The 2006 Michigan Wolverines: Where Are They Now?

2006 was a special year for the Maize and Blue. It all started when they went into South Bend and trounced Notre Dame who was ranked No. 2 at the time. They followed it with another impressive win against Wisconsin. That set the tone for a great season and a showdown with the Buckeyes.

Although Michigan lost that game, it will go down as one of the greatest games ever in that rivalry. Unfortunately, it ended with a not so great performance against USC in the Rose Bowl.

How that team is remembered really depends on the individual. For me, it will be the last great team under Lloyd Carr. It represents the end of one era and the start of a new one. Although my feelings about the new regime are mixed at this point, I still love Michigan and will always be loyal to it's current and former players.

Looking back at that 2006 team, it is always fun for me to look at where they are now. Many of the key members of that team are now on NFL rosters. Three of them were in the Super Bowl last year. Two of them figure to be key players for many years with the Dolphins. Unfortunately, others haven't faired as well.

Jake Long

This guy was a rock in Ann Arbor. He went on to be the No. 1 pick by the Dolphins. He made the Pro Bowl as rookie. So far, Long is the biggest success story from the team.

Chad Henne

After starting all four years at Michigan, he was drafted in the second round by the Dolphins. Henne hardly played his rookie year. He really only saw action in mop-up time. He did impress Bill Parcells in the Pre-Season and is considered the quarterback of the future. He figures to once again back up Chad Pennington this year before one day taking over.

Mike Hart

After being the heart and soul of the Michigan team, Hart was drafted in the later rounds by the Colts. Although he had a decent pre-season, he didn't play much behind Joseph Addai. Unfortunately, he may be in a situation where he is stuck. I know this one would break my heart if he doesn't get a chance at the NFL because of what he meant to Michigan.

Steve Breaston

After being Mr. everything for four years at Michigan, he now finds himself catching passes from Kurt Warner in Arizona. Along with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, he is part of one of the most explosive receiving corps in the NFL. He also got to play in the Super Bowl.

Mario Manningham

This guy was known to make the big play at Michigan. Henne to Manningham deep brings back the memories. Unfortunately he didn't do much as a rookie for the Giants. I guess running past defenders in the Big-10 doesn't make you great in the NFC East.

Adrian Arrington

Arrington was another key target for Henne. Unfortunately he never got to play for the Saints as a rookie.

Lamar Woodley

After being a dominant linebacker at Michigan, Woodley has picked up where he left off with the Steelers. He has a Super Bowl ring to prove it.

Leon Hall

Hall was an awesome shutdown corner in Ann Arbor. He is doing quite well as a starter in the NFL. Unfortunately it could go unnoticed with the Bengals.

Alan Branch

He was a mean defensive tackle at Michigan. Currently with the Cardinals, he is another player who was at the Super Bowl last year. Unfortunately he didn't have the same impact as either Breaston or Woodley.

While it is still way too early to evaluate any of their pro careers, it is easy to project who will succeed and fail at the NFL level. Irregardless of what their pro careers become, these guys were all great in Ann Arbor and are all missed.