Wolverines Trio Named to Freshman All-America Team

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Three members of the University of Michigan football team have been named to the fourth annual Scripps/Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America team announced today (Tuesday, Jan. 4) during the association's annual awards breakfast. Michigan led all schools with three honorees, followed by a pair of players from Southern California, Arizona State and Auburn.

Running back Mike Hart (Syracuse, N.Y./Onondaga Central HS), quarterback Chad Henne (Wyomissing, Pa./Wilson HS) and right tackle Jake Long (Lapeer, Mich./Lapeer East HS) comprised the Wolverine contingent on the prestigious freshman All-America squad. Earlier this year, the trio was selected to the Rivals.com Freshman All-America Team.

The Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year and an All-Big Ten first team selection, Hart gained 121.2 rushing yards per contest to become the first true freshman since Wisconsin's Ron Dayne (1996) to lead the conference in rushing. Hart set Michigan freshman records with 282 carries for 1,455 yards and nine rushing touchdowns, while surpassing the 100-yard barrier six times during his rookie campaign. He also added 26 receptions for 237 yards and one TD. His 1,692 all-purpose yards listed third-best in the Big Ten at 141.0 yards per contest.

Henne, the top rated freshman signal caller in the nation, became the first true freshman quarterback to lead his team to a Big Ten Championship and later became the first true freshman starter in a Rose Bowl game. Henne started all 12 games for the Wolverines, completing 240-of-399 passes (60.2 pct.) for 2,743 yards and a school-record-tying 25 touchdowns. He finished the season by tying the Michigan school mark and the Rose Bowl record with four touchdown passes against Texas. Henne tossed at least one touchdown pass in all 12 contests and had three 300-yard passing games.

Long moved into the starting lineup against San Diego State (Sept. 18) and never relinquished the right tackle spot the remainder of the year. He earned All-Big Ten second team honors from the conference coaches and gained honorable mention accolades from the media. Long helped pave the way for Mike Hart's 1,455 rushing yards and protected Henne in the passing game.

Hart finished with the seventh-highest single-season rushing total in Michigan history while Henne's 2,743 yards ranked as the third-best mark in school history.

Earlier this season, Michigan landed a school record four players on the Football Writers Association of America All-America Team. The quartet consisted of center David Baas, wide receiver Braylon Edwards, cornerback Marlin Jackson and strong safety Ernest Shazor.

Media Contacts: David Ablauf, Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423