Michigan Football: Twelve Wondrous Wolverines — #7 — Anthony Carter — AC
Posted at 9:00am — 6/23/2013
Michigan Football: Twelve Wondrous Wolverines — #7 — Anthony Carter — AC
Anthony Carter — Much More Than One Shining Play
Anthony Carter struck fear into opposing defenses, even though he played for the ground assault of General Schembechler.
Anthony played four seasons at Michigan, between 1979 and 1982. Although used sparingly as a freshman, future greatness could be seen. He only caught 17 passes that first year, but seven were touchdowns.
Anthony was slight in build, but very quick with the feet. He dominated Michigan’s passing game. Anthony could run hooks, slants, posts, drags, flags, and the deep go. He was simply very difficult to defend. Adding to an opponent’s anxiety level was the likelihood Carter was back to receive punts and kickoffs.
Anthony Carter has plenty of resume fodder to make the wondrous dozen list. Instead of narrative, simply view this impressive list below:
• Voted Michigan MVP as sophomore
• Three time All-American
• Big Ten Conference MVP
• Finished in top five of Heisman vote
• Averaged 17.4 yards per play, an NCAA record at the time
• Elected to College Football Hall of Fame
• Held about every receiving record upon graduation (since broken)
• Made the catch that won the game for USFL Championship
• Had great seasons for the Minnesota Vikings when he finally moved to the NFL.
• Led the team for several years in receptions
• Three time NFL Pro Bowl.
Like most legends, Anthony Carter had his shining moment that will transcend time. It is well known by all Michigan followers, and many proclaim it the greatest play in Michigan history. Maybe, maybe not, but this play was certainly the most dramatic play before or since.
The play related to above is of course the famous 45-yard pass play from John Wangler to Anthony Carter with the game on the line against Indiana. Wangler throws short over the middle; Carter snatches it and makes two people miss as he sprints to the end zone. Helping to immortalize this play was the spontaneous, once in a lifetime, call by the great Bob Ufer. Between the two, this play is immortalized.
Young observers who never saw Carter play may look at the stats and say “nothing special there.” Such an observation would be wrong. He made that entire yardage and all of those catches, as stated above, on a team that sparingly used the air force but instead relied on infantry and tanks.
Anthony Carter was dominant, one of the most dominating players ever at Michigan. His cuts could lock a jaw.
When people talk about the number one jersey, that thought originates with Anthony Carter.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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