Posts by: Mike Knapp

A Look Back: The 2001 Michigan NFL Draft Class

Mo Williams (Getty images), pick #43 of the NFL draft in 2001, started 100 games as a pro after starting for Michigan in 2000.

 Michigan had a school record 11 players drafted in 2017.  It was, for sure, a great day to be a Michigan Wolverine.  In fact, as many Wolverines were drafted in 2017 as were drafted in the four previous years combined.  In light of this, I decided to look back this week at another one of Michigan’s most successful draft classes: 2001.

The 2001 draft wasn’t as deep for the Wolverines, as only five players were picked, but it was an insanely talented and relatively unique group.  All five players were taken in the first 43 picks of the draft, and they were all from the offensive side of the ball.  

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In his own words: Bennie Joppru

(image via Mike Desimone)

I was able to interview Bennie Joppru this week.  When I asked Bennie if he had time to speak to me this week for Touch the Banner, his exact words were, “I have time for anyone who loves Michigan.”  His passion for the program was obvious throughout the interview.  I hope you enjoy.

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Spring Breeds Optimism

Chris Perry (image via Mike DeSimone)

Chris Evans (image via TheWolverine.com)

Something a little different from me this week.  I decided to combine some of my thoughts about the spring game with some recent Michigan Football history.  Hopefully you enjoy.  

Spring training in Major League Baseball breeds optimism.  It doesn’t matter if you root for a team like the Mariners, who haven’t been to the playoffs since their brutal 2001 ALCS loss to the Yankees or the Cubs, fresh off their heroic World Series championship.  The day when pitchers and catchers report to camp is a sacred day on the American sports calendar.  Spring training in baseball breeds optimism because all the teams have the same record, and the stories of the season have yet to be written.  All of the role players from last year could potentially blossom into stars, and the team could take the next step and take control of its division.  

College football is quickly catching up to Major League Baseball in terms of spring-time optimism.  In the vast expanse of months between the last bowl games and the opening of fall camp, college football fans have precious few events to mark on our calendars.  There is so little going on during these months that National Signing Day has grown into a 12-hour extravaganza on the various ESPN networks.  

More importantly, however, each team’s spring game has become appointment television for the devoted fan.  Taking after the idea of spring optimism, I’ve created a short list of my more optimistic thoughts after watching the spring game.

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A Look Back: BJ Askew

(image via MLive)

(image via Zimbio)

If you’re anything like me, you watched with glee this year as Michigan lined up for repeated 3rd and short situations, bunched up the offensive linemen, and ran a quick hand-off to Khalid Hill who almost invariably picked up the yards Michigan needed.  There was a welcome predictability in this routine.  It surprised me just how difficult the play proved to stop, even when everyone in the stadium saw it coming. We’ve seen plenty of Coach Harbaugh’s offensive sets attempt to trick the opposition, but when the team needed a yard (or sometimes less), Hill would get the rock.

When thinking about which Michigan player to take a look back at this week, I decided to go with someone who I would have loved to see perform in Jim Harbaugh’s version of Michigan’s offense.  Now there are lots of players, especially some of the recent quarterbacks, who it is difficult to imagine their careers under Harbaugh.  What heights would a player like Devin Gardner have reached under the tutelage of our QB-whisperer of a coach?  It is difficult to tell.  It is easier to predict, however, the success that former fullback BJ Askew would enjoy as a member of the 2017 Wolverines.

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A Look Back: Todd Collins

(image via Pinterest)

(image via NFLplayerengagement.com)

In addition to interviews, I’m going to write “throwback” columns about some Michigan players and games from the past.  Hopefully I can add some new information to your Michigan memories.   Today’s column features a look back at quarterback Todd Collins.  

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