The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Funchess had already taken steps to ensure he didn't offend in switching to No. 1. He'd worn with pride the No. 87 Legends jersey honoring former U-M All-American Ron Kramer. But Funchess had made the switch from tight end to wide receiver, and clearly coveted the No. 1 jersey worn by the likes of Michigan greats such as Edwards, Anthony Carter, David Terrell, Greg McMurtry, Derrick Al- exander and others. So he called the Kramer family, making certain to get their blessing with regard to the switch. "It was a great honor," Funchess said. "I took the initiative to call Kurt Kramer, Ron Kramer 's son, to ask him about the situation. He said that it was okay. I thanked him, and then Coach [Brady] Hoke made the final decision." "Ron Kramer may have been the best player ever to play here, best ath- lete ever to play here," Hoke pointed out. "So he talked to Kurt, his son, and Devin being more of a wide re- ceiver, obviously, he thought that's what he wanted to do. And believe me I asked him who has worn No. 1, and he started with Anthony Carter and went down the list, so I think that he earned it." Fifth-year senior quarterback Devin Gardner, just days later, offered an opinion going well beyond Funchess earning the No. 1 jersey. "He could probably be the best re- ceiver to ever play here," Gardner said. Certainly those who remember Carter, a three-time All-American, or Edwards, whose three 1,000-yard receiving seasons and 3,541 receiv- ing yards are unmatched in Big Ten history, might disagree. Few would discount that Funchess has the tools to make a lasting mark on Michigan football. As a sophomore making the tran- sition from tight end to wideout in 2013, Funchess secured 49 catches for 748 yards and six touchdowns, even while senior Jeremy Gallon set a Michigan record for single-season receiving yards (1,373). Through three games this year, Funchess had already amassed 16 catches for 202 yards and three touchdowns, taking defensive backfields by storm. Even in the misery of a shutout loss at Notre Dame, Funchess stood out as an offensive bright spot. He man- aged nine catches for 107 yards in that game, giving the Wolverines their only individual skill performer with more than 30 yards rushing or receiving. Funchess worked tirelessly in the offseason, trying to shore up the parts of his game where cracks remain. Soaring over defensive backs to make catches? Check. Using his size and physicality to overcome defenders opponents? Check. Piling up yards af- ter the catch? Double-check, including some memorable leaps over unwitting defenders turned track hurdles. The junior knew, though, that he needed to catch the football better when he wasn't in a tight spot. Funch- ess made some memorable drops a year ago, and wide receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski noted that a lot of great receivers have seen some slip away. In fact, that became the knock on Edwards in his early days in a Michi-