The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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things, but little things at the highest level like we are here at Michigan can make a big difference." Lewan could become just the fifth U-M offensive tackle and the seventh offensive lineman in the last 50 years to garner first- Yet, Jansen's legacy centers on leadership and team achievement. He was a captain for two Big Ten championship teams and helped lead the Maize and Blue to the 1997 national title in his junior year. Long was a captain in 2007, leading the Wolverines to a triumphant this year," Lewan said. "I need to be the best player I am capable of being because that's going to help our team. "When I look at the younger guys, especially on the line, I know my legacy will be defined by how quickly they mature "This is not about me. I didn't come back so I could earn more individual accolades. I came back because I wanted to win a Big Ten title with Team 134. It's all about us and what we do as a team." Lewan team All-America honors twice. He could join Long as the only Wolverines to repeat as the conference's top offensive lineman. He could even contend for the Lombardi and Outland Trophy awards (top college lineman), which have never been captured by a Michigan offensive tackle, guard or center. finish in Lloyd Carr's final campaign. From quarterbacks to running backs, receivers, cornerbacks, linebackers and more, Michigan's most outstanding performers have spearheaded team success, and Lewan understands that. "I don't care if I was an All-American last year because I need to be even better and whether I can elevate the play of those around me because that's going to help us win games. "This is not about me. I didn't come back so I could earn more individual accolades. I came back because I wanted to win a Big Ten title with Team 134. It's all about us and what we do as a team." ❑ Lewan Will Join Short List Of Four-Year Offensive Line Starters Tackle Mike Husar started 41 games across four seasons for the Wolverines, from 1985-88. photo courtesy bentley historical library During Michigan's storied history, 50 linemen have garnered first-team AllAmerica honors, including fifth-year senior left tackle Taylor Lewan. Few, however, have demanded playing time early in their careers. In 133 previous seasons, only eight offensive linemen have started each of their four seasons (at least half a team's games each year to qualify) with both Steve Hutchinson and Jeff Backus the most recent to do so from 1997-2000. That list doesn't included Jake Long, who missed eight of 12 games with an injury during his sophomore season in 2005, or David Molk, who sat out eight games with his own injury in 2009. Lewan started nine games during his redshirt freshman campaign, and has not missed a Saturday in the past two seasons, entering the 2013 year with 35 assignments. If he were to start all 12 regular-season contests this fall, and a bowl game, he would move into a tie for third place all time among offensive linemen with 48 career starts. An additional Big Ten title-game U-M Four-Year Staring appearance would give Offensive Linemen him 49 career starts, and Pos. Lineman Years Starts* a share of second place T Jon Jansen^ 1995-98 50 with Backus. T Jeff Backus^ 1997-2000 49 While Lewan's achieveT Greg Skrepenak^ 1988-91 48 ment is rare, he can't C John Vitale 1985-88 46 equal an even more T John Elliott^ 1984-87 45 impressive feat — Greg G Steve Hutchinson^ 1997-2000 45 Skrepenak, Jon Jansen T Mike Husar 1985-88 41 and Backus never missed 1987-90 40 T Tom Dohring a start in their careers, * Started at least half a team's games during each appearing in every game of four seasons.; ^ Started 10 or more games durthey were eligible for. ing each of four seasons. — Michael Spath The Wolverine 2013 Football Preview ■ 119