OT: David Cornwell eligible to play
Michael O'Connor was in the mix, too. I think O'Connor is announcing this weekend, and Penn State appears to be the choice.
Unusual story. Seems to be a positive result for the kid academically and athletically.
He was never offered. He thought he was going to get the offer, and it seemed like Michigan had a good chance at getting his commitment. Then they offered Speight, Speight committed, and Cornwell felt betrayed. But he talked with the coaches and seemed okay with what they said. There was even an implication that if things changed down the road with the scholarship situation, the coaches might offer him, too. That's why I don't really think this topic is too OT. If Gardner leaves early or Bellomy/Morris get hurt or leave or whatever, we might see Michigan try to get back in it with Cornwell.
Do you think the factor of Speight wanting to commit immediately vs. Cornwell supposedly wanting to wait until this summer played a significant factor in their decision on who to offer first? I'm curious if they felt Wilton was slightly better for Michigan or if his willingness to immediately commit tipped the scales in his favor. It seemed like they were inquiring about each player's intentions right before the offer went out.
Not that my opinions have to jive with the coaching staff's, but I think Cornwell is the better player. Lots of recruiting analysts do, too. I do think Speight's willingness to commit and/or his willingness to recruit hard for Michigan had something to do with it.
I have wondered if location had something to do with it too -- Michigan trying to deepen a foothold in Maryland-DC-Virginia? If so, it seems to be paying off. Still, Wilton needs to be a good enough quarterback.
One guess is that they felt Cornwell and Speight were both good choices and they were going to offer both, but after talking with them beforehand they determined Speight would immediately commit while Cornwell would wait until this summer. Thus, Speight would be the commit even if you offered Cornwell an hour earlier. Thus, offer Speight first so he has the satisfaction of being the first offered.
I'm curious if O'Connor was also viewed as equal to Speight, or if he was the last of the three finalists.
STEVE HOLT!
"Yeah, did you see Steve Holt? He looks like he's 50 years old."
It wasn't about academic issues.
...I do know there were concerns about him playing this year, but it sounds like there's more to it than that.
Also, can you confirm that Speight was the ONLY QB to get offered? That was always my understanding, it was sort of a "race" for the 1 scholarship offer and Speight got it, Cornwell got mad because he didn't hear from the coaches...then he did, they cleared it up and told him he'd be offered if we lost a QB this year (to injury or the draft).
The article linked in the OP explains what it was about.
Yes, Speight was the only quarterback offered for 2014.
he took a year off to help care for her. You have four years from the time you start HS to complete your athletic career and this is his fifth year.