ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) -- With Jake Rudock in the NFL, Michigan junior quarterback Wilton Speight is ready to seize his opportunity at the starting role in 2016.
"I didn't come here to sit for five years," Speight told reporters at the team's media day on Sunday. "I came into camp last year buried on the depth chart and fought my way up."
Speight was the Wolverines' go-to backup last season, appearing in seven games. His most prominent appearances came against Minnesota and Ohio State, each time the result of an injury to Rudock. Speight completed 9-of-25 passes for 73 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
"I was behind Rudock the entire season, and was able to come in and fill in for him when needed. I felt like that was a step closer, but I'm right there."
Speight's biggest competition for the starting spot is senior (junior eligibility) John O'Korn, a transfer from Houston. Prior to sitting out the 2015 season due to NCAA transfer rules, O'Korn threw for 4,068 yards, 34 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in his two seasons with the Cougars.
O'Korn emphasizes motivation in his style of play.
"Guys in the huddle should believe every single play is gonna score," O'Korn said during Sunday's media day. "Just getting the guys around you believing in you."
Speight is having similar visions as the start of the season approaches.
"It's time to take it to the next level, where I'm leading the guys every Saturday. So I feel like this is it. Feels good."
