Wolverine Wednesday: Is Wilton Winning The Job?

The Big Ten Network watched practice on Monday and they came away with a number of observations.  Most of them we knew already but they are seemingly indicating that Wilton might still have a slight edge on the QB job.


On the rise: Wilton Speight. The 6-6, 243-pound junior QB looked good for most of practice, showing just enough niftiness with his feet along with a strong arm.


All eyes are on the QB spot, just like last season. There isn’t a lot of experience on the depth chart. But Houston transfer John O’Korn has starting experience. He is battling Wilton Speight and Shane Morris with O’Korn and Speight leading the way. In the end, I wouldn’t be shocked if Speight lands the job. He’s a steady force who looked good last year when forced into action. He moves well for a 6-6, 243-pound QB and he throws well. Speight just may be the guy when it’s all said and done.


We know Jimmy won't give up who the better QB is at this point.  It was clear Ruddock was the top QB last year and Jimmy didn't give up who was the starter until the week of the Utah game.    My take is that Jimmy feels that O'Korn is the better athlete and could get Michigan first downs with his legs and his arm.   Speight is more of the traditional drop back guy who is smart, will minimize mistakes and be a great game manager. 


I don't think the competition is over and we will see how comes out as the starter in a few weeks.




Here is the dumbest thing the BTN had to say:


More juice is needed from the ground game. I am not sure holdovers De’Veon Smith, Drake Johnson and Ty Isaac can provide it. The Wolverines haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Denard Robinson in 2012. The last Michigan running back to run for 1,000 yards was Fitz Toussaint in 2011. Maybe a true freshman can help.


If Smith stays healthy, I think he hits 1000 yards easy.   With that said, who cares about 1000 yards?   I would love for Smith to be the yards leader, but if Michigan gets great outings from Johnson and Isaac that is even better for Michigan's offense.     If the Michigan offensive line plays like they did against Florida, Michigan's running game will show huge improvements.    We could also see someone like Chris Evans get some snaps for more a more explosive look.   I think Kareem Walker probably takes a red shirt.




This is pretty cool:


The staff was working out offensive lineman Michael Onwenu at defensive tackle. The guy is a load at 350 pounds and would make the front even better on defense.


Could be a great backup option at nose tackle and run stopper.   Maybe some goal line packages?  I hope they don't burn his redshirt for a couple of snaps but I love the flexibility.