Tag Archives: Michigan

In our 8th installment of College football’s greatest players ever by position, we feature the Kick & Punt return specialist.   Back in the day of smash mouth football, when you returned kicks,  you were a member of the "Suicide Squad."   Today you have an entire squad of coaches, and you are a member of the "Special Teams."  Either way, the kick/punt returners featured in our list were more than suicidal and special - they were confident, fast, quick and the most exciting players on the field.    Be sure to click the highlighted link of the school each player suited up for to see the Original Retro Brand shirt for that team!   Here are the TOP TEN College Kick/punt return specialists ever!!!:

10. Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers, Nebraska:  The 1972 Heisman Trophy winner and  College Football Hall of Famer, established the NCAA record for all-purpose yards at 5,586.  He was such a well rounded player that he carried the ball 130 times, caught the ball 143 times, and ran back 133 kicks.

9. Desmond Howard, Michigan: The 1991 Heisman Trophy winner, which he won by the second largest margin of victory in the trophy's history, had close to a combined 1,500 yards in punt & kickoff returns for the Wolverines.

THE NATURAL # 2

8. "Neon" Deion Sanders, Florida State: HEY!  Deion  also made my list of TOP TEN best College Defensive backs of all time!  What an honor!!   Returned punts to lead the nation in that category, and simply struck fear into opposing offenses on every play.  Won the 1988 Jim Thorpe Award for outstanding Defensive Back of the year. Of course he played baseball and ran track and went on to be a 9-time pro bowler in the NFL.

7. " Touchdown Timmy" Brown, Notre Dame:  Tim brown was a two- time All-American, and winner of the 1987 Heisman Trophy.  Brown packed on over 5,000 all-purpose yards for the Fighting Irish.  He also made my TOP TEN best College Wide Receivers of all-time list!!

6. Greg "Do it"  Pruitt, Oklahoma: Combined for close to 1,000 yards in punt/kick returns in addition to his rushing duties.  Was a unanimous All-American in 1971 & 1972, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

5. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Widener: At Divison III Widener College in Pennsylvania, Johnson averaged 27.4 yards per punt return...that is just ridiculous!  It earned him a ticket to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and a spectacular NFL career.

TIME OUT: Enjoy the classic CAL-STANFORD "Marching Band " Kickoff return(the announcer is more fun than the play!):

4. Eric Metcalf, Texas: Holds record for most punt return yards for the Longhorns with 1,076.   He was also a two-time National Champion in the long jump in 1986-1987.

3. Napoleon McCallum, NAVY:  The College Football Hall of Famer, and 2-Time All-American held 18 records for the Midshipmen before he left for the NFL.  He has the second most  All-Purpose yards in NCAA history with 7,172, which is INSANE (DeAngelo Williams from Memphis has the most @ 7,573).

2. Wes "The Natural" Welker, Texas Tech:  Aside from his outstanding receiving achievement's for the Red Raiders, Welker ran back an NCAA record 8 punts for touchdowns during his career.  He also holds the record for most punt return yards at 1,761.

1. Raghib "Rocket" Ismail, Notre Dame: Helped lead the Irish to the 1988 National title.   At only 5-10 and 175 lbs, the Rocket was one of the fastest players in the history of  college football.  Ismail ran back 2 punts for touchdowns in one game against Rice University in 1988,  and again against arch rival Michigan a year later.

Did I leave anybody off?  YES, Anthony Davis of USC!  How could I forget the man who scored two 90+ yard Kickoff returns in one game against Notre Dame.  He also holds career NCAA record for average per kick return at a whopping 35.1.  "AD" is the co-champ on this list with the Rocket.   Now.....is there anybody else?

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In our 7th installment of College football's greatest players ever by position, we feature the Wide Receiver.   Soft hands, sneaky moves, and lightning speed were the tools of the ten listed below.  These are the guys who broke games open in a matter of seconds.   What is more scary for a cornerback,  to often face the fastest man on earth, one on one?    These guys left many a DB in cement shoes on their way to the end zone.  Be sure to click on the highlighted link of the college each player suited up for, to see the extremely cool Original Retro Brand shirt that represents those teams.

