Mike Hart (football player)

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Leon Michael Hart (born April 9, 1986 in Syracuse, New York) is an American football running back who plays for the Michigan Wolverines. He is commonly called Mike or Michael.

1 College career
- 1.1 National awards
- 1.2 Conference honors
2 High school career
3 External links

[edit] College career

In 2004, Hart set a Michigan record for most rushing yards in a season by a freshman with 1,455. He rushed for nine touchdowns and had 26 receptions for 237 yards and a touchdown catch. In 2005, his sophomore season, Hart missed significant time due to a hamstring injury. He started only eight of Michigan's 12 games and played sparingly in three of those. He finished the season with 662 yards and four touchdowns rushing and added 15 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown catch.

During the 2006 season, Hart rushed for 1,562 yards, the fifth-best season total in Michigan history, and 14 touchdowns. For his efforts, Hart was recognized as his team's co-MVP with linebacker David Harris. He was also selected by both coaches and media to the All-Big Ten Conference First Team, named a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, and placed fifth in Heisman Trophy balloting. In his career, Hart has rushed for 3,679 yards, which ranks sixth in school history. His 27 career rushing touchdowns are ninth-best in Michigan annals. Hart has lost a fumble only one time, against Iowa on September 25, 2004, in 750 collegiate carries.

[edit] National awards

2006 Doak Walker Award finalist
2006 Maxwell Award semifinalist
2006 Walter Camp Award watchlist
2006 Heisman Trophy fifth place

[edit] Conference honors

2004 All-Big Ten Conference First Team (coaches and media)
2004 Big Ten Freshman of the Year (coaches and media)
2006 All-Big Ten Conference First Team (coaches and media, unanimous)

[edit] High school career

Hart attended Onondaga Central Junior/Senior High School just outside Syracuse, NY where he set the national career record for rushing touchdowns (204) and finished second in career rushing yards (11,045). Onondaga Central went 46-1 and won three state championships during his career.