Legends Patch Nominees: Bennie Oosterbaan

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: Bennie Oosterbaan
"Michigan's first, and one of only two, three-time All-Americans. Considered one of the greatest pass receivers of his era. Chosen on the All-Time All-American team in 1951. Also a National Football Hall of Fame member with his team-mate Benny Friedman to join such other Wolverines preceding him as Snow, Heston, Schulz and Kipke. Named to Michigan Hall of Fame as well. One of the greatest all-around athletes in Big-Ten history, All-American in basketball and All-Conference in baseball as he won nine letters. With Friedman, formed one of football's foremost passing combinations. Later coached his Alma mater when the Wolverines won or shared Big Ten titles three times, captured the 1951 Rose Bowl and earned national football championship in 1948. Football Coach of the Year in 1948." - Bentley Historical Library

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

Roy Roundtree Gets The #21 Jersey

In a surprising move, Brady Hoke has announced that Roy Roundtree will be wearing the #21 jersey next season.  This is the number that Sugar Bowl MVP Junior Hemingway wore last season and that of famed Michigan Heisman winner Desmond Howard.  The jersey and Howard are most famous for his spectacular "Hello Heisman" play against Ohio State.

According to the athletic website, Roundtree was not aware of the decision and simply arrived in the locker room to learn that his jersey number had been changed.  Since the jersey number had been dedicated to Desmond Howard last season in the Under the Lights game, they asked him to comment and he only had positive things to say about Roundtree and the coaching staff's decision.

We actually broke down a similar topic earlier in the year when we discussed the possibility of Roundtree being awarded the #1 jersey, which belonged to famed Michigan receiver Anthony Carter.  Most seemed opposed to the idea and I tend to agree.  However, I'm less opposed to Roundtree receiving the #21 jersey.  Technically, the #1 has not been honored by the athletic department yet, but all Michigan fans know of its importance to the players, fans, and program.

The receiver that gets the #1 jersey is supposed to be the best the best receiver on the field and someone that can simply take over a game.  Roundtree, although talented, probably does not have that capability.  He certainly can make some big plays and impact the game significantly, but I don't see him having a game like Anthony Carter or Braylon Edwards.  These types of receivers were dominant at the position and controlled much of the offense and game.

However, the #21 jersey has its own distinct history.  Demond Howard obviously was a great player and won the Heisman because of his talents, but I have never viewed the #21 in the same way.  I like that they're keeping the jersey with somebody so dedicated to Michigan.  Desmond represents Michigan and college football on an almost daily basis and has a deep love for Michigan.  Junior Hemingway, the receiver that wore the #21 last season, obviously has a deep love for Michigan as well.  I'm sure everybody remembers his emotional speech after the team's Sugar Bowl victory.

I think Roundtree embodies much of this love for the school and program and I think that's probably one of the reasons they decided to give him the jersey.  Along with this, he seems to be set-up for a big season next year and I think he could play a significant role in Michigan's offense.  Now, the only remaining question is whether or not he will live up to the hype and tradition of the jersey.

Michigan's Best: No. 47 Bennie Oosterbaan

For most players, earning All-American honors once is an honor, but for #47, it was just one of his many accomplishments that helped craft one of the greatest athletes in Michigan history.  When Bennie Oosterbaan graduated in 1928, he had set a bar that would never be topped throughout the school's history.  He did this by breaking records in all three of his sports (football, basketball, and baseball) and earning a total of nine varsity letters, something that would be baffling in today's world.  Certainly times have changed since the late 1920s, but this in no way diminishes the accomplishments of #47 at the University of Michigan.  He was one of the school's first "superstar" athletes and remains an icon today.

Football


While attending Michigan, Bennie played three sports, but he is probably known best for his football accomplishments.  He played as both a wide receiver and defensive end.  He was the first player in history to achieve three seasons as an All-American football player at Michigan and remains one of only two players in team history ever to accomplish this feat (the other is famed receiver Anthony Carter).

Bennie's impressive three All-American awards were impressive, but not unwarranted.  Bennie led the Big Ten during the 1925 with eight touchdowns and made numerous crucial plays that propelled the Wolverines to an impressive 20-4 record with two Big Ten championships under famed coach Fielding Yost (his second tenure as the school).  One of his bright moments occurred in the Michigan v. Minnesota battle for the Brown Jug, where Bennie returned a fumble 60 yards for a touchdown that ultimately decided the game.

At one point, Bennie was even voted as the team's MVP.  Part of this consensus was because of his performance in big games.  In one of the most historic games in school history, the dedication of the Big House against Ohio State in 1927, he ended up throwing three touchdown passes in a 21-0 victory over the Buckeyes.  This marked a historic period for Bennie and The Game as Michigan never lost to Ohio State while Bennie attended school (Bennie played three years on the varsity team).

Basketball & Baseball

Although most athletes, at least currently, limit themselves to one sport, Bennie was an award winning athlete in three different sports.  Not only was he a 3X All-American football player, but he also was a 2X All-American basketball player.  One of his major accomplishments during basketball play was when he led the Big Ten in scoring during his senior season.  He still remains the only athlete in Michigan history ever to achieve the distinct honor of being a basketball and football All-American.

One top of his amazing football and basketball accomplishments, he also was a good baseball player.  Aside from earning three varsity letters on the baseball team, he also earned the honor of being the Big Ten's Batting Champion in 1928.  This is an incredible feat by itself, but accompanied by his oustanding football and basketball success, it becomes even more impressive.  Baseball is technically the sport that Bennie was "worst" at while he was at Michigan, but he still ended up being an All-Big Ten player.  The only difference was his amazing success on the basketball court and football field.

Coaching


For most players, this would have been the end of the story, but not for #47.  Instead of taking his shot in the professional football or basketball leagues, he decided to return in an attempt to coach at the University of Michigan.  Most claim this decision revolved around Bennie's religious practices, which banned him from playing on Sundays.  Whatever the reason, he quickly became an assistant football and basketball coach for the years following his graduate.  He served in this capacity until he took over as head basketball coach at Michigan.

Bennie was certainly a talented basketball player, but he never seemed to be able to translate that talent as a basketball coach.  The best finish under Bennie's tenure was 5th in the Big Ten during his almost 8 year span. Following his tenure as basketball coach, he succeeded the famed Fritz Crisler as head football coach and led one of the most dominant periods in Michigan history.  His first three teams all won Big ten championships and he led the team that won the 1951 Rose Bowl.  The team faded in the later years of his tenure as they failed to win another Big Ten championship under #47.  After he resigned from the head coaching position, he moved to a staff position to handle alumni relations.

#47 Retired

Bennie's number was the first number to ever be retired in Michigan football history.  When his collegiate career ended in 1927, it only took until the 1928 season for his jersey number to be removed from team rotation.  It took until the 1938 season before the number's retirement was officially announced to the media, but in truth, the #47 has never been used for another player since Bennie walked off the field.  He had an enormous impact on both the football and basketball programs and is truly one of Michigan's "Leaders and Best."