Desmond Howard? Anthony Carter? How about David Terrell or Braylon Edwards?
Any of these and more might be the most common answers to the question of who is the best wide receiver Michigan has ever produced. Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner, however, believes it could be Devin Funchess -- the converted tight end who caught three touchdown passes in a half Saturday in a 52-14 thrashing of Appalachian State. Gardner's view of Funchess' potential comes from the Twitter feed of the Detroit News' Angelique Chengelis.
At 6-5, 230 pounds, Funchess is a serious matchup problem and an exciting NFL prospect who could play receiver or a slot tight end role in the NFL. But the best receiver Michigan has ever had?
Definitions of "best ever" can be ambiguous. Based on college career alone, based on NFL success, or both? Strictly based on college productivity, Funchess has no chance of catching Edwards, who piled up a school-record 3,541 receiving yards from 2001-2004. Former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard will always have a special place in Wolverines lore, but based on pro-career criteria, he'd be easier for Funchess to catch.
Regardless, Funchess' move from tight end to wide receiver had a splendid start Saturday (seven catches, 95 yards, three TDs).
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread.*