![]() ![]() Jewett’s teammate Roger Sherman recalled an incident from the 1890 game at Albion: Jewett’s presence “was resented by both the Albion team and the spectators.” Albion tried to lure Jewett into a violation that would get him thrown off the field. (Oberlin, to this day, still claims to have won the game.)ĭespite his prowess on the field and in the classroom, Jewett’s skin color did not go unnoticed. Michigan, however, argued that there were still minutes left on the clock, owing to unaccounted for time-outs during the match.Īs Oberlin’s players celebrated and left field, Michigan centered the ball and Jewett walked it to the end zone unopposed, winning the game for Michigan 26-24. With the visitors holding a two-point lead, Oberlin claimed time had expired. As was the practice of the day, teams agreed that the game would end at a specific time-in this case 4:50, which would allow Oberlin time to catch their train. In a particularly memorable game with Oberlin’s undefeated 1892 team-coached by the legendary John Heisman-Jewett scored four of Michigan’s touchdowns. A newspaper during Jewett’s time described him as “a brilliant player who stands punishment with indifference.” Later, his former teammate Ralph Stone would recall that although Jewett was modest and friendly off the field, when he played, he possessed a strength far beyond expectation: “Without the benefit of blockers to clear a path for him, he could dodge, wriggle, twist, pivot, and whirl through the opposing team, as well as the modern number-one, All-American back could do with the help of a mighty bulk of human flesh to block for him,” Stone wrote in 1954. Some who saw Jewett play believed he should be ranked with Heston and Harmon among Michigan’s all-time greats. He was both a terror on defense, and an outstanding runner on offense. In just two seasons, 18, he started as both a fullback and halfback, and was Michigan’s top scorer, rusher, and kicker during his reign. Jewett was Michigan’s first black football player and ultimately one of its greatest stars. But his stellar academic record is overshadowed by his athletic achievements. By all accounts, he was well-liked, and an excellent student. Jewett, the son of a blacksmith who came to Ann Arbor around 1868, came to the University of Michigan in 1890, enrolling in the Lit School, but hoping to study medicine. ![]() He was also an African American, living during the time when Jim Crow was tightening its grip on the country. He was the fastest sprinter in the Midwest, and could hold a conversation in four languages. ![]() He’d captained both the football and baseball teams there-as well as the debate club. Intelligent, driven, and athletically blessed, George Jewett was a classic all-American: He’d been valedictorian of Ann Arbor High School. To help celebrate U-M’s Bicentennial, the Bentley continues its series of stories about “firsts” in Michigan’s history, including U-M’s first African American football letterman. It was a pleasure to have Dametrius Walker with us today to get a tour of the facilities and to score his first career touchdown! Keep fighting, Meechie, the entire program is with you! George Jewett A look at the achievements of Michigan’s first African American football letterman. He was invited to be down on the field for their opening game day against Colorado State at noon on Saturday, Sept. This won’t be the last you hear from Meechie and his newfound connection with Michigan football. This was a big community effort – a huge thank you goes to Michigan football, The M Den, Kensington Hotel Ann Arbor, Pizza House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House Ann Arbor and Zingerman’s Community of Businesses for making this day so special for Meechie Walker and his family. This past weekend, Hospice of Michigan helped him score an invite to a team practice at The Big House, where Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh honored Meechie by not only having him meet the team – but by helping him score his first and only college football touchdown. ![]()
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