16 college football greats who’d lead their former team to the 2017 title
By Zach Bigalke
No team considered among this year’s title contenders lost more talent this offseason than Michigan. Though Wilton Speight returns at quarterback, the team lost its top two receivers and tight end Jake Butt. Three offensive linemen graduated as well. Speight is going to be working with a relatively new cast of characters this year.
That said, the offense is still in far better shape than Jim Harbaugh’s defense. Only tackle Maurice Hurst and linebacker Mike McCray have any real college experience. The secondary was especially hard hit, losing players like cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis and Jeremy Clark and safety Jabrill Peppers. Harbaugh is expected to begin the year with three freshmen and a sophomore patrolling the defensive backfield.
Imagine what a difference Michigan’s greatest defensive back could make as the Wolverines chase a Big Ten title. Charles Woodson won the Heisman in 1997 as a two-way star in Ann Arbor, leading the Wolverines to a share of the national title as a junior. His 18 interceptions and 30 pass breakups eclipse the stats of everyone left in Michigan’s secondary, and Woodson would make an immediate impact on his alma mater’s title hopes.