Michigan Wolverines Football

Michigan Wolverines Football

MATT THOMPSON

Sports Editor

University of Michigan logo
Michigan saw a wide variety of football in the 2000’s, from coach Lloyd Carr’s 11-0 start in 2006, to Rich Rodriguez’s first year at 3-9 and missing a bowl game. Either way, there was plenty of talent on the field in Michigan Stadium, with many of these Wolverines playing on Sundays now.

Offense

Quarterback, Chad Henne (2004-2007) The four-year starter re-wrote the record book for Michigan passing stats. As a freshman, he led Michigan to a Rose Bowl appearance.


Running backs

Chris Perry (2000-2003) Perry was a big part in both of Michigan victories against Ohio State this decade. During his senior year he won the Big Ten MVP. Mike Hart (2004-2007) Like Henne, he started throughout his career and made his own record books for Michigan rushing .

Wide receivers

Braylon Edwards (2001-2004) A big, strong and fast receiver with all the intangibles for a great playmaker. He has the most receptions, yards and touchdowns in Ann Arbor. Marquise Walker (2000-2001) Although his career started in 1998, he left his stamp at Michigan at the turn of the century. .

Tight end

Bennie Joppru (2000-2002) In 2002, Joppru was named an Associated Press All-America for his 53 receptions and five touchdowns. .

Offensive Line

Left tackle: Jake Long (2003-2007) The two-time, Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and All-America, Backus Award winner was selected first overall in the 2008 NFL draft. Guard: Steve Hutchinson (2000) In his one season Hutchinson played this decade, he didn’t allow a sack and was named Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. Right tackle: Adam Stenavich (2002-2005) Two-time All-America, Stenavich will sadly be most remembered for being arrested and not starting the 2005 Rose Bowl. Guard: Matt Lentz (2002-2005) First Team All- Big Ten in his junior season and Second Team as a senior. Center: David Baas (2001-2004) Baas played center and was awarded All- Big Ten honors and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2004. .

Defense

Defensive Line: Gabe Watson (2002-2005) Twice named All-Big Ten, he finished his career at Michigan with 94 tackles, 14.5 for loss and five sacks playing tackle. Alan Branch (2004-2006) Branch came up big on the biggest of stages in 2006 when he caught his first career interception for No. 2 Michigan against No. 1 Ohio State. Lamar Woodley (2003-2006) He was the anchor to the amazing 2005 defensive front that led Michigan to two Rose Bowls. Brandon Graham (2005-2009) The heart and soul of this season’s defense. In the year’s biggest win, Graham wrapped up 3.5 sacks against Notre Dame. .

Linebackers

Larry Foote (2000-2001) Enjoyed one of the best years of any Michigan linebacker. In one game against Iowa, he collected three sacks and a record seven tackles for loss. Shawn Crable (2004-2007) A two-time Second Team All-Big Ten player who anchored a strong defense in 2006 that started the season 11-0. David Harris (2003-2006) In his last two seasons playing in Michigan Stadium, he led the team in tackles and won the award for Michigan’s best linebacker in both seasons. .

Defensive backs

Corner: Marlin Jackson (2001-2004) One of the best shut-down defenders at corner this decade, he made big plays, including two touchdown returns in his career. Leon Hall (2003-2006) He picked off more passes than any other player this decade at Michigan with 12 and broke up the most passes ever at Michigan, 43. .

Safeties

Ernest Shazor (2002-2004) He led the team in tackles his senior year and intercepted two passes to become a finalist in the Jim Thorpe Award. Jamar Adams (2004-2007) His most productive season as in 2007, when he led the team in tackles, interceptions and pass break ups. .

Special Teams

Kick/Punt Returner Stevie Breaston (2003-2006) Owns the school record of five returns for touchdowns. He also ran for an unbelievable 3,592 return yards in his career at Michigan. That’s more than two miles, folks. .

Kicker

Garret Rivas (2003-2006) Michigan’s all-time leading scorer, he connected for 64 field goals at a 78-percent rate. .

Punter

Zoltan Mesko (2006-2009) A finalist for the Ray Guy Award (nation’s top punter), and a two-time All-Big Ten punter.