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Chat Reel: Steve Hutchinson

Michigan star ready to capture Big Ten title

Lloyd Carr's Michigan Wolverines are ranked fourth in Sports Illustrated's College Football Preview 2000. Tom Pidgeon/Allsport

CNNSI.com chatted with Michigan lineman Steve Hutchinson on Aug 11, 2000. A transcript of his chat follows:

CNNSI Host: Thank you for joining our college football chat with Michigan lineman Steve Hutchinson. Welcome Steve.
Steve Hutchinson: Hello.

From Todd in Jacksonville, Fla.: Steve, congratulations on a wonderful career at Michigan. My question is, while it appears the offensive line will do fine this year, to support the likes of David Terrell, Drew Henson and Anthony Thomas, can you comment on how the defensive line and secondary are shaping up, with the injury to Cato June?
Steve Hutchinson: Our defense is more inexperienced than our offense this year. But they have been around for two to three years and they've played some. We have a fifth-year senior Eric Wilson on the line who anchors the defense. And our secondary is probably one of our strengths. Cato is a big upset for us to lose before the season. But we have some guys with some experience ready to step in. And we have Wayne Patmon, James Whitley and Todd Howard. Those are the experienced guys in the secondary. So overall we should be fine.

From Joseph M. Ivory in Woodbridge, Va.: Good Morning Steve, I'm a big Michigan fan and I'm excited about the return of Drew Henson. How do you feel Drew will impact this year's offense accompanied with Anthony Thomas and yourself? Hopefully, next year we can get you up to play for the Browns!
Steve Hutchinson: Yes, we're glad Drew is back. We're always glad when he comes back from baseball. He looks like he is in shape. He has been throwing the football. And we're looking forward to our best year. We have our individual goals. We hope our team is a success in winning the division championship this year.

From Paul Carp in Ann Arbor, Mich.: Steve, people have compared you to former Michigan offensive lineman Jon Jansen. He started since he was a freshman, and he has a similar size and abilities. How do you think Michigan's offensive line compares to that of the 1997 national championship team? Will the running game improve from last year? Are you up for another championship run?
Steve Hutchinson: Yes, in '97, myself and Jeff Backus and Dave Brandt started and we'll be back this year. And Maurice (Mo) Williams started at right tackle. He has been here for two years now. Our line has the potential to do what we did in '97. But this year we want to do our own things and return with a Big Ten Championship.

From Bryan in Palm Harbor, Fla.: Everybody talks about Drew Henson replacing Tom Brady, but from your point of view, which position will be the toughest to replace?
Steve Hutchinson: Hard question. We're gonna miss all our starters and seniors from last year. But it is good to see the guys coming up to fill the roles. That's what the game is all about -- you graduate seniors and bring others up. But there is not one position that you miss more than another. But we are excited to see the new things the new people bring to the table -- their talent. It is a different team with different players.

From Kareem in Atlanta: Good morning Steve, I'm a huge Wolverine fan. What's the status on Justin Fargas' leg injury? Will he be able to perform this year, and give the offense that 1-2 punch that you guys needed last season?
Steve Hutchinson: As far as I know Justin is back 100 percent, stronger than ever. He'll give our team a boost and pick up those rushing yards we didn't get last year. He'll pick up our average.

From Michael in Altoona, Wis.: Hey Steve, who is the toughest defensive lineman to block in the Big Ten.
Steve Hutchinson: I didn't play a lot in the Wisconsin game, but I think Wendell Bryant, number 77, was pretty good.

From SDBLUE in Hot Springs, S.D.: When you're drafted in the first round next year, where would you most like to go? I hope to see you in a Bears uniform.
Steve Hutchinson: I haven't given much thought to that. I'm just concentrating on this season. If things go well, then that'll take care of itself.

From YO: Do you ever wonder what it would have been like to play for Bo Schembechler?
Steve Hutchinson: Oh, you hear stories of Schembechler and the legendary teams. But I'm proud to play for coach Lloyd Carr. He is the best coach in the U.S. today. And I like playing for him.

From Joe: From Joe: what differences do you see between Tom Brady and Drew Henson?
Steve Hutchinson: I think the major difference is Tom Brady is your traditional drop back style passer. And Drew brings the ability to scramble and gain yards with his agility and quickness.

From Travoy Horton in Toledo, Ohio: How do you feel about your chances of winning a National Title?
Steve Hutchinson: We always strive to win the Big Ten Championship. And depending on where the BCS picks us to play in the bowl game. We have no control over where to play. But we have a good schedule this year.

From UofMNick: Who is an offensive player who has really stepped up his game this summer?
Steve Hutchinson: It's kinda hard to tell. We haven't practiced yet. But everyone has made good strides. Everyone has gotten stronger and quicker.

From Guest in Chicago: Have you and the other offensive lineman been working hard to improve your strength to enhance the running game?
Steve Hutchinson: Yes, we've worked hard all summer. Everyone was here more than normal lifting and running to get our strength up. We can hopefully gain a better rushing average this year.

From Andrew Bunner in Brantford, Ont.: Hey Steve, I'd like to say that you are my favorite Michigan player. You are a great example of the desire, toughness, and enthusiasm that makes Michigan a great team every year. My question is, having faced all the new defensive players in practice which qualities do you feel will be their greatest assets in making this team a success?
Steve Hutchinson: I think their ability to gel and play together well. I think that will make them a great defense this year.

From Guest in Cincinnati: What were the determining factors in your decision to attend Michigan? Was Michigan's reputation as a developer of NFL talent one of them?
Steve Hutchinson: I chose Michigan because I always followed them as a boy. I always liked them and their style of football.

From T.MCCOOL in Gilbert, Ariz.: Since Michigan's goal every year is to win the Big Ten Championship, are you looking forward to playing in the Rose Bowl?
Steve Hutchinson: Yes, we set our goals pretty high every year. We want to win the Big Ten Championship every year. Hopefully, we will go back to the Rose Bowl.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Steve Hutchinson. Thanks for joining us Steve, best of luck this season.
Steve Hutchinson: Thank you!

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