The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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RESTORATION PROJECT Was Lacking, The Class Of 2007 Helped Return Michigan Football To Prominence Though Its Overall Record class, their contribution or lack thereof, and an overall team grade. Zion Babb • WR Alhambra, Calif. Rivals.com Prep Ranking: Three stars, Honors And Accolades: None. Final Analysis: At least publicly, Babb did not show signs of a troublemaker, but he had drawn the wrath of his coaches inside Schembechler Hall, and as his playing time diminished, so too did his apparent desire to be a good teammate. Babb had the potential to be a downfield threat in an aerial attack that needed help at the outside receiver posi- tion in 2008-10, but his dismissal wasn't met with regret inside the locker room. No. 42 wide receiver nationally. Career Summary: Though recruited at wide receiver, Babb was a versatile athlete who possessed the physical traits to po- tentially excel at cornerback or safety. He would, in fact, settle on the offensive side of the ball, and after redshirting in 2007, he played in six games in 2008, catching two passes for 45 yards. The 6-1, 189-pounder wouldn't survive the season, though, first reprimanded and then dismissed by head coach Rich Rodri- guez. He never re-surfaced. Highlight: Babb made one start in his career, at Notre Dame, and would show off the progress he had made behind the prac- tice-field walls when he hauled in a pair of receptions, including a 45-yard grab in the fourth quarter that would move U-M inside the red zone. Artis Chambers • S Fort Wayne, Ind. Rivals.com Prep Ranking: Three stars, Defensive end Ryan Van Bergen saved his best for last, setting career highs while leading the team in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (12.5) in his final season. he class of 2007 rushed onto The Big House turf, under the "M Go Blue" banner, expecting to taste vic- tory in its very first game like each of the eight previous freshman classes, and 14 of the past 16, had experienced. Instead, the Maize and Blue suffered a humiliating defeat to Appalachian State on Sept. 1, 2007. That loss, temporarily forgotten during a 9-4 campaign in which U-M bested Florida in the Capital One Bowl, was the start of a T BY MICHAEL SPATH PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL downturn for the program when Michigan went just 15-22 over the next three seasons, delivering a black eye to three years of grad- uating classes. What the 2007 cohort did before they ex- hausted their eligibility, however, will make sure that at every reunion, they receive a standing ovation. The 2007 class brought Michigan back from the brink of despair to a Big Ten title contender. It made Michigan, well, Michigan again. Here is a look at all 20 members of that 252 s THE WOLVERINE 2012 FOOTBALL PREVIEW No. 41 safety nationally. Career Summary: When Artis Chambers enrolled early, in time for spring practice in 2007, he immediately opened eyes and became the likely heir apparent to Jamar Adams at the strong safety post. Five games into his rookie campaign, Chambers was fulfilling such lofty expecta- tions, recording seven tackles as a reserve defensive back. But his career hit a snag; Chambers was ruled academically ineligible for the rest of the season due to a paperwork error, disrupting the rest of his campaign in an effort to spare U-M overall. The 6-0, 202-pounder returned for his sophomore year, but wasn't held with the same high regard by Rich Rodriguez's staff as he was in Lloyd Carr's regime. He ap- peared in nine games in 2008, mostly on spe- cial teams, and notched four tackles. Seeing his opportunity closing, Chambers decided to leave U-M before the season concluded. Interestingly, Chambers transferred to Ball