CARTER # 1, BUT NOT # 1

10. Don Hutson, Alabama: Hutson is the oldest on the list, playing for the Crimson Tide from 1932 -1934.  The All-American was famous for catching passes amid heavy traffic and bringing the "end-around" play to the forefront of college football.    The other receiver he played with was a guy named Paul "bear" Bryant.

9.  Michael Irvin, Miami: The Cane's all-time leading receiver in catches and touchdown receptions, Irvin led the "U" to the 1987 National championship over Oklahoma.

8. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech: Crabtree is the only player to win the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff award for college footballs' outstanding receiver in back to back years (2007 & 2008).  Perhaps his biggest achievement is getting the cover of EASPORTS XBOX 360!

7. Larry Fitzgerald, Pitt:  He only played in 26 games for the Panthers, but he managed to haul in 161 receptions for almost 3,000 yards and a school record 34 touchdowns.   Fitzgerald holds the NCAA mark for consecutive games with a touchdown at 18.

6.  Anthony Carter, Michigan: This 3 time All-American was the first sophomore to ever be voted team captain for the Wolverines.  He finished in the top ten Heisman voting 3 times and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

5.  Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech:  Johnson is hands down the best receiver in the storied Yellow Jacket history.   Johnson racked up the ACC rookie of the year award, was a 3-time All-ACC team member including ACC player of the year in 2006, and winner of the 2006 Biletnikoff award.  Speaking of Fred Biletnikoff.......

4. Fred Biletnikoff,  Florida State:  You may have noticed that the award for outstanding college receiver of the year, is named after the Seminole receiver I rank as # 4.   He was the first consensus All-American Florida State ever had.  He was actually a two-way player, and had an interception return for 99 yards against rival Miami as a junior.  Biletnikoff was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991.

3. Lynn Swann, USC:  "Swanny" was a triple threat for the Trojans, effectively running and returning punts in addition to his receiving duties.   He was even voted to the All-Blocking team in 1973!

2. Tim Brown, Notre Dame:  "Touchdown Timmy," was a two- time All-American, and winner of the 1987 Heisman Trophy.  Brown packed on over 5,000 all-purpose yards for the Fighting Irish.

1. Jerry Rice, Mississippi Valley State: Before his mind boggling NFL career, Rice was busy putting up ridiculous numbers for the Delta Devils.  In 1982 & 1983,  he put together back to back 100+ reception season's.  He caught a whopping 24 balls in one game, setting an NCAA record, and had two games where he scored 5 touchdowns.

Before anybody freaks out on me, let it be known that Paul Warfield (Ohio State), Charley Taylor (Oregon), and Lance Alworth (Arkansas), all played halfback in college.  Ok, NOW you can rip into my list....

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In our 6th installment of College football's greatest players ever by position, we feature the tight end.   Growing up on Long Island, I wasn't far removed from the Orangemen of Syracuse.  While they had a few running backs I had heard of (Floyd Little & Larry Csonka in the 60's), it was the tight end of my beloved Baltimore Colts that caught my attention.  I was too young to see him in college, but in the NFL, John Mackey was tight end God for my favorite team.    For that reason alone (and I did hear he was pretty good in college) , you will find him on my list.    Please check the link to the extremely awesome Original Retro Brand shirt of the school that these legends played for while reminiscing...... Here are the best ten College Tight Ends of ALL TIME!!!

10.  Dave Casper, Notre Dame: The "Ghost" led the golden domer's to the 1973 National Championship.  Before he became a standout receiver, he was awarded honorable mention honors as an offensive lineman.

9. Tony Gonzales, CAL Bears: Gonzalez hauled in 92 catches in his junior year;  unheard of numbers for a tight end.  He also made it to the  Sweet Sixteen as a basketball player

8. John Mackey, Syracuse: (see opening paragraph).

7. Mark  Bavaro, Notre Dame:  The All-American was well respected for playing through injuries, and he would go on to win two Super Bowl rings in the NFL with the New York Giants.

