end during his U-M career. photo by Per Kjeldsen