John Navarre might just be the star in the long line of memorable Michigan quarterbacks. Names such as Brian Griese, Drew Henson and Super Bowl XXXVI hero Tom Brady have all made their mark in Ann Arbor as winners at the collegiate level.

However, that was in the past, and Navarre is now the present. The junior quarterback is headed in the right direction to gain similar prestige to that of those who have come before him. Looking ahead to this Saturday’s game against the Badgers, Navarre appears to have something more for which to play.

Navarre attended high school in Cudahy, Wis., a town just a few miles outside of Milwaukee. He was a four-sport star, playing football, basketball, baseball and golf.

Navarre was highly recruited by Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez, but ultimately decided that Michigan was the better choice for him. For Navarre, playing against the Badgers is a thrill and something that he looks forward to every year.

“It means a lot. It’s special, because [I] know some guys on the team that I played in high school,” Navarre said.

Furthermore, Navarre said this game is always a lot of fun, and the memories of being back in Wisconsin come back to him each time he goes up against the Badgers.

While playing Wisconsin has sentimental value, Navarre has remained focused on winning and completing a season in which he has improved drastically. Last year, Navarre threw for 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Through only nine games so far, he has tallied the same amount of touchdowns and only four interceptions.

While statistics provide the quantitative justification for a player’s improvement, they don’t tell the whole story in Navarre’s case.

He credits his time on the practice field and experience in games to his development as a quarterback this season.

“The evolution on the practice field has been the big difference for me,” Navarre said. “I still need to improve, but I think it’s my decision-making that’s also come along. I have rhythm [now] and a groove in the offense.”

Although Navarre feels comfortable with the Michigan offense, he understands that as a quarterback in the Big Ten, he must answer a plethora of questions from the media.

“It’s something you have to handle, adjust to, and not become distracted,” Navarre said. “It’s part of being a quarterback at a big school.”

In addition, he appreciates the chance he has had to play football at a powerhouse football school like Michigan.

“You really understand the tradition once you get here. I feel very fortunate and lucky,” Navarre said of his experience with the Wolverines.

Part of that luck has been being under the guidance of head coach Lloyd Carr, who has led the Wolverines to a bowl game in each season he has been at the helm. When asked about his relationship with Carr, Navarre had only positive things to say.

“We have a good relationship. He wants me to be the best possible quarterback,” Navarre stated. “He does a very good job of teaching me how to excel and be successful.”

Carr’s impact on Navarre has transcended to the playing field, where he has Michigan off to a 7-2 start and a no. 10 national ranking.

With a year of eligibility remaining after this season, Navarre is proud of the opportunity he has had to uphold the tradition of Michigan football.

“I’m very honored, and I feel I’m doing my part to set an example for other guys who will become part of this program,” Navarre said.

Navarre hopes that after college the NFL will have a place for him to play. However, his main concern is that he is successful in life. Majoring in communications at Michigan, he hopes to do well in the work field, whether or not he becomes a professional football player.

But as a man of goals and high expectations, Navarre is content to just focus on Wolverine football for the time being.