The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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freshman, being on the line espe- cially and blocking guys three or four years older than he is, is a tough task. I see him progressing with blocking, catching and everything. He's really embraced his role and put the work in to it." There's still plenty to do, too, and he knows it. Another offseason in the weight room will help with both the physique and his recovery; for now, though, he's concentrating on finish- ing strong. There are two games to go, and one is against the hometown Buckeyes. After that there are two more years to prove he's worthy of men- tion among the Michigan greats at his position. Junior Devin Funchess, who has switched to No. 1 this sea- son, had worn Ron Kramer 's Leg- ends No. 87, and it's now open if Butt earns it. "It would be a great honor," Butt said. "At the same time, I would like to make my own number a legends number." That one he says in all seriousness, knowing he has the ability to back it up. ❑ Michigan's Best Pass-Catching Tight Ends Of The Last 25 Years Tony McGee (1989-92): McGee caught only 39 yards in passes in 1991 after making just one reception for nine yards a year earlier, but he exploded for 38 receptions, 467 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a senior in 1992 in earning All-Big Ten honors. His 1993 Rose Bowl performance — six catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns — would have earned him game MVP honors if not for running back Tyrone Wheatley's 235-yard performance, and he became a second- round NFL Draft pick (No. 37 overall, Cincinnati) because of it. McGee spent 10 years in the NFL, all but one with the Bengals. Jay Riemersma (1992-95): A converted quarterback, Riemersma flourished as a tight end and became the team's third-leading receiver in 1994 with 33 re- ceptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns. His five catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in a 26-24 victory at Notre Dame included a long grab near midfield that set up kicker Remy Hamilton's game-winning field goal. He notched 41 catches for 370 yards and a touchdown a year later and capped his last home game with a career long 35-yard reception in a 31-23 win over Ohio State. He twice earned All-Big Ten honors and spent nine years in the NFL, seven with the Buffalo Bills, after being drafted in the seventh round in 1996. Jerame Tuman (1995-98): Tuman became perhaps the most prolific tight end in Michigan history during his career, earning first-team All-Big Ten hon- ors in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He also earned All-America honors in 1997 as the starting tight end for the undefeated national champions. He started 11 of the 12 games in 1997, finishing the season ranked second on the team with 29 receptions and 437 receiving yards. Tuman closed his career with 98 receptions