Michigan Wolverines Football: 30 greatest players of all-time

Anthony Carter was an explosive wide receiver for the Wolverines back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He certainly left his mark on the program. Despite playing in a run-first offense, Carter became a prolific wide receiver for head coach Bo Schembechler. He was also a pretty stellar return man in his own right as well.

Carter’s career did not take off right away, as he was used sparingly as a freshman. However once he got the chance to shine, he quickly became a dangerous weapon in the Michigan offense, hauling in 14 touchdowns as a sophomore in 1980. He would go on to nab eight touchdowns in both the 1981 and 1982 seasons, finishing his college career with 37 total touchdowns.

At the time of his graduation, Carter held nearly every Michigan receiving record, as he was a three-time All-American. The Big Ten Most Valuable Player in the 1982 college football season, Carter was recognized nationally in 2001 when he was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame. He finished his collegiate career with over 3,000 receiving yards.

Despite that he was drafted by both the NFL and USFL, Carter made the choice to spurn the NFL for the upstart USFL, which eventually flamed out. Once in the NFL, he showed the kind of skill that made him one of the best wideouts in Big Ten history, making it to three Pro Bowls with the Minnesota Vikings. Carter was named one of the 50 greatest Vikings of all-time during his time with Minnesota. He finished his NFL career with over 7,700 yards and 55 touchdowns.