Michigan football: 5 great players who didn’t live up to the NFL hype

University of Michigan's Chad Henne (7) calls signals during a game against Minnesota at Michigan Stadium on October 8, 2005 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Minnesota won the game 23-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
University of Michigan's Chad Henne (7) calls signals during a game against Minnesota at Michigan Stadium on October 8, 2005 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Minnesota won the game 23-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Michigan football overrated players, NFL busts
Michigan football (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Shoelace was ahead of his time in the NFL.

Few players in the history of Michigan football have been as exciting as Denard Robinson was. The dual-threat quarterback was a dynamic threat every single time he touched the ball and, even though the Wolverines may not have enjoyed much team success while he was at the helm — partially due to his inability to stay healthy — he’s a legend for what he was able to do in Ann Arbor.

As a freshman, Robinson was used as a gadget player while playing backup quarterback, throwing for only 188 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 351 yards and five scores. The next year, however, he became a star as he rushed for 1,702 yards and threw for 2,570 yards, the first player in FBS history to have 1,500 rushing and passing yards in the same year, with 32 total touchdowns.

Despite a coaching change, Robinson stuck around and remained a dynamic force for the offense, even if somewhat less so. He threw for 2,173 yards and 20 touchdowns along with rushing for 1,266 yards and 16 scores. Though his senior year was less than ideal as the Wolverines struggled and he was moved around from quarterback, playing both running back and receiver, he still went on to set the single-season rushing mark by a quarterback in FBS history (since broken). He also finished his career has Michigan’s career leader in total offense and total touchdowns.

Open to a position change full-time in the NFL, the Jaguars took Shoelace in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. And while he had some moments and chances, he played in only 54 games with 1,041 yards and five touchdowns along with 47 receptions for 310 yards. He was fine as a role player but never able to capture the same magic he created for the Wolverines.

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