Michigan football: Assembling the all-time Lloyd Carr team

Michigan football all-time Lloyd Carr team, Secondary: Charles Woodson, Leon Hall, Marcus Ray, Marlin Jackson, Ernest Shazor

With so many teams using nickel defenses more, it made sense to have five defensive backs on the all-time Lloyd Carr team.

Charles Woodson is obvious. He’s arguably the greatest Michigan football player ever. His performances against Ohio State were legendary. Fans remember the 1997 game and the punt return for a touchdown, as well as a long reception, and an interception as Ohio State was driving.

But as a true freshman, Woodson has two interceptions in that game as Michigan football upset Ohio State. Woodson has 18 career interceptions and 30 pass breakups, 12 of which came during his sophomore season.

Woodson was a two-time First-Team All-American and was crucial in leading Michigan to a national championship in 1997. That was the same season he became the first defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, although his offense and special teams contributions helped too.

The Ohio native had a key interception in the Rose Bowl, as well as first-down reception in the fourth quarter. He was the ultimate winner and went 3-0 against Ohio State.

Michigan football had some really other really stellar defensive backs, starting with Marcus Ray, who was also part of the secondary in 1997 and also an All-American that season.

Later on, Leon Hall became an All-American. He had 12 career interceptions and was eventually a first-round pick.

Marlin Jackson was also a first-round pick. He played safety and corner for the Wolverines before being taken by the Colts. He was also an All-American, as was Ernest Shazor, who was one of the hardest-hitting defensive backs in Michigan football history.