The Big House Boys: Michigan's All Time Best

There's no topic more hotly debated among fans of the same team than an "all-time" list.

Fifty-year reunion alums don't agree with the student section on the soundtrack choices at the stadium—let alone a multi-generational squad of gridiron All Stars.

With a football tradition as rich as there exists at the University of Michigan, there are easily thousands of "top-ten" player combinations. Any list of the ten best Wolverine alumni is sure to leave out a Benny Friedman or a Tim Biakabutuka.

In the end, every U-M fan can agree on one thing±there have been too many All-Americans that have worn the Maize and Blue to reduce to a list. Every year, another freshman steps into the Big House and has the potential to become a legend.

Go Blue. Beat Ohio State.

10. Jake Long (OL)

Since statistics at offensive line positions are not as gaudy as skill positions, Jake Long’s contributions while at Michigan are simply measured in units of leadership.

Long was one of only eleven players in school history to be named team captain twice. He made 40 starts at the tackle position and was the anchor of a line which helped Mike Hart become the career rushing leader at Michigan.

In 2006 and 2007, Long was named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. As a senior, Long was flagged for a penalty only once and allowed one sack all year.

A two-time All American, Long became the first pick of the NFL draft in 2008 for the Miami Dolphins, a testament to his value for a rebuilding franchise.

9. Ron Simpkins (LB)

Team MVP and All-American in 1979, Simpkins became the all-time leading tackler in Michigan history with 516.

A three-time All Big Ten selection, Simpkins was an individual terror who anchored the Wolverine defense. Simpkins recorded 174 tackles in 1977 and 168 in 1978—ranking first and second, respectively, on Michigan’s list for tackles in a season.

8. Mike Hart (RB)

What Mike Hart left at the University of Michigan following his senior season was a rushing legacy above all others. Rushing in the Big Ten is no easy task, even if you’re following Jake Long on the outside.

While he was a Wolverine, Hart was a pillar of reliability carrying the football, fumbling only three times in his college career.

In 2004, Hart set the record for most yards in a season by a freshman with 1,455. Mike Hart finished his tenure at Michigan with 5,040 yards on 1015 attempts, both school records. Hart was a perfect example of Big Ten efficiency averaging 5.0 yards per carry and scoring 41 touchdowns.

Hart’s running style wasn’t flashy, just hard-nosed and relentless. Hart is the most recent Michigan graduate who fully embodies the spirit and tradition of the Maize and Blue.

7. Ron Kramer (TE)

One of the greatest athletes in school history, Kramer was a nine-time letterman in football, basketball, and track. He dominated on the gridiron with his athleticism, leading the team in scoring twice).

Kramer’s number 87 is one of only four retired at Michigan.

Bennie Oosterbaan, head coach at Michigan while Kramer played, had this to say of the man: "To top off his marvelous physical gifts of size and speed and strength, plus an uncanny coordination, Kramer was one of the fiercest competitors I've ever seen.

"Nothing was impossible for him—the impossible was only a challenge."

6. Tom Curtis (DB)

Not one of the more popular Wolverines, Curtis is the greatest ball hawk in Big Ten history.

Curtis recorded 25 total interceptions during his tenure at Michigan, the same number he wore on his jersey. His interceptions led to an NCAA record 431 return yards.

Curtis’ body of work is in classic Big Ten defensive fashion. His records have stood for thirty years and with skilled defensive backs leaving early for the NFL draft, they don’t appear to be in jeopardy.

Curtis also went on to be a successful professional, winning Super Bowl V with the Baltimore Colts in 1971.

5. Tom Harmon (RB)

Widely considered as Michigan’s greatest player, “Old 98” became the first in school history to win the Heisman Trophy in 1940.

Individual records aside, it was Harmon’s performances against Ohio State that stood out. For that work, Harmon earned a special place in the hearts of Michigan fans and alumni, culminating in the retiring of his number.

In his final season as a Wolverine, Harmon put up numbers that will never be seen again by an individual player. In a 40-0 rout of Ohio State, Harmon rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns, completed 11-of-12 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, kicked four extra points, intercepted three passes (including one for a touchdown) and averaged 50 yards per punt.

Harmon received a standing ovation following his epic performance—from the crowd at Ohio State.

4. Anthony Carter (WR)

Despite playing at a time when Michigan relied heavily on running backs, “The Darter” but up some of the best numbers at wide receiver in the school’s history.

Carter was only 5’11” and 160 lbs. As a result he used his exceptional speed to break the big play.

Carter’s 45-yard touchdown catch against Indiana in 1979 is widely regarded as the most exciting play in Michigan’s history, accentuated by Bob Ufer’s legendary call. Ufer described Carter as a “human torpedo.”

When he graduated, Carter held almost every receiving and return record at Michigan, including touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards, receiving average, punt return and kick return yards.

3. LaMarr Woodley (DE)

“Guns Don’t Kill People, LaMarr Woodley Kills People.”

This slogan, which was printed on tee shirts and sold by a Michigan fan, epitomized LaMarr Woodley’s play while at U-M. Woodley piled up the individual honors at Michigan, becoming the first Wolverine ever to win the prestigious Lombardi Trophy as the nation’s top lineman on either side of the ball.

In 2006, Woodley had his finest individual season while helping the Wolverines lead the nation in rush defense at only 43 yards allowed per game. That year, Woodley recorded 16.5 tackles for loss, forced four fumbles, 12 sacks (for minus 119 yards) and 36 tackles en route to a dominating season that solidified Woodley in Michigan record books for all time.

Woodley’s defensive supremacy has continued in the NFL as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, helping the team capture their sixth Super Bowl championship in February 2009.

2. Desmond Howard (WR)

Howard brought freakish athleticism on offense and special teams to the traditionally smash-mouth Big Ten. Howard became the first receiver in Big Ten history to lead the conference in scoring.

A junior at Michigan, Howard became an All-American by setting records for most points scored (138) and most touchdowns (23).

More importantly, Howard won the 1991 Heisman trophy by the second-largest margin of victory at the time.

Not only did Howard also receive the Walter Camp Trophy, the Maxwell Award, Big Ten Athlete of the Year and the AP Offensive Player of the Year, he was voted Most Valuable Player by his teammates.

Desmond Howard is best known for his Heisman trophy pose after scoring on a 93-yard punt return for a touchdown. Howard continued his electric performances in the NFL, earning Super Bowl MVP honors in 1996 for the Green Bay Packers as a punt and kick return man.

1. Charles Woodson (DB)

There was never a shut-down corner at Michigan like Charles Woodson. As a junior, Woodson became only the third Wolverine to win the Heisman trophy in 1997, finishing the season with eight interceptions from the cornerback position.

The runner-ups that year are a veritable who’s who of NFL superstars with the likes of Peyton Manning, Randy Moss, and Ricky Williams finishing behind Woodson in the voting.

Woodson was a talented athlete who also saw time on offense as a receiver and was a dangerous return man on special teams. His defensive effort helped propel the team to a 12-0 record and a National Championship, as well as earn Woodson the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s best defensive player.

While Woodson did star at a skill position, his time at Michigan was punctuated by grit and heart as he started 34 straight games after winning the job as a freshman.

Woodson’s most memorable moments came at the best times. His stand-out performances against Ohio State include two interceptions as a freshman, and his most remarkable pick was a one-hander on the sideline against Michigan State.

As a pro, Woodson has continued his outstanding play. He is a five-time All-Pro and recorded an interception in Super Bowl XXXVII while playing hurt.