The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Big Blue in Texas: Michael Huff
12.30.2004 | Football
Football is synonymous with Texas. Just as everything is bigger in Texas, so was Michael Huff's affinity for one of the biggest college programs in the country. But, it wasn't who you might think. A majority of Huff's family grew up and still lives in Michigan, giving him his sports education through a Wolverine's point of view.
"Grandparents, uncles, aunts, everybody in my family lives in Michigan," said Huff, who will start his 37th career game (of 38 career contests) in Saturday's Rose Bowl. "When I was young, I used to go up there all the time to visit my family, so I kind of grew up rooting for Michigan."
As a freshman cornerback at Nimitz High in Dallas, it was only natural for Huff to be attracted to the best college player at his position. It was that year, 1997, that Michigan's Charles Woodson came to the national forefront on his way to becoming the only defensive player ever to win the Heisman Trophy.
"Woodson was kind of my idol," stated Huff. "I had always been a Michigan fan and then Woodson won the Heisman as a cornerback. It definitely made me think about playing my college ball in Ann Arbor."
But, as the recruiting process heated up, Huff started to remember the times when he would jump into snow piles while visiting the great white north, and he realized that the weather might be a good reason to stay in Texas. Also, he acknowledges that every football player growing up in Texas dreams of playing for the Longhorns, no matter whom they rooted for around the country.
"I've played football in Texas my entire life, so deciding to go to Texas was a really big thrill for me," explained Huff. "I planned on running track as well, so I figured I needed to be in the better weather to be in peak physical condition."
A four-year letterman in track while in high school, Huff quickly decided to focus on football when he arrived in Austin. Now, after a redshirt season and three very successful years on the gridiron, things are coming full circle for him as he prepares to face Big 10 Champion Michigan.
"It's unbelievable to be playing Michigan in the granddaddy of them all," stated Huff. "I'm happy to be playing on the Texas side in this match-up and I'm sure it is going to be a great experience."
We know what side Huff is on, but what about the family. Both of Huff's parents grew up in Muskegon and a large portion of his family still remains ardent Michigan supporters. But, after seeing his mother decked out in Burnt Orange, it is obvious that his family will support the statement, "blood is thicker than water."
"Everybody back in Michigan has their Texas t-shirts and I got my nephew a Michael Huff jersey," said Huff's mother, Birdie King. "All the people up there know that my Michael plays for Texas, so they'll be rooting for the Longhorns."
Huff may have learned about sports from a Michigan point of view, but in Texas' first ever meeting with the Wolverines, it will be the Horns who benefit from that education.
