This post is part of a little August series on the 20 Most Memorable Michigan players of the past twenty years – basically going back to 1990.  Don’t forget my friends, these are my memories…and beef if you must once we start getting down to the wire and you sense an oncoming omission.  Previously: (20) Chris Floyd.

#4 Marquise Walker

1998-2001
Position: Wide Receiver
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Career Stats: 176 Receptions, 2,269 yds, 17 TDs

At the turn of the century, Michigan had some standout wideouts in David Terrell and Marquise Walker.  Walker, seemingly the number two guy behind David Terrell, was a fantastic, playmaking receiver that put together some jaw-dropping  highlight-reel catches during his time at Michigan.

Walker came up big in big games.  Who could forget the performances against Washington, at Husky Stadium, and against Ohio State in 2001.  Walker amassed a record breaking, then record tying, 15 catches in each game going for 159 and 160 yards respectively.

To me, Walker was one of those guys I really respected on the field because he just got it done.  Walker kept it simple.  No shimmies, no shuffles – just did his job for Michigan and that’s in part what it’s about for a Michigan team MVP.

First Play That Comes to Mind

I was a freshman at the University of Dayton when my roommate was playing back the tape, yes, tape meaning VHS tape, for me as Michigan struggled throughout the third quarter against Iowa.  Nothing looked all too positive until dude in the #4 jersey made one of the most amazing one-handed catches I’ve ever seen.  Roll the tape…

Walker’s hometown paper, The Post-Standard, had this quote in following of that one-hand banger…

“There he was in the corner of the end zone, as two Iowa defensive backs stalked him like sentries. The ball, delivered high and wide, seemed an improbable stretch, an impossible goal. And yet, as it spiraled toward him, Marquise Walker leaped and lifted his right arm. His fingertips grazed the leather and tipped it skyward. And then, as he tumbled back to earth, he wrapped his hands around the ball and caressed it to his chest. Touchdown Michigan.”

And More Walker Highlights…

Michigan Records & Honors

Marquise had many.  And they go a little something like this…

• 2001 All American
• All-Time Receptions in a single season at 86 (2001)
• All-Time Yards in a single season at 1,143 (2001)
• Most 100 yard receiving games in a season at 6 (2001)
• Most receptions in a single game at 15 (2001)
• Most consecutive games with a reception at 36

On Deck?

Who is going to be #18?  After committing to Michigan over Colorado, USC, Florida State, and Arkansas, this player established Michigan’s record for most consecutive games with a reception at 30, which has since been broken by two other players.

Related Posts:

• 14th MMM Player Since ’90: #3 Tripp Welborne
• 15th MMM Player since ’90: #15 Steve Breaston
• 16th MMM Player since ’90: #8 Chris Howard
• 17th MMM Player since ’90: #1 Derrick Alexander
• 18th MMM Player since ’90: #9 Mercury Hayes