Goodbye: Wilton Speight (Will Grad Transfer) Comment Count

Seth

Speight announced on Instagram tonight that he plans to transfer elsewhere for his 5th year

Thank you, Michigan. These past 4 years have been nothing short of spectacular. Enrolling in January of 2014 as a kid from Virginia i didn’t know what to expect. Four years later i leave a Michigan Man. The amazing memories with my teammates, playing under the best coaches in America, and enjoying everything that this wonderful university and town have to offer- what a ride. To the fans that stuck with us through thick and thin— thank you. To Coach Hoke for giving a kid with no offers a chance— thank you. To Coach Harbaugh for coming in and making me a better man and a better quarterback. For understanding this decision of mine and always having my back no matter what— thank you. I don’t know where next will be, and I’ll use these next four weeks to figure that out. i’m excited to keep pursuing my dreams in a new jersey, but will forever root for the boys wearing the winged helmet. Go blue!

A post shared by Wilton Speight (@wiltonspeight_3) on

Speight went from afterthought to quarterbacking the best Michigan team in a decade, toughing out a shoulder injury that couldn’t have been healed in time for Ohio State last year. His 2016 performance against Maryland stands as the best half by a quarterback in program history. Since Michigan fans live all over the country, once his eligibility expires I imagine Wilton will have a hard time ever buying a beer for himself again. We’ll be rooting for him wherever he goes.

Michigan also graduates John O’Korn but returns Brandon Peters and will have redshirt freshman Dylan McCaffrey plus two freshmen, and may look to add one more in the transfer market.

Comments

bamf16

November 26th, 2017 at 5:56 PM ^

Well, maybe this is why UM is taking two QB's in the 2018 class. I know there was some "questioning" of this move, but it was always with the understanding that Speight would be back for a 5th year.

 

Now the big question is what happens if Peters' head is still messed up and he can't play in the bowl game? On the one hand, I can see the coaching staff starting JOK. On the other, you'd have to think you have nothing at all to gain by playing him, so might as well see what you have in Malzone. He'll likely be the 3rd stringer next year, and we saw this season that sometimes you get to your 3rd string QB.

 

(Though Milton is enrolling early, so perhaps he's QB3)

war-dawg69

November 27th, 2017 at 9:19 AM ^

Why?. McCaffrey is better than Speight and may out play Peters for the starting position. Speight isn't coming back because he does not want to be third string QB. It is time to move on to bigger and better things for the wolverines. QB play will dictate next year just like this year except I think the defense will be better with some changes to the line up. I see a shake up at the safety position. I like J. Woods to start.

McCaffrey and Peters have more talent than Speight. It really is that simple and he wants to play his final year.

JFW

November 27th, 2017 at 10:00 AM ^

He has played well, and has poise. I agree that he doesn't have the athletic ability of Peters or likely McCaffery (I know I'm going to mispell that for hte next four years). But his addition adds depth, experience, and a player coach type ability. 

More competition = better, I think. 

JTrain

November 26th, 2017 at 8:07 PM ^

I’d venture to guess Peters get the nod for the bowl game. Expect a healthy serving of POWER RUN GAME as I don’t think our coaches want to see him get tee’d off on AGAIN this year. Jeebus...I love this kids courage to stand in there but I thing he needs his peripheral vision double checked because he doesn’t ever seem to take a “light hit”. It’s always like a level 1 trauma....

TrueBlue2003

November 27th, 2017 at 10:45 AM ^

it was a head scratcher because McCaffrey and Peters exist and are expected to be on the roster for several more seasons.  That WS is not coming back (or if he did come back) would only affect the 2018 QB competition which neither of the freshmen will be a part of.

We wouldn't take two QBs just to shore up 3rd string next year with a true freshman.  We took two because Harbaugh has:

1. A desire to get a look at as many QBs as are willing to compete for the job.

2. Shown a willingness and ability to convert former QBs to other positions.  If Milton doesn't pan out as a QB, he looks like he could be a great WR or TE.

 

Slamdo

November 26th, 2017 at 7:12 PM ^

You will be remembered as a true Michigan man.  Good luck in all you do and thank you for the great effort you provided.  Speight and O Korn will be remembered as the guys who stepped up during diffiuclt years.  Tough times but two guys who have great spirits and did their best.  Your hard work is appreciated.  

reshp1

November 26th, 2017 at 6:27 PM ^

I kinda doubt it considering he said he appreciates Harbaugh understanding his decision. Sounds like it was his choice. I'm surprised given the fact he won the job this year and hasn't had a chance to complete his recovery yet that he wouldn't at least stick it out through spring camp, or at least bowl practice and see where he stood.

huntmich

November 26th, 2017 at 8:06 PM ^

Doubt this. The O-Line got better as the season went along, and the younger stock will have another offseason to strengthen and improve. I don't think there is any reason to expect a worse O-Line next year than this year.

Reader71

November 26th, 2017 at 6:37 PM ^

That’s what I’m thinking, too. Sounds like he’s leaving of his own accord.

This is bad for Michigan. Even if he didn’t win the job, at least the winner would have beaten him out. Less competition is worse than more competition.

On the other hand, he only has one year left. If it’s the last year he ever plays, he will want to be a starter. And if he plays well enough, he could get paid to play a few more years. So I get it, even if I’d selfishly want him back.

Good luck to the man.

JFW

November 27th, 2017 at 7:24 AM ^

I really wish we had him back for all of those reasons. But if he can Grad transfer to another school and have a hell of a year he might get some looks.



And even if not, with our alumni base his networking is already done for him. :-)



I spoke with a guy and wonder if this is a recruiting tool. “Play at Michigan, get tutors to help with classes, and graduate with no debt and a huge network of alumni willing to give you a shot.”



That might not be real sexy to an 18 year old though. :-)