The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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58 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW QUARTERBACKS game-winning drive in a 29-26 win, tossing a 12-yard touchdown pass to wideout Jehu Chesson and then a two-point conversion to Amara Darboh. He also subbed for an injured Rudock in the Ohio State game, after that one got out of hand. Speight is the tallest of Michigan's quarterbacks, at 6-6, and enjoyed a solid spring of competition. He guided the Maize team to a 14-13 win over the O'Korn/Mor- ris-led Blue in the spring game, going 5-of-6 passing for 46 yards and rushing for 19 yards and a touchdown on two tries. O'Korn threw for 93 yards and also ran for a TD in the spring finale. Whether or not Speight repre- sents a less flashy but steadier op- tion remains to be seen. "He might be," Karsch said. "He might not be as fleet of foot and he might not have a stron- ger arm, but if you are reading defenses better and throwing the football where it should be thrown, you're going to make fewer mistakes, and you're not going to turn it over as much. "I think Speight can absolutely be the safer option, and safer is al- most better. Look, Wilton Speight got so much better. The throw he made to win the Minnesota game is not one I'd seen in the repertoire yet, and that was in a high-pressure, crunch-time, fourth-quarter situation. Speight stepped up and made a play. "I'm not ruling anybody out. I'd bet on O'Korn, but if Speight claims it because he earned it — and earned it over a worthy competitor — I don't think there would be anything wrong with it." Morris, meanwhile, spurred plenty of spring game buzz, most of it not involving his quarterback skills. He threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to tailback Drake Johnson, but it came as a wide receiver after catching a lateral toss by O'Korn. Morris lined up several other times at wideout, catch- ing a 25-yard pass from O'Korn on the final touch- down drive of the game. That left everyone wondering whether or not Morris — who redshirted last season while getting groomed in Harbaugh's system — might prove a bit of an X-factor for the Wolverines this year. "When a kid wants to contribute in any way pos- sible — and the dream scenario probably isn't playing itself out right now for Shane Morris — and he wants to be there, compete and help his team, I think those are really laudable characteristics," Karsch observed. "Those are great traits to have in life and will serve him well moving forward. "Could he help this team at another position? I don't see why he shouldn't try. Here is the other thing: I've seen enough stories where guys were given up on and came back and made an impact. Two of the greatest in Michigan history, people gave up on — Brian Griese and Tom Brady." Even if Morris' story doesn't play out that way, he has options, and Michigan has some with him. "Michigan might be able to line up a wide receiver with the best throwing arm in the Big Ten," Karsch said. Redshirt freshman Alex Mal- zone went 2-of-4 passing in the spring game. He's beginning his second season in the Harbaugh system, looking to continue im- proving. With at least three quarterbacks ahead of him and true freshman Brandon Peters coming on as an early enrollee, Malzone sees plenty of competition ahead. "He has the ability to make plays on a football field," Karsch said. "In this competition, it ap- pears he has the steepest hill to climb." Harbaugh, meanwhile, called Peters "a natural," while watch- ing him operate this spring. The 6-5 frosh out of Avon, Ind., could have been finishing up his senior year in high school this spring, but instead he battled through U-M's football workouts, going 3-of-6 passing in the finale at Michigan Stadium. The 2015 Mr. Football from his home state has plenty to learn, just 15 practices into his journey as a Wolverine, but got a head start on many classmates. He'll continue competing into the fall, trying to break into the top three signal- callers for Michigan. "He looked like he belonged in the spring game," Karsch said. "My guess is Jim Harbaugh takes personal interest in him and his success, given that he's the first top-flight quarterback he's able to bring in. "Harbaugh is going to give this kid every opportunity to be successful at Michigan. That often means a red- shirt year. We'll start to get trickles out of the building about how good he is as a scout team quarterback. But if the others falter and open the door a little bit, or if this kid truly is a phenom, he could get a chance." Whoever wins the job automatically finds himself surrounded by potential success enhancers. Fifth-year senior wide receivers Chesson and Darboh, along with All-American senior tight end Jake Butt, lead a host of strong receiving targets. Senior tailback De'Veon Smith proved a rugged ground gainer and pass protector throughout 2015, and he'll see redshirt junior tailback Ty Isaac and fifth-year senior tailback Drake Johnson pushing for time every step of the way. The offensive line also features a wealth of experience, with three fifth-year seniors up front, along with a third-year starter in junior Mason Cole at center. In short, the performer that emerges to take Cole's snaps come September won't be entering into battle empty- handed, by any means. Now, it just remains to be seen who latches onto the highest-profile job in a winged helmet. ❏ Redshirt sophomore Shane Morris lined up at wide receiver for several plays during the spring game, throwing a touchdown pass from that spot while also hauling in a 25-yard catch. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Year-By-Year Passing Stats Year Yards TD INT 2015 3,090 21 10 2014 2,042 10 18 2013 3,221 21 13 2012 2,591 20 19 2011 2,377 22 16 2010 3,252 23 15 2009 2,380 15 15 2008 1,718 11 12 2007 2,862 25 14 2006 2,538 22 8