Hoke Bringing Back Retired Ford Jersey
By: Mike Stone
After honoring Desmond Howard as the first Michigan football legend last season, the Wolverines are doing it again this year with perhaps their most famous alum. As you probably know, Howard wore number 21 in his years at Michigan. That # 21 will be worn by Ray Roundtree this upcoming season. This morning during an interview on Birmingham, Alabama station WJOX FM, Michigan football coach Brady Hoke announced that the team will honor former President and Michigan center Gerald Ford, who's #48 is one of 5 retired jerseys at Michigan. He made the announcement when a Michigan fan called up the station and asked if anyone is going to wear the coveted number 1 jersey." I think in the near future you will see it but I can't say it's going to be this season. We're honoring Desmond Howard now every year with one of our players (senior receiver Roy Roundtreee) who really deserves it," Hoke said. "We're going to do the same with Gerald Ford's jersey here this year. There's a lot of things were looking at doing. Right now that number 1 is still hanging in a locker."
Hoke was also asked about the rivalry with Ohio State, by the station which is in the heart of the Auburn-Alabama Iron Bowl rivalry. Hoke as he always does refuses to address the Buckeyes by their actual name, saying,"Its obviously we feel it's the greatest game in sports. You think about the great teams and great games between the two schools and it's amazing. Ohio week is always something special."
Of course Hoke also had to address the season opener against Alabama and was asked if he has looked at any film of the Crimson Tide yet, "Way too much film on Alabama", Hoke said. "Watching that offensive line come off the ball and doing the things they can do and just the skill level they have and you know and the awesome guys on defense, believe me they recruited well. They have tremendous players who are looking forward to get their chance."
You can listen to the entire interview by clicking HERE.
