Michigan's Mad Magicians: Legends Patch

Showing posts with label Legends Patch. Show all posts

Friday, August 10, 2012

Legends Patch Nominees: Francis, Albert, and Alvin Wistert

Legends Patch Nominees: Rob Lytle

Legends Patch Nominees: Jim Mandich

Legends Patch Nominees: Rick Leach

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.

Nominee: Rick Leach
One of the finest athletes in Michigan history, Leach three times he was named All-Big Ten quarterback and three times placed in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, finishing third as a senior when he was voted Michigan's and the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player. Named Player of the Year by several athletic clubs and television networks, he was co- most valuable player in the 1979 Rose Bowl and Hula Bowl. All Michigan's career passing, total offense and touchdown records were broken by the lefthander as well as the season record for touchdown passes (17). He set an NCAA record for most touchdowns accounted for (82) and broke Big Ten records for total offense (6,460) total plays (1,034) and touchdown passes (48). He won the Big Ten batting championship as a junior and became one of the few athletes in modern times to become All-American in both football and baseball. He was a first round draft selection by the Detroit Tigers of the American League. - Bentley Historical Library

Legends Patch Nominees: John Navarre

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: John Navarre
Navarre was a three year starter at quarterback for Michigan from 2000-2003, although he split time with Drew Henson during 2000. In the first start of his career, he broke records for most touchdown passes by a quarterback in their first start and most in a season opener with four passing touchdowns. All three of the teams that Navarre led won at least eight games, including the 2003 team that defeated Ohio State in the 100th anniversary of "The Game" and went to the Rose Bowl. When Navarre graduated he held records for pass attempts, completions, yards in a season and passying yards and touchdown passes in a single game. Many of these records were later broken by Chad Henne, who started 45 games in his tenure at Michigan. Navarre was also the only Michigan quarterback to have defeated Jim Tressel during his tenure at Ohio State, something completely unique to him.

Does John Navarre Deserve A Legends Patch?

Thomas Beindit - No

John Navarre's credentials are quite interesting. His career stats and performances were actually quite impressive, but he still doesn't get a large amount of respect from many Michigan fans. Whether it was because he split the quarterback duties in 2000 or had Chris Perry running the ball in his latter years, many fans just don't think he was that great at Michigan. The main things I credit this to was the fact that he was never the single best player on his team and that Michigan did not do extremely well against its rivals with Navarre. In fact, Michigan only went 6-4 against Notre Dame, MSU, and OSU from 2000-2003, although 2000 was primarily Henson at quarterback. I'm not one that only judges off rivalry games, but that coupled with the fact that he was never an All-American and had very good offensive players on every one of his squads to assist him makes me vote no.

Kyle Curtiss - Yes

Ah, John Navarre. One guy whose career stats say something different than the player. Here are some:
Most pass attempts in a season: 456 (2003)
Most pass completions in a season: 270 (2003)
Most passing yards in a season: 3,331 (2003)
Most passing yards in a game: 389 (2003, vs. Iowa)
Most touchdowns passes in a game: 4 (tied for first), three occasions (2000, vs. Bowling Green; 2002, vs. Western Michigan and vs. Illinois)
Most total offensive plays in a season: 504 (2003)
There were times when he played that I didn't trust him. He'd make a bonehead play or throw an interception that just boggled the mind. Of course, Henne did that just as well. He didn't dominate against rivals, but he was very prolific. Short NFL career kind of made him fade into obscurity. But in the end, he gets a yes from me to receive a Legends Patch.

Tyler Fenwick - Yes

I stared at my computer screen for about ten minutes before I finally decided on a yes; I believe John Navarre deserves a Legends Patch. The numbers he was able to put up with the Wolverines are absolutely unbelievable. John Navarre is one of my earliest Michigan memories as a child, and I remember always being in awe at what he was able to do at the quarterback position. And, as we all know, a Legends Patch is more than just the numbers; it's also the contribution. Navarre brought a certain spirit and passion to the Wolverines during his time in a winged helmet that will never go forgotten. For that, I believe John Navarre deserves a Legends Patch.

