Drew Henson platooned with Tom Brady at quarterback early in Michigan’s 1999 season.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr used both quarterbacks during the first seven games. Brady generally played the first quarter, Henson took the second, and Carr chose the quarterback for the second half based on the game situation.
The arrangement reflected a genuine competition. Henson was a highly regarded young quarterback, while Brady was an experienced senior trying to establish himself as the clear starter. Brady ultimately won the job and led Michigan through the remainder of the season.
The other choices belong to different parts of Michigan and Brady history. Brian Griese was the starter during Michigan’s undefeated 1997 national championship season, Scott Dreisbach preceded Brady in the Wolverines’ quarterback picture, and John Navarre became a later Michigan quarterback.