Roy Roundtree will wear No. 21 'legend' jersey for Michigan football team
Last season, former Michigan wide receiver Junior Hemingway, above, wore the No. 21 'legend' jersey, which includes a patch that reads "Desmond Howard, Michigan Legend, 1988-1991." Roy Roundtree will wear it in 2012, the university announced Friday.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Former Michigan football star and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard will have a presence once again for the Wolverines in 2012.
Michigan announced Friday that senior receiver Roy Roundtree will wear Howard's No. 21 "Michigan Football Legend" uniform next season.
Prior to its game against Notre Dame last season, Michigan announced the jersey would be the first to hold the distinction. Worn by wideout Junior Hemingway last season, the jersey includes a patch with Howard's name.
"Coach Hoke and I discussed it, and one day I came into the locker room and went to the No. 12 locker and didn't see my name anymore. I laughed, looked around and there it was, at No. 21," Roundtree said in a statement. "I know what it takes to wear the winged helmet and I know what it takes to be a Michigan football player. I won't disappoint wearing this jersey.
"It's an honor to be associated with Desmond Howard. I will live with it for the rest of my life. It's a blessing."
Roy Roundtree
"To wear the No. 21 jersey at Michigan is an honor," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said in a statement. "Desmond was a special player and is a special person who represents everything great about Michigan. Roy is deserving of the honor to wear that legendary jersey.
"Roy graduated in April and is taking graduate classes, and he's become one of the leaders of Team 133, on and off the field. He's earned it."
Roundtree made 19 catches for 355 yards and two touchdowns as a junior a year ago, but is expected to move into Michigan's No. 1 receiver role next season.
Earlier this spring, Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges announced that Roundtree would move to flanker -- the position Hemingway held a year ago.
Shortly after spring practice ended, Roundtree was vocal about his desire to possibly wear Michigan's legendary No. 1 jersey for his senior season, a jersey typically given to a standout wide receiver.
However, it appears No. 21 will work just as well.
"I am very pleased that Roy will be wearing the number 21 this year," Howard said in a statement. "He is the type of kid who is always positive, upbeat and wearing a smile on his face. Roy embraces the concept of 'team' that was instilled in us by Coach Schembechler so many years ago. Less concerned with his personal production declining under a new coaching regime, he just wanted Team 132 to win -- and win they did.
"Equally as important is Roy's dedication to his education. Having already earned his undergraduate degree this spring, Roy will be pursuing a post-graduate degree while playing for the Wolverines this fall. He is an excellent choice."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
CoachBrown3
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 10:23 p.m.
I wrote an article about this as well. Check it out! www.uofmich.blogspot.com. The M Block!!!
michboy40
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
Congrats Roy! You don't have to catch 60 passes to be a good receiver. You do all the little things, and you are obviously taking care of business off the field. This is your year to break out and lead team 133 to the B1G Championship!
J
Mon, May 21, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
What was more of a delight to read was: "Roy graduated in April and is taking graduate classes." Good for you, Roy!
Tom
Sun, May 20, 2012 : 4 p.m.
19 catches earns the #21? Why not give it to the long snapper? He had more receiving yards (11) than Roundtree did in the Splenda Bowl! This is a HOKE JOKE! Talk about desperation! Where's the threat? THERE IS NO THREAT!
ted
Sun, May 20, 2012 : 5:57 a.m.
It's pretty obvious by the disappointed look on his face in this picture that he is very upset he didn't get the NO. 1 Jersey.
Hebner
Sun, May 20, 2012 : 2:07 a.m.
Brady Hoke is the king of motivation!
amzack
Sat, May 19, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
So, now MIchigan has two special jerseys for receivers. Seems a bit much and a slight move away from "the team, the team" but whatever. The patch is unnecessary (as well as too big/gaudy--doesn't need to be read from row 42). Wearing a plain #21 jersey should be symbolic enough; adding to Michigan's classy low-profile traditions instead of injecting more marketing. Will we see a big patch of a star on jersey #1? Glad for Roy. He seems like a good kid based on his interviews. Hope he enjoys the honor for a long time.
vi4mi4
Sat, May 19, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
..nice.. Go Blue! v
Terry Star21
Fri, May 18, 2012 : 11:12 p.m.
Very deserving and a very gracious complement. Graduate classes, very impressive. Watch for a little extra effort this year from Roundtree, he stayed and he became a champion. MgoBlueForTiM......go get em' 'tree'....
Tom
Sun, May 20, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
He stayed on...to catch 19 passes! LOL! Terry...so nice of you to give the "21" up. Out of respect for Roundtree, I think that you should change your helmet avatar to read "0". Where did you go to school?
golfer
Fri, May 18, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
gee wounder if that team from ohio would do this. no just more tattoos.
Tag
Fri, May 18, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
Go Blue!