Best Michigan football players: Modern-era Mount Rushmore

No one other than Charles Woodson could rightfully sit atop Mount Rushmore with the three wide receiver greats. Yes, Michigan football has seen a multitude of talented players pass through Ann Arbor but none of those former Wolverines have the résumé and track record of greatness.

Woodson, who was heavily recruited as a running back coming out of high school, lined up in the secondary for the Wolverines and was an immediate impact player. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and earned a First-Team All-Big Ten selection in his first season. The cornerback went on to replicate that all-conference nod in all three years he put on the pads for Michigan.

Of course, nothing holds a candle to the effort Woodson put forth in the 1997 campaign. Not only did he win the Heisman Trophy, the third player in Michigan football history to do so, and also the last defensive player to win the award, but he also led the Wolverines to their last National Championship victory as well. He did it all that year, notching one punt return touchdown, two receiving touchdowns, a rushing touchdown and seven interceptions.

Woodson finished his career in Ann Arbor as one of the most decorated players in the history of the program and rightfully so. Moreover, he ranks second all-time in career interceptions at Michigan with 18. With his versatility in addition to his defensive dominance, suffice it to say that it’ll be hard for anyone to top what Woodson did for Michigan football.

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