Michigan Football: Top 10 All-Time Wolverine wide receivers

As a freshman, he matched up with giants and walked out victorious. As a sophomore, he bested Steve Breaston for the title of the team’s leading receiver; it was Breaston’s final.

As a junior, Mario Manningham joined the thousand-yard club; it would be his last season in the winged helmet.

A borderline five-star athlete out of Warren G Harding high school, Mario chose Michigan over the Buckeyes, which, for a kid from Warren, OH, you would think would select the in-state option. Instead, he began his great career at Michigan in 2005.

Speaking of 2005, with a disappointing 3-3 season, the Wolverines, at home, met with Penn State, who was ranked 8th overall at the time. Down four points, and with only one second remaining, Chad Henne dropped back for the final play. Two receivers broke into their post routes, another faded, and one came across the middle. Mario, who was lined up on the outside, was a step ahead of the corner and Henne threw a perfect pass for the touchdown.

The announcer yelled, and the crowd erupted.

Michigan had pulled off the upset on a sophomore to freshman connection. Michigan football had changed.

After college, Mario experienced consistent success in the NFL, playing six seasons after being selected in the third round by the 49ers. Later, he moved on to the Giants and was integral to New York’s victory over the Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI.