Here’s another entry in the all-time leaders list. Enjoy a look back at the top career receiving yardage leaders in the history of mighty Michigan.
- 3,541 – Braylon Edwards (2001-2004)
- 3,076 – Anthony Carter (1979-1982)
- 2,704 – Jeremy Gallon (2009-2013)
- 2,657 – Amani Toomer (1992-1995)
- 2,317 – David Terrell (1998-2000)
- 2,310 – Mario Manningham (2005-2007)
- 2,304 – Roy Roundtree (2008-2012)
- 2,284 – Tai Streets (1995-1998)
- 2,269 – Marquise Walker (1998-2001)
- 2,269 – Ronnie Bell (2018-2022)
- 2,247 – Jason Avant (2002-2005)
- 2,163 – Greg McMurtry (1986-1989)
- 2,146 – Desmond Howard (1989-1991)
- 2,144 – Mercury Hayes (1992-1995)
- 2,062 – Amara Darboh (2012-2016)
- 1,977 – Derrick Alexander (1989-1993)
- 1,917 – Jack Clancy (1963-1966)
- 1,715 – Devin Funchess (2012-2014)
- 1,696 – Steve Breaston (2003-2006)
- 1,687 – Jim Smith (1973-1976)
- 1,646 – Jake Butt (2013-2016)
- 1,639 – Jehu Chesson (2012-2016)
- 1,638 – Junior Hemingway (2007-2011)
- 1,509 – Vince Bean (1981-1984)
- 1,508 – Marcus Knight (1995-1999)
Once again, I came across some players that I might have to try to look up. I can’t say that I’ve ever come across clips of Jim Smith (who averaged over 23 yards/catch) or Vince Bean previously.
Go Blue!
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Jim Smith was one of my favorite players from back in those days. Back then, it was, as Ufer would say, “two tight ends and a balanced line.” With a QB, TB, and FB in the I, that meant Jim Smith was the *only* guy wide. How he got that many yards, I can’t say … maybe back then there was so much defensive focus on stopping the run that they cheated up too much and gave Smith an opportunity to torch lesser CBs.
If memory serves, Jim Smith was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. That was the era of Lynn Swann, so there was a huge shadow to play under. I recall at least one highlight reel catch with the Steelers.
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Maybe the one guy we’ve had better than Peppers at returning punts.
I watched him dual Tom Skladany in the horseshoe. Skladany would OMG one out there, Smith would return it for no advantage.
He led the NFL in yards per reception one year despite playing behind Lynn Swan and John Stallworth.
Pretty special athlete.
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Better than Breaston? Breaston averaged 12.6 yards per return and had 4 career scores. Breaston is #1 at returning punts (IMO), but my memory doesn’t go as far back as some.
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