[jwplayer mOQiYInw-XNcErKyb]
There’s All-Americans and then there’s All-Americans. And while Michigan has had 130 different players since 1898 to earn that distinction, with 21 unanimous selections, one stands out above all else.
And ESPN not only sees that, but it recognizes said Wolverine as one of the greatest of all time to ever do it.
Former Michigan cornerback, returner and offensive weapon Charles Woodson remains the only primarily defensive player to ever win the Heisman Trophy — a feat he accomplished 22 years ago in 1997. As ESPN continues to celebrate the 150th season of college football, it put together an all-time All-America team, and naturally, Woodson was the sole Wolverine to make that first-team.
CB Charles Woodson, Michigan (1995-97)
Interceptions: 18 | Tackles: 162 | Total TDs: 6
The Wolverines’ 20-14 victory over rival Ohio State encapsulated Woodson’s Heisman Trophy-winning campaign in 1997. He set up Michigan’s only offensive touchdown with a 37-yard catch in the first quarter, scored on a 78-yard punt return in the second, and intercepted a pass in the end zone in the third. Woodson’s versatility and big-play ability allowed him to become the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman since the sport moved to a two-platoon system in the early 1960s. As a junior, Woodson had eight interceptions with 43 tackles, while catching 11 passes for 231 yards with one score. A two-time All-American, he won the Heisman, Walter Camp Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award and Jim Thorpe Award in 1997. Most importantly, he helped the Wolverines win their first national title since 1948.
The ‘worldwide leader’ put together two teams, meaning 50 players total. No other former Wolverines made the list, meaning there are some notable omissions. Particularly former Heisman winners Tom Harmon and Desmond Howard. But given the brevity of the list, the fact that Woodson made it on is certainly notable.