Say what you want about the Michigan offensive line play in recent years,
but the big men in the trenches have been a tremendous part of the success the Wolverines have had in the past.
As you will see in this article, there are a ton of All-Americans and All-Conference awardees that have worn the winged helmet.
In our fifth installment in ranking the top 10 players at each position that have played for Michigan since 1995,
we’re now onto the offensive lineman. Since there aren’t any real statistics for offensive lineman,
they don’t get a whole lot of credit, nor are they talked about – unless they allow a sack.
So it’s time to give some credit to the players in the trenches. In order to make the list they had to have played in 1995 or later,
awards, and team success will all be determined in the rankings.
10. Ben Bredeson (2016-2019) (Guard) Career awards: First team All-Big Ten in 2019 Second team All-American in 2019 Two-time second team All-Big Ten in 2017 and 2018
9. Jon Runyan Sr. (1993-1995) (Tackle) Career awards: First-team All-Big Ten in 1995 All-American in 1995
8. Jaff Backus (1997-2000) (Tackle) Career awards: Two-time first team All-Big Ten in 1999 and 2000 Two-time second team All-Big Ten in 1997 and 1998
7. David Molk (2007-2011) (Center) Career awards: Rimington winner in 2011 Two-time first team All-Big Ten in 2010 and 2011 First team All-American in 2011 Big-Ten offensive lineman of the year in 2011
6. Rod Payne (1993-1996) (Center) Career awards: All-American in 1996 Michigan team MVP in 1996 Two-time first team All-Big Ten
5. David Baas (2001-2004) (Center/Guard) Career awards: First team All-American in 2004 Co-Rimington awardee in 2004 Three-time first team All-Big Ten
4. Jon Jansen (1995-1998) (Tackle) Career awards: First team All-American in 1998 Big Ten offensive lineman of the year in 1998 Two-time first team All-Big Ten
3. Taylor Lewan (2009-2013) (Tackle) Career awards: Two-time first team All-American in 2012 and 2013 Three-time first team All-Big Ten in 2011, 2012, and 2013 Two-time Big-Ten offensive lineman of the year in 2012 and 2013
2. Steve Hutchinson (1996-2000) (Guard) Career awards: Two-time All-American in 1999 and 2000 Big Ten offensive lineman of the year in 2000 Four time All-Big Ten
1. Jake Long (2003-2007) (Tackle) Career awards: Two-time All-American in 2006 and 2007 Two-time first team All-Big Ten in 2006 and 2007 Two-time Big Ten offensive lineman of the year in 2006 and 2007