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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,

Friday, June 29, 2012

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: Ron Kramer

"From East Detroit, Kramer became a two-time All-American and a nine letterman in three sports - football, basketball, and track. Led Wolverine grid scoring for two seasons and did the same in basketball. He was a star receiver, a fine punter, and placekicker, and a ball-carrier as well. Following graduation he embarked on a spectacular pro career with the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions. He was named to the all-Pro team following the 1961 and 1962 seasons, as the Packers went on to win consecutive World Championships. Kramer finished his career with the Detroit Lions, following a trade involving their #1 selection in the 1965 NFL draft. In the long tradition of outstanding Michigan athletes, Ron Kramer deserves to be ranked among the best. A nine-time letterman (three each in football, basketball, and track), Kramer's credits include two consensus football All-American selections (1955-56), the retirement of his jersey number (87) by the Wolverines following his senior season, and the selection as basketball Most Valuable Player for three years standing. After retiring from football in 1968, Kramer was elected into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1971. Later, in 1981, he was named as a recipient of the NCAA's Silver Anniversary Award in recognition of significant professional and civic contributions spanning 25 years after completion of his college eligibility." - Bentley Historical Library

Legends Patch Nominees: Gerald Ford

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.

Nominee: Gerald Ford
Ford played center and linebacker at Michigan. During his tenure, Michigan won national championships in 1932 and 1933. Not only did he play for two national championship teams, but he also was an avid leader for the Wolverines. He once brought assistant coach Bennie Oosterbaan to tears during a game because of his hard work. His most iconic moment at Michigan was when he threatened to quit the team before their game against Georgia Tech because of Georgia Tech's racist policies. His play and leadership at Michigan was exceptional, but he is most well-known for becoming President of the United States in 1974 after the resignation of Richard Nixon. Not only is he the only Michigan alum to ever become President, but he is the only individual in history from the Big Ten to be President. His number #48 jersey was officially retired in 1994 for his contributions, but the Athletic Department has now opted to un-retire its jerseys and consider them for Legends Patches.

Random Musings

Former President Gerald Ford played football at Michigan in the 1930s.

Usually I tend to stick with one topic for an article, but I'm going to branch out tonight and touch on multiple topics.

1. I know my colleague wrote about Brady Hoke's comments about bringing back the No. 48 jersey, for whatever reason, here. While I do agree with what he says, I want to emphasize a couple things.

1a. Gerald Ford's #48 is a retired number. Save for MLB and every player wearing Jackie Robinson's No. 42, I don't think I've ever heard of any team, in any sport, un-retiring a number for this purpose. I've agreed with most decisions that Hoke has made so far, but I can't agree with this one.

1b. It's President Gerald Ford. Now, I support every retired number Michigan has, and I think there should be a couple more. Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson for example. But, President Ford holds a hallowed space in Michigan lore for being the President. No other player in the Big Ten has been able to say that, and unless Tom Brady decides to run for prez when he's done with the NFL, I don't see it happening again. I gotta say it would help having Gisele Bundchen as a First Lady---we would be the envy of other countries in that aspect.

1c. I know the football off season is long, both college and pro, but please stop putting emphasis on what number a certain player is going to wear. I know in the age of media now things can become blown up a lot faster than they used to, but does it really matter outside of who might wear the No. 1? Not really.

I woke up today to find out that in a few brief comments to the radio, Brady Hoke seemed to "spill the beans" regarding the newest addition to the Legends Patch jerseys. Over the past few weeks, we've actually debated several players, including Anthony Carter, William Cunningham, and Jim Harbaugh, on whether or not they should receive the Legends Patch honor.

The jersey number discussed was #48, the jersey worn by former Michigan player and former President Gerald Ford. The number's current status with the football program is retired. No player has been allowed to wear the jersey for years. However, if the hints given by Hoke are true, the jersey's status will soon change and a player will begin wearing the jersey next season.

Legends Patch Nominees: Jim Harbaugh

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.

Nominee: Jim Harbaugh
" In a football program renowned for its rich history of great quarterbacks, Jim Harbaugh stands out as one of the finest. Completely rewriting the Michigan passing record books, Harbaugh's skill and poise led the Wolverines to a Big Ten title in 1985, and a Fiesta Bowl victory in 1986. The nation's most efficient passer in 1985, Harbaugh went on to set several school records, including a single season mark of 2,729 yards. Honors that followed included Michigan's Most Valuable Player, Big Ten Player-of-the-Year, third in Heisman voting, as well as finishing second in the nation in passing efficiency. Became the first quarterback in Wolverine history to throw for over 300 yards in a single game. Harbaugh earned first team All-American honor from the Football News in addition to being named to the Big Ten All-Academic Team. He was also named second team All- American by AP and UPI." - Bentley Historical Library

Does Jim Harbaugh Deserve A Legends Patch?

