Goodbye: Wilton Speight (Will Grad Transfer)
Speight announced on Instagram tonight that he plans to transfer elsewhere for his 5th year
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.
November 26th, 2017 at 5:48 PM ^
Wish you were coming back for your 5th year but understand the decision. You will be remembered as a true Michigan Man.
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)
November 26th, 2017 at 7:35 PM ^
Losing all that ability and knowledge. God Speed Wilton. You are a great guy and I hope you do well wherever you end up.
Now I worry if we have a QB injury next year
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.
November 27th, 2017 at 10:01 AM ^
I'm a Schmuck!
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.
November 26th, 2017 at 7:35 PM ^
If Peters unable to play our bowl game, I'm all good with Malzone being given a shot. I'm sure we have no less a chance of winning, and it'd have some possible value added for '18
November 26th, 2017 at 9:49 PM ^
Yeah, it's hard to see how Malzone could give us less of a chance to win.
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....
November 26th, 2017 at 9:50 PM ^
I thought the rumor was that Malzone was going to graduate during summer semester and grad transfer after 3 years? Obviously moot to the question of the bowl but would impact 2018 depth.
November 26th, 2017 at 10:07 PM ^
rumor hasn't changed
November 27th, 2017 at 9:31 AM ^
Malzone never was good enough to play and it is time for a scholarship to open up. Never understood that recruitment.
Wonder what Michigan would look like with decent QB play?. I guess part of the Wisconsin game. Peters or McCaffrey are the future.
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.
November 27th, 2017 at 6:45 PM ^
Considering how Harbaugh has been unable to field a decent starter besides Rudock for the entire time he's been here I think it's a great idea to have as many QBs as he can fit on the roster to make sure we have no more seasons with complete incompetent QB play.
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.
November 26th, 2017 at 8:41 PM ^
There is no better teammate than this dude. He can work for me or my company any time. Wilton Speight is a winner !!!
November 26th, 2017 at 5:49 PM ^
Thanks for all you did.
November 26th, 2017 at 9:56 PM ^
Woof. [Hear, hear! Quite agree!]
November 26th, 2017 at 5:49 PM ^
Good luck Wilton
November 26th, 2017 at 5:49 PM ^
But on the other hand this has to mean good news about the future of Peters and/or McCaffrey.
November 26th, 2017 at 5:56 PM ^
he did not have a future with the team. Its a win win for both Speight and Michigan.
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.
November 26th, 2017 at 6:35 PM ^
Could be he and his parents took a long hard look at what Michigan will be returning on the OL.
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.
November 26th, 2017 at 10:25 PM ^
at pass pro? I don't think so. This years line almost ended Wilton's career, got Peters lit up far too frequently on dropbacks and also got him hurt.
Take away Mason Cole, and it's certainly possible they're not any better next year.
November 27th, 2017 at 6:48 AM ^
Peters was knocked out in the 11th game.
November 27th, 2017 at 8:24 AM ^
So was Barrett. Does that mean OSU's line didn't get better as the season went on?
November 27th, 2017 at 7:11 PM ^
You're comparing our line to OSU's?
November 26th, 2017 at 8:15 PM ^
Could be you’re a turd and he doesn’t like you. All speculation though.
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.
November 26th, 2017 at 6:50 PM ^
not only about the competition, but depth will be scary young. One QB with 3 games experience with a RS frosh and two true freshman. Good luck Wilton.
November 26th, 2017 at 8:10 PM ^
You need look no further than this year to understand that.
It seems clear to me that Wilton knows this is Peters job to lose now.
November 27th, 2017 at 8:14 AM ^
Or it's avote of no confidence on the Oline.
November 26th, 2017 at 10:13 PM ^
that you can’t assume the back up will be competent. Speight would have at least been that. I wouldn’t be surprised if the OL did play into his decision. They’ve gotten guys crushed this year.
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. :-)
November 26th, 2017 at 7:45 PM ^
It was his choice, but I'm sure it was made with the knowledge that Harbaugh didn't see him as the starting QB next year.
November 26th, 2017 at 6:46 PM ^
He would've been 3rd string at best next year and it is best for all parties to move on. Wish him best of luck next year and glad he was able to get his Michigan degree
November 26th, 2017 at 5:57 PM ^
Well, it doesnt have to.
There could be a litany of reasons why WS is moving on, and they dont all mean Peters/DMc are going to be better options next year.
November 26th, 2017 at 6:35 PM ^
Peters was a better option this year and will only get better next year. I appreciate everything Speight did but Peters will be fine. Also a rumor Michigan might pick up a pretty substantial transfer.
November 26th, 2017 at 6:37 PM ^
Needing a QB transfer in year four? If true, what does that say about recruiting, and or development?
November 26th, 2017 at 6:46 PM ^
Transfer talk is all fan speculation. Harbaugh will have 4 QBs on roster, two of which will be developed enough to play.
Also, seems like you are trolling hard in this thread.
November 26th, 2017 at 9:07 PM ^
as this year showed. If we had a functional 3rd QB, we'd probably be 10-2 right now, maybe even 11-1.
I really hope we get a grad transfer.
November 26th, 2017 at 6:52 PM ^
Maybe a lot, maybe a little. Jake Coker transferred from FSU to Bama and won a championship there in Saban’s 9th year. He usually recruits pretty well.
November 26th, 2017 at 6:55 PM ^
Peters is on track and McCaffrey seems to be doing a very nice job as a redshirt (by team reports).
I would not mind seeing someone who has some experience added, but not a big deal if they don't.
Milton is an EE, so he will get a chance to get his feet wet very soon.
November 26th, 2017 at 6:59 PM ^
Let's not forget that Malzone was a Hoke recruit which Harbaugh honored they scholarship offer.
Gentry was a QB who is now a TE with a world of potential.
So recruiting of QB's is not something I am concerned about based on Peters and McCaffrey.
November 26th, 2017 at 6:58 PM ^
it says Gentry turned into a beast of a Tight End, and Malzone was a miss. Peters and DCaff hopefully will be fine. will be interesting to see how Doyle and Milton develop
November 26th, 2017 at 7:01 PM ^
I just posted basically the same comment just above you...great minds something or another
November 27th, 2017 at 3:21 AM ^
Seldom...
Something
Gentry is a wonder though, still dying to see the TE toss a tuddy
November 27th, 2017 at 8:20 AM ^
It says our recruits are green but not untalented. We really could have used Wilton for next year just to shore up any inexperience gaps.
November 27th, 2017 at 6:47 PM ^
Beilein just took a point guard transfer in year 10 (or whatever, not important enough to check) is he a terrible coach too?
Having more options is good. Unless you want more seasons of 3 qbs who can't hack it.
Comments