6. Kellen Winslow I & II, Missouri & Miami:  Two-time consensus All American, and College Football Hall of Famer Kellen I, was the better of the two. Kellen II almost didn't make the list because of his arrogant attitude with the Canes, but his talent just cannot be overlooked

5. Ted Kwalick, Penn State:  Kwalick was the first 2-time All-American football player at Penn State.  Totaled over 1,000 receiving yards for the Lions, and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

4. Jim Mandich, Michigan: Mandich is a member of the  Michigan Ring of Honor (next to former President Gerald Ford),  a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, and a member of the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins Super Bowl Championship team.

3. Charlie Young, USC: Led the Trojans to the 1972 National championship behind a USC record breaking 62 receptions for a tight end.   He finished with just over 1,000 yards receiving for his career, and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.  He would go on to win Rookie of the year in the NFL with the Eagles, and a Super Bowl ring with the 49er's.

2. Mike Ditka, Pitt: Before becoming an NFL hall of Famer with the Chicago Bears, and leading the Bears to a Super Bowl victory as a coach,  Ditka led the Pitt Panthers  in receiving for all 3 seasons he played - very unusual for a tight end.  He also handled the teams punting duties, and many consider Ditka the best college tight end ever.  But that distinction goes to......

1. Keith Jackson, Oklahoma:  The original "Boomer Sooner" led Oklahoma to their 1986 National Championship over Penn State.  He averaged over 23 yards per catch.  In addition to being a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Jackson was voted Offensive Player of the 20th Century at OU.

MADE IT TO THE SHOW!

HONORABLE MENTION:  Has to go to my friend Chris Renaldo of Maryland.  He was a linebacker/Defensive end who always lined up against the tight end.  Yes, this is just an excuse to show a goofy picture of him.   Heck, he went to the Hula Bowl with Boomer Esiason and had a cup of coffee with the Detroit Lions.
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With College Football officially kicking off today,  I've decided to break out the glamour position of Quarterback for our 4th weekly installment of TOP TEN players in College Football History by position.   As with our previous TOP TEN lists on Running Backs, Linebackers, and Defensive Backs, this list is based mainly on WHO I LIKE BEST!   And as usual, there will be a POLL at the bottom of the post,  which will allow you to vent a bit (a VERY little bit) about my choices.  Also be sure to check out the highlighted  links to the awesome Original Retro Brand team gear these QB's played for too!   Here we go....

10. Tom Harmon, Michigan: Ok, ok, he was mainly a running back, but in addition to his 2,000+ rushing yards, he threw for over 1,000 yards and kicked extra points.  Coolest footnote is 1940 Heisman winner wore cool jersey # 98!

9. Archie Manning, Ole Miss: No, not Peyton from the Vols!  Bear Bryant said Manning was the best college QB he had ever seen (sorry Joe Willie!).  Was 4th and 3rd Heisman runner up in 1969 & 1970, and voted into College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

8. Bernie Kosar, Miami: Led the Canes to their first National Championship over an undefeated Nebraska in 1983.  He holds many school passing records, notably his career passing completion pctg. of  62.3

7. Jim Mcmahon, BYU (ORB shirt coming real soon!): The man finished his career (sat out many games due to injury by the way) with over 70 NCAA passing records...SEVENTY!!!! He threw for over 4,000 yards and 47 TD's in 1980...sick numbers.

6. Joe Namath, Alabama:  Led the Crimson Tide to 1964 National Championship.  Later that year, Namath became the highest paid player ever to be drafted in Pro Football history, by signing $427,000 contract with the AFL's  New York Jets (at the time it was a lot of dough!).  Even though he whooped my beloved Colts in Super Bowl III, the Fu Manchu & Bachelor's III, and Broadway Joe, etc....couldn't resist (I know it's a College list and I don't care!)

5. Dan Marino, Pitt: Beating my DAWGS in the 1982 Sugar Bowl with less than a minute to go makes it very difficult to put him on this list, but he was amazing.  The College Football Hall of Famer was the very first player to be drafted in the USFL, by the LA Express.  Luckily for the Dolphins, the money wasn't right.

