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| Look over Roy's right shoulder. What number is that M fan's jersey? |
Does Roy Roundtree deserve to wear the #1 jersey next year?
Of course this comes just after a game which saw Roy break one of the oldest, if not the oldest single-game record left in the Michigan record book...the most receiving yards in one game. The previous record was set by Jack Clancy back in 1966 when he recorded 197 yards against Oregon State. Roundtree obliterated that record last week against Illinois with 246 yards catching the ball.
Not only that, but Roy has been consistently one of the best go-to options for Michigan quarterbacks this season. He's played in all 9 games so far, tallying 45 catches for 656 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Here's a look at our top 5 receivers' stats:
| Name | Yr | Pos | G | Rec. | Yards | Avg. | TD | Rec./G | Yards/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roy Roundtree | SO | WR | 9 | 45 | 656 | 14.58 | 4 | 5.0 | 72.9 |
| 2 | Junior Hemingway | JR | WR | 7 | 24 | 491 | 20.46 | 4 | 3.4 | 70.1 |
| 3 | Darryl Stonum | JR | WR | 9 | 29 | 377 | 13.00 | 3 | 3.2 | 41.9 |
| 4 | Martavious Odoms | JR | WR | 6 | 15 | 214 | 14.27 | 0 | 2.5 | 35.7 |
| 5 | Kelvin Grady | JR | WR | 9 | 13 | 177 | 13.62 | 0 | 1.4 | 19.7 |
I just have to say, I'm really starting to enjoy watching this roster of receivers. I think we're about as deep at receiver as we've ever been.
For a little statistical comparison, our last player to wear the #1 jersey, Braylon Edwards, had 67 grabs for 1035 yards in the 2002 season...the season before he wore the #1. 2002, ironically, was Braylon's sophomore year.
I don't think stats are the only factor in deciding who should or shouldn't be allowed to wear the #1 uniform. There are other things to take into consideration. The #1 jersey represents a player who is a leader on the team. It means that the guy wearing it is truly a special talent. I mean the guys who have worn that number have been, undoubtedly, some of the best players Michigan has ever had. Edwards was the last, but he was preceded by David Terrell, Derrick Alexander, and of course Anthony Carter.
Cue WolverineHistorian highlight video:
Unfortunately, I have no idea who actually gives the nod for who should be allowed to wear the #1. I would assume Rodriguez would have the final word. But I think Braylon Edwards actually sponsors a special scholarship for whichever player wears the #1 jersey. This may give him some say as to who gets it and who doesn't. I don't necessarily think that's fair, but I could be wrong.
HOWEVA!
We posted back in mid-August about a comment Rich Rod made about the #1 jersey. He was asked about it by Greg from MVictors, who was curious if Rich thought any WRs would be considered for the number this season. He had this to say...
"You know we haven’t discussed the #1 jersey in about, I guess, almost two years now. I think the last time that was brought up was probably the last time it was discussed. It’s not retired but I guess it’s semi-retired at the moment."Read into that any way you like.
If it were my decision, I would strongly consider what someone on the Moe's/UGP Facebook page suggested, and that would be to see how well Roundtree's next two games go (@ Purdue, Wisconsin) and if he continues to impress, give it to him for the Ohio State game.
It may be a bit too premature for that kind of talk. But I think the conversation is worth having. Roy is definitely a special guy with a lot of talent. But that's just me. What say you?
I agree that Roundtree played a spectacular game last week and I too am really enjoying watching him and the other receivers tear it up out there. But if you're talking about the #1 jersey I have to point something out. Roy let a sure first down pass bounce off his chest early in the game. That put us in 3rd and 8 and on the subsequent play Denard's pass was tipped and picked. Now, I'm not saying that the pick is Roy's fault or that even the best receivers don't drop easy balls on occasion, but I think it was illustrative of the fact that he's got a little growing to do as a receiver. He's got to be just as solid on the 75 yarders as he is on the short possession plays. I know that he makes that play 9 out of 10 times, but still, he's got to make that play. All I'm saying is it might be a little early to think he's ready for the #1 jersey, but maybe he will be soon because man is he good!
ReplyDelete@bigtimber16 I don't mean to disrespect you and your opinion but Edwards dropped a lot of easy passes while he was at Michigan (as well as in the pros) so a drop or 2 by Roundtree shouldn't completely rule out him wearing the #1 even if he doesn't have the physical gifts that Braylon had.
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