Missing the Seniors

Michigan football is everything to me. I've grown up going to games, watching games on TV, and living and dying with every win/loss. Because of that, I totally respect every player that puts on the famed Winged Helmet and the best jerseys in sports. I particularly respect those who stay all four or five years that they are eligible to. With that said, here's a tribue to this year's seniors.. who gave us 2 Big Ten Championships and 3 Rose Bowls.

Ross Ryan- Started off without a scholarship and eventually earned one. I'll never forget your tackle against Northwestern this year.

Darnell Hood- Simply the best special teams player in Michigan history. It was great to see him get a few carries at RB this year, even though everyone thought it was Brandon Minor.

Prescott Burgess- Came in as one of the best safeties in the country, moved to LB and finally turned into a great LB this year. Hard to forget his 2 INT's against Notre Dame, the first of which basically sealed ND's fate.

Jeff Kastl- 3rd string QB (at best) for his entire career... kudos for staying through it.

Steve Breaston- Hard to see Stevie B go. So many memories... your freshman year was simply amazing. You've changed tons of games with your special teams ability, and you played very well this year at WR despite all of the criticism. Go to the NFL and show Kirk Herbstreit he's worthless.

Carl Tabb- The speedster. Great special teams player.. but I'll never forget all of your clutch 3rd down catches against Ohio State in '03.

Willis Barringer- The Ohio State game this year proved how valuable you were. Michigan's safeties have sucked for a long time, but I don't put you in that group.

Alijah Bradley- One career TD, and I remember it well. Always came in and produced when asked to.

Mike Carl- One career tackle.. but you stayed.

Leon Hall- The best shutdown corner in the country this year. You made some unbelievable plays your entire career, your diving INT against ND this year was all effort. You're going to be impossible to replace.

Brian Thompson- You moved from TE to FB your entire career, depending on where you were needed. A true Michigan Man.

B.J. Opong-Owusu- Played special teams most of your career... you were just a total beast this year.

Garrett Rivas- You were highly touted coming into Michigan, and you didn't disappoint. You're one of those guys (like Navarre) that just couldn't do anything right in the minds of Michigan fans. You'll be missed.

Obi Oluigbo- You provided something at FB this year that has been missing since Kevin Dudley. I'm sure Michael Hart is going to miss you next year.

Jeremy Van Alstyne- Spot starter at DE, but you were a great guy coming off the bench. DE depth is invaluable, and you provided a ton of it throughout your career.

Mark Bihl- Another in the line of great Michigan offensive linemen. You stepped into arguably the hardest position in football (center), and played admirably.

Turner Booth- You can never have enough long snappers. Your claim to fame will forever be the "roughing the center" penalty in the Ohio State game.

Rueben Riley- I've never laughed harder when I read Kirk Herbstreit's "Best Players in a Uniform" before this season and you were on it. You're just a gutsy player, always playing through injury.

Mike Kolodziej- A promising career constantly hindered by injuries, you fought hard.

Tyler Ecker- You were an idiot for running out of bounds in the Alamo Bowl and staying in bounds in the Ohio State game last year. But, you caught a ball in the 2003 Ohio State game that gave Michigan some much needed momentum. I'll never forget your run and catch (running right past me) in the 03 Minnesota game to win the game. You were a solid TE despite your bone-headed plays.

Rondell Biggs- You have to be the most underrated player in this class. You didn't start consistently until this year, but you were very solid your entire career. Your energy and constant movement at the DE position didn't go unnoticed.

LaMarr Woodley- You came in as the best LB in the country, and you left as the best DE in the country. You were always all over the field. No way to replace a guy like you.

David Harris- One of my favorite Michigan Men of all time. You were finally given the recognition you deserved this year, but you were just as good last year. Your pursuit to the football is the best I've seen since Jarrett Irons. You will be missed tremendously.