4. Charlie Ward, Florida State: The 1993 National Champion & Heisman Winner also played basketball for the Nole's, and led them to a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1992.  He also played amateur tennis, and was drafted as a pitcher by the Brewers and NY Yankees.   The College Football Hall of Famer was perhaps the best all-around college athlete EVER.

3. Vince Young, Texas: The numbers are astonishing; Over 6,000 yards passing, and over 3,000 rushing: C-R-A-Z-Y.   Wrapped up his career neatly with a 200+ yd passing/200+ yd rushing/3 TD performance against USC for undefeated National Championship victory in 2005.  Last TD came with 19 seconds to go.

2. Steve Spurrier, Florida: OH, THE UTTER AND COMPLETE PAIN of including him in this list, and this high up?    I guess it's that after all of the beat-downs he's put on Georgia as a player and coach, I've softened up over the years, and realized (although he is the enemy for ever), I need to pay him his due.   The 2-Time first team All American, and 1966 Heisman winner also kicked extra points and rushed for four hundred yards too.

1. Roger Staubach, Navy:  Roger the "Dodger."  1963 Heisman Trophy Winner led the Midshipmen to a # 2 Ranking the same year.   Because of his commitment to the service, he didn't start his NFL career until he was 27.  Great player & great Patriot make him # 1 in my book.

Did I leave off anybody you can think of?  Were there any other deserving QB's?   Even I have to admit this one is just too difficult to really pick who is the best.   So take your shots, and leave me some comments on who you think should be included and/or taken off this list.    More importantly......COLLEGE FOOTBALL STARTS TONIGHT!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I have been so excited about the College Football season getting started, that I drove 60 minutes from Cartersville, GA., to the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta  this past Friday, to attend the Annual Georgia Tech Football Kickoff luncheon.    The only problem was that the luncheon was not until THIS FRIDAY!

So as I started my hour drive back home, I started thinking about the upcoming Pick of the Week post ( Purdue Pete shirt for $24!), and how I needed to do some research.   Then I started thinking about the old guys from Perdue like Bob Griese and Leroy Keyes, and that led me to thinking about more old guys from the BIG TEN that I remembered whilst growing up.  Heck, my favorite player of all time went to Michigan State - Bubba Smith.  What I am getting at is....

In the same vein that I have been doing TOP TEN College players by position on a weekly basis,  I will also be presenting my COLLEGE CONFERENCE PREVIEWS on a weekly basis too (won't be previews once the season starts, so more like just talking about)!  Figure I'll start with the BIG TEN since we're talkin' about Purdue Pete n' all.   And this won't be your Mel Kiper, Jr. style preview, either.  I'll simply list the teams in the order I believe they will finish within their conference, and they will be linked to what I believe to be the coolest Original Retro Brand shirt offered for that school. Then I'll add the 2009 difference maker for the team, and my old school favorite player from that team too...just for fun....this is about fun!   So enough of my yackkin' - here is the list!

1. Penn State:  New-QB Daryll Clark   Old School: RB John Cappelletti

2. Michigan State:  New-LB Greg Jones  Old School: DE Bubba Smith

3. Ohio State: New- QB Terrelle Pryor  Old School:  RB Archie Griffin

4. Michigan: New- DE Brandon Graham  Old School: WR Anthony Carter

5. Wisconsin: New-RB John Clay  Old School: C Mike Webster

6. Illinois: New- QB Juice Williams   Old School:  LB Dick Butkus

7. Iowa: New- LB Pat Angerer   Old School: DT Alex Karras

8. Minnesota: New- LB Simoni Lawrence    Old School: DE Carl Eller

9. Northwestern: New- DE Corey Wooten   Old School: DB Fred "The Hammer"  Williamson

10. Purdue: New- DB Torri Williams    Old School: FB Mike Alstott

11. Indiana: New-QB Ben Chappell    Old School:  K  Pete Stoyanovich

So there you have it.   Are we all in agreement?

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