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, (19) Marquise Walker, (18) Mercury Hayes.

#1 Derrick Alexander

1990-1993
Position: Wide Receiver / Kick Returner
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Career Stats: 125 receptions, 1,977 yds, 22TDs

Back in the wolverine helmet sticker days, Derrick Alexander was a very nice number two option alongside of the great Desmond Howard in ’90 and ’91. Alexander was an All-American in 1992 and is one of six Michigan players of all time to have over 1,000 return yards in his career.  I’ll say this after checking out the highlights – his speed was there and it was deceptive.

Having both Alexander and Desmond Howard back to return kickoffs just had to frighten Michigan opponents – they were both deadly back there.

Go ahead and watch that highlight video below, from none other than Wolverine Historian, and you’ll be reminded of Alexander’s speed and skill at being a deep threat back when Grbac and Collins were slinging him the skin.

First Play That Comes to Mind

This little deal was a 23-yard reverse against Houston where Alexander shows his agility and speed in making his way to the end zone.  Roll the tape…

I would also encourage you to check out his punt return at the 4:18 mark – that’s like Steve Breaston type stuff right there.

On Deck?

Who is going to be #16?  An easy one: he totaled nine total 100-yard rushing games in his career with four of them coming during Michigan’s 1997 National Championship run.

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
• 18th MMM Player since ’90: #9 Mercury Hayes
• 19th MMM Player since ’90: #4 Marquise Walker