KALAMAZOO,Mich. - In the third edition of the Behind the Numbers series, we
looked at jersey numbers 21-30. If you missed any of the Behind the Number
players, here is a look back at which player was deemed best:
#21-William Reed (1996-99)
#22-Dennis Robinson (1984-87)
#23-Aaron Winchester (2008-2011)
#24-Tarrence McEvans (1995-97)
#25-Mike Gary (1979-1983)
#26-Jim Vackaro (1992-95)
#27-Jamarko Simmons (2004-08)
#28-Pierre Hixon (1990-93)
#29-Rick Lucas (1994-97)
#30-Bruce Boyko (1987-89)
Combing all of the players ever to wear jersey numbers
21-30, the offensive and defensive statistics are impressive. Offensively
numbers 21-30 has recorded 589 catches, 25,877 yards and 153 touchdowns.
Defensively has amassed 3,214 tackles, 51 forced fumbles and 108 interceptions.
Taking it one step further looking at just the players
that were the best at their respective jersey number, they amassed 8,637 yards,
47 touchdowns, 1,075 tackles, 17 forced fumbles and 49 interceptions.
The best player to be deemed best player 21-30 is a
player that etched his name in the WMU record book for being a premier running
back.
Jim Vackaro (1992-1995) is the best player to wear jersey
number 26. During his years of carving up defense, Vackaro accumulated 2,954
yards and 23 touchdowns. He is top five in career rushing yards (2,954) and
attempts (625). Along with earning Second Team All-MAC honors in 1994. He is
also a member of WMU's All-Century Team.
Bronco fans have been voting all week via wmubroncos.com and facebook.com/wmubroncofans, to come up with their choice for the best player 21-30. With 59 percent of the vote, wide receiver Jamarko Simmons is the fan's vote. Running back Aaron Winchester (28 percent) and running back Jim Vackaro (nine percent) followed.
Jamarko Simmons (2004-2008) had 260 receptions for 3,019
yards and 17 touchdowns during his career at WMU. Simmons is top 10 in career yards (3,019), receptions (260)
and touchdowns (17). He is top 10 in single season receiving yards (1,276) and
receptions (104). Simmons also is top five in single game receptions (14 vs.
Indiana, 2007). He was First Team All-MAC in 2007 and 2008 and earned Sports
Illustrated All-American.
Stay tuned for the next edition of the Behind the Numbers
series, as we dig deeper into the jersey numbers of 31-40.