Michigan quarterbacks of the early-'70s

Nick Meyer of the Detroit Free Press recently compiled a photo list of Michigan's top 10 quarterbacks of the past 30 years. Here is Meyer's list:

• 1. Jim Harbaugh (1982-1986)


• 2. Rick Leach (1975-1978)


• 3. Elvis Grbac (1988-1992)


• 4. Chad Henne (2004-2007)


• 5. Todd Collins (1990-1994)


• 6. Tom Brady (1995-1999)


• 7. John Navarre (1999-2003)


• 8. Brian Griese (1993-1997)


• 9. John Wangler (1976-1980)


• 10. Drew Henson (1998-2000)

This list only covered the past thirty years (1978-present). As this blog covers what I refer to as the modern-era of Michigan Football (1969-present), I thought I would go back and profile in chronological order the three outstanding Wolverine quarterbacks of the early-'70s who were not on the list.

Don Moorhead (1970 starting QB)

Moorhead was co-Captain of the 1970 squad. He was also the starter in 1969 during which he lead the Wolverines to the historic 24-12 victory over then #1 ranked Ohio State. In 1970, Moorehead guided the Wolverines to a perfect 9-0 start heading into the final game of the season versus Ohio State. On the year, Moorhead was 87-190 passing (45.8%) for 1,167 yards with 8 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He also ran the ball 97 times for a net total of 368 yards and he had two rushing touchdowns.

Tom Slade (1971 starting QB)

Slade was a tough-as-nails QB who was better known for his blocking ability than he was for his passing ability. Slade piloted the Wolverines to Coach Schembechler's only perfect regular season as the Wolverines went 11-0 in 1971 and advanced to the Rose Bowl. Slade only threw 63 passes in 12 games that year. He was 27-63 passing (42.9%) for 364 yards with 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He was more proficient in the running game as he toted the ball 87 times for a net total of 266 yards while scoring 3 touchdowns.

Dennis Franklin (starting QB 1972-1974)

Franklin was a three-year starter that led the Wolverines to an incredible 30-2-1 record from 1972-1974. The only downside was Michigan went 0-2-1 versus Ohio State in those three seasons and the Wolverines never made it to the Rose Bowl game in that span. Nevertheless, Franklin ranks right near the top of Michigan's all-time most successful quarterbacks. Franklin was a proficient passer as well as an extremely dangerous runner. During his three-year stint as the Wolverines' signal caller, Franklin completed 153 of 294 passes (52.0%) for 2,285 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. On the ground, Franklin displayed dazzling footwork as he gained a net total of 1,212 yards on 351 carries with 16 touchdowns.

Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of QB Tom Slade (17) conferring with Coach Schembechler on the sidelines from Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

Tom Slade died Sunday at age 54

As I previously posted, former QB Tom Slade was battling leukemia. He succumbed to the disease on Sunday night after a tough fight. He was 54 years old. Dr. Slade was the quarterback on Bo's 1971 team that went 11-0 during the regular season and were just 14 seconds from perfection. Years later, Dr. Slade served as a color analyst for Michigan football games on WUOM-FM. Dr Slade was a successful dentist in the Ann Arbor area and he had Coach Schembechler as one of his patients. Dr. Slade is survived by his wife, Pam St. John, his sons Andrew and Spencer Slade, and his sister, Valerie Slade. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. Go Blue.

*Note: Photo of QB Tom Slade (17) conferring with Coach Schembechler on the sidelines from Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

Tom Slade: The 1971 starting QB faces a new challenge

Tom Slade was the quarterback for Bo's 1971 team that rolled to an 11-0 regular season record and fell just short of a perfect season when it lost the Rose Bowl on a last second field goal. (See post of June 3, 2006- 1971 team: 14 seconds from perfection). More than for his passing, Slade was known for being a tough run-blocker who cleared the way for Billy Taylor and the other Wolverine running backs after he handed the ball off. Slade was tough as nails. Now 54 years old, Slade's toughness is once again coming in handy as he faces an even bigger challenge than knocking over an opposing linebacker. Slade has been diagnosed with leukemia. The University of Michigan Club of Greater Flint recently featured Slade's story in their online Alumni newsletter in which it reprinted a newspaper article written by Paul Neumeyer of the Saginaw News. The Mid Michigan ABC affiliate also recently did a story on Slade in which it reported that The Tom Slade Marrow Donor Registration Drive will take place Saturday, June 24, 2006, at the Braun, Kendrick, Finkbeiner Law Offices in Saginaw Township not far from Fashion Square Mall. If you are in the area and able to stop by, please do so. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of QB Tom Slade (17) conferring with Coach Schembechler on the sidelines from Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.