Thomas Beindit - No

Harbaugh had a very impressive career at Michigan including All-American status, individual records, and great team performances. However, I don't think Harbaugh did quite enough to earn this special distinction with the program. It's called the Legends Patch for a reason. A player that receives this award needs to be a legend with the program. His stats aren't quite impressive as players like Chad Henne, even though they played in different eras, and his contributions and team success wasn't that spectacular or unique. He had some great moments such as his 1986 guaranteed victory over Ohio State in the Horseshoe and when he led the nation in passing efficiency in 1985, but is that enough to get a Legends Patch? He did get 3rd in the Heisman voting in 1986, but I'm still not sure that's quite enough. To me, you have to be the icon at the position, linked to something inherit in the school, or win a Heisman. I can't say any of those about Harbaugh. Plus, as of late, he hasn't treated Michigan with as much respect as many would prefer. Perhaps this sentiment will fade with time, but as of now, Harbaugh doesn't deserve a Legends Patch.

Kyle Curtiss - No

I'm going to agree with the major consensus here. When I think of old school quarterbacks for Michigan, Harbaugh is a name I always think of. Maybe it's because I enjoyed watching him play for the Indianapolis Colts? Whatever the reason is, I don't think he deserves a Legends Patch. Possibly a "very good" Patch. I don't put any stock into his treatment of Michigan. He's a good coach who's allowed his own opinion. He didn't want to coach here? That's fine. We have Brady Hoke now. His career at Michigan can best be summed up as a jack of all trades, master of none. Don't get me wrong, I personally love the guy. I just don't think he had the career of a legend.

Tyler Fenwick - No

I hate to go with the crowd on this one, but I don't believe Jim Harbaugh deserves a Legends Patch. His career doesn't really pop out to me. Last week, in William Cunningham's case, I easily said yes because of his contributions to the University. I don't feel like Harbaugh holds the same kind of status. Another unique way to look at this is to consider how we would answer if he had taken the vacant job at Michigan when Rich Rodriguez was fired. Our views would be very more positive of him (I'm not saying our views are necessarily negative), and I think I would probably be tempted to say yes to the Legends Patch. But that isn't the case, so I don't feel like Harbaugh put together an impressive enough resume to deserve the Legends Patch.

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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

Friday, June 1, 2012

Legends Patch Nominees: William Cunningham

To me, Cunningham is about as amazing a player as you're going to find at the school, especially in the school's early days and before college football really became mainstream. Not only was he the school's first All-American and really one of the first All-Americans outside of the Ivy League schools, but he inspired the school's fight song. All awards and stats aside, how can a player do more for a school than inspire the school's fight song? Even look at some of Michigan's past legends like Yost, Crisler, and Bo. All did an amazing job for the school and changed a lot, but Cunningham has something that none of them have and that's the fight song. When a player has something linked to the university so unique that the university's most prestigious coaches don't even have that award, you know that player is pretty special. Cunningham has the eternal tie to "The Victors" and the university, but he also was an outstanding football player and deserves the recognition.

Kyle Curtiss - No

Cunningham can be well recognized for his contributions to Michigan, and the "The Victors". However, I do not believe he should be awarded a Legends Patch. I know football players of yesteryear do not receive the recognition that they should, or that they've earned, but I'd want the patch to go to a player who is synonymous with Michigan football. Brady, Thomas, Terrell, Harmon, Yost, Crisler, Schembechler, Hart, Long; these are just a small sampling of the names that when are mentioned, are directly tied to Michigan football. I'm not disparaging the memory of Cunningham, and I know it was over a 100 years ago, but awarding a patch to a person who's major contribution to Michigan history is not his play or coaching on the field? Not for me.

Tyler Fenwick - Yes

When Rich Rodriguez went down the drain and everyone was talking about getting a "Michigan Man", they were talking about guys like William Cunningham. To me, you can't do much more from an individual standpoint that inspire your school's fight song and win its first All-American award. It can't be done. He especially stands out because of the tremendous 1898 team that went 10-0, won the Western Conference (now the Big Ten), and outscored its opponents 205-26 all season. That kind of a team performance is what sparks individual accolades. For me, the answer is pretty simple: yes. Cunningham deserves this recognition with the Legends Patch.

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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

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* - Cunningham had no known jersey number as they were not used actively during his tenure. Regardless, the staff wanted to debate his merits regarding this award. He obviously cannot be awarded, but he should at least be recognized for his contributions.

Friday, May 25, 2012

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

Friday, May 18, 2012

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.

Pages

Friday, August 10, 2012

Legends Patch Nominees: Francis, Albert, and Alvin Wistert

Friday, July 27, 2012

Legends Patch Nominees: Rob Lytle

Friday, July 20, 2012

Legends Patch Nominees: Jim Mandich

Friday, July 13, 2012