Brady, Henson battle for UM starting job
By BRIAN KESSLER
Quarterback controversy is surrounding the Michigan football program these days and head coach Lloyd Carr is keeping his mouth shut.
After spending the last few weeks blasting Notre Dame for adding the Eddie Robinson Classic to its schedule, Carr laughed off the media and wouldn't reveal his starter at Monday's press conference at Michigan.
He did, however, admit that he made a decision about who will start for the Wolverines on Saturday.
The Detroit News reported Wednesday that last year's starter, fifth-year senior Tom Brady, will get the nod on Saturday. The paper, citing team sources, also reported that sophomore sensation Drew Henson could see playing time as early as the second quarter.
Brady seems to be the more logical choice. He completed over 60 percent of his passes last season and threw for more than 2, 600 yards, while leading the Wolverines to 10 victories.
If Brady can connect on a touchdown pass Saturday, he will tie the school record of 13 consecutive games with a touchdown pass.
Brady led Michigan into battle in Notre Dame Stadium last season. He completed 23-of-36 passes for 267 yards in a losing effort.
Henson also saw action in last season's game against the Irish. In his collegiate debut, Henson guided the Wolverines to a touchdown in his first series at quarterback. He completed an eight-yard pass to Jerame Tuman to cap off a 10 play, 80-yard scoring drive. Henson connected on 5-of-8 passing for 55 yards.
The sophomore finished the season 21-of-47 passing for 254 yards and three touchdowns.
Henson, however, spent the summer playing minor league baseball for the New York Yankees and may not be as prepared as Brady.
No matter who gets the start, the Michigan quarterback will have some big targets, as the Wolverines return five receivers from last year's six-man rotation.
Although Tai Streets moved on to the pros, seniors Marcus Knight and DiAllo Johnson are prime time players. Sophomore David Terrell, who verbally committed to the Irish out of high school, is a deep threat. Senior Kevin Bryant and sophomore Marquise Walker round out the talent group of receivers.
Brady and Henson should get excellent pass protection, as Michigan boasts arguably the best offensive line in the country. It returns five starters, including preseason All-American Steve Hutchinson. Seniors Jeff Backus and David Brandt also anchor the Michigan offensive line.
If the Michigan passing game struggles, the Wolverines will look to the run game to bail them out.
Michigan lost Clarence Williams to graduation, but junior Anthony Thomas headlines a list of four backs who saw action last season. Thomas is the team's leading returning rusher with 1,442 yards on his career. He has rushed for 20 touchdowns and finished the '98 season with three 100-yard performances in his four games.
Aaron Shea is penciled in as the starting fullback.
All Sports Stories for Friday, September 3, 1999
