Michael Hart – Michigan
When you’re named the team MVP at a program like the University of Michigan, that’s extremely noteworthy. When you’re named the team MVP twice, that’s doubly-impressive. But leaving Ann Arbor as the all-time leading rusher in school history? That’s a whole another level of memorable. Running back Michael Hart was able to accomplish all of the above when he left Ann Arbor after the 2007 season, after running for more than 5,040 yards in four seasons.
But the undersized Hart had the odds stacked against him, as far as a career in the NFL. He fell until late in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and spent most of his first two seasons dealing with various leg injuries. Before the start of the 2011 season, he was released by the team who drafted him (the Indianapolis Colts), and started his career in coaching short after.