Legends Patch Nominees: Anthony Carter

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated

Since Desmond Howard became the first Michigan player to receive a Legends Patch, there has been much debate surrounding which players deserve the award as well.  In an effort to settle some of the debate, we will be breaking down a former Michigan football player that we believe should be analyzed as a nominee for a Legends Patch.  This does not mean our writers believe they should be formally nominated in some way, but only that their credentials should be reviewed. If you have an opinion please comment or contact our writers via Twitter.

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Nominee: Anthony Carter For The #1 Jersey
"Called the most dominant player at his position in college football, he also became just the eighth three-time All American in Big Ten history (the first in 36 years) and the first receiver to surpass 3,000 yards in pass receptions. Voted captain of the 1982 team, he was the Wolverines' Most Valuable Player twice (1980-1982). Just 5 feet, 11 inches, and 160 pounds, but having outstanding quickness he shattered virtually every Michigan career pass receptions, kick return and scoring record, including touchdowns (40), points (244), receptions (161), yards (3,076), and touchdown catches (37), also a Big Ten record. His 14 touchdown receptions set a single season Michigan record. He compiled the highest yard average for all-purpose running in NCAA history (17.4) and his 33 touchdown receptions during regular season games is the second best total in NCAA history. He ranked fourth in the 1982 Heisman Trophy balloting, receiving more votes than any player other than running backs and quarterbacks. Carter capped his career by being voted the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player in 1982." - Bentley Historical Library 


Does Anthony Carter Deserve A Legends Patch?

Thomas Beindit - Yes
Carter was not only a dominant receiver for Michigan, but he was a dominant player in the Big Ten, nation, and of his era.  For a time when the rules made it difficult for wide receivers to have a significant impact, Carter directly impacted games.  On numerous occasions, he was able to individually "take over" the game and change the outcome.  The most obvious instance of this was in the game against Lee Corso's Indiana Hoosiers when he caught the game winning touchdown pass as time expired.  However, Carter's legacy goes beyond his game contributions.  He was the receiver that made the #1 jersey famous for the university and should be credited for starting the idea that led to the Legends Patch idea.  The #1 jersey has been given to elite wide receivers since Carter wore it.  To me, the fact that he started this tradition and made such huge contributions is enough for me to support him receiving a Legends Patch.

Kyle Curtiss -Yes
Here's why--he was freaking Anthony Carter!! Granted, he never had the stats that some receivers have today, but records say more than just the numbers. He had "it". Ask any coach out there what is "it" for a receiver and Carter was one of them. Carter is a literal legend in the Big Ten, and at Michigan. If we're going to honor Desmond (like we should) or Woodson (like we should), then Carter should be mentioned in the same reverie.





Tyler Desy - Yes
My basis for saying yes that he deserves it is simple. The #1 jersey...there is a whole mystique and tradition with that number.  Set aside from the amazing numbers that he put up in his career at Michigan, the jersey is supposedly only given to a select few recipients (the big play receiver) so why not make it a Legends Patch?  If you know Michigan football, then you know Anthony Carter. It's really quite simple.  He made countless big plays and was that dominant receiver the team needed. Guys like David Terrell and Braylon Edwards wore the #1 and both were amazing and like Carter took over a majority of their games at Michigan. He is such a legend for the program that he deserves to this special award.. Desmond fittingly has a patch for the number 21, so I believe Mr. Carter deserves one as well. I believe if they are going to keep this tradition going then the athletic department need to seriously consider making the #1 jersey a patch for Anthony Carter.

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All writers are entitled to their own opinion and those may or may not represent the held beliefs of Hoke's Mad Magicians as an entity. Readers are welcome to comment below or contact the writers via Twitter with  their thoughts