Michigan Football Recruiting: Wilton Speight (QB) — 2014 Wolverine Verbal Commit — Profile
Posted at 6:15am — 2/9/2013
Michigan Football Recruiting: Wilton Speight (QB) — 2014 Wolverine Verbal Commit — Profile
GBMWolverine Readers: Here is an overview of recent verbal commitment Wilton Speight.
In a surprising turn of events Wilton Speight became the first quarterback to commit to the 2014 class. David Cornwell was thought by many to be offered first. This is important as Michigan needed at least one high quality quarterback in the 2014 class. The question will be if Michigan offers a second quarterback with so few scholarships for next year.
Wilton Speight
Height: 6’6
Weight: 217
Number: 19
Current Position: Quarterback
Future Position: Quarterback
City/State: Richmond, Virginia
High School: The Collegiate School
Head Coach: Mark Palyo
Recruiter: Coach Al Borges and Coach Jeff Hecklinski
Committed: 2/6/2013
40-Time: 4.73
Class: 2014 Michigan Wolverine Recruiting Class (Verbal Commit).
Follow Wilton: on Twitter
Rankings:
24/7:
ESPN: N/A.
Rivals: N/A.
Scout: N/A.
Note: Stars do matter, but are not absolute in predicting success within a football program. So, with that in mind the GBMWolverine Staff has cleverly come up with a new system of ranking. We are using footballs instead of stars, how can one argue against a system that clever? Below are the interpretations of football power predicted way too boldly long before it matters. In other words, we will give informed opinion with the crystal ball and let the players determine what will happen through years of hard work.
Criteria: Raw talent, athleticism, position of need, intangibles.
GBMWolverine Rankings (Very Early / High Up-Side):
10 footballs: Instant impact player.
9 footballs: Three or four-year starter at a high level.
8 footballs: A starter with all league potential.
7 footballs: A meaningful starter at some time during a career.
6 footballs: A spot starter or special teams player.
5 footballs: Not in the two deep after a two years.
4 footballs: Never made it.
1-3 footballs: See the above.
Remember just as we did during the season with grading positions or groups we are very tough graders and expect a lot out of those positions or players so this is no different here.
Overview:
Tall, well built pro-style pocket passer who led his high school team to the play-offs this season. He will be a three year starter. Speight has thrown for around 5,000 yards and 54 touchdowns the last two seasons. Also ran for 6 more touchdowns as a Junior. Attends a very prestigious private school so grades should not be an issue.
Shows not only great length, but the frame to get much bigger and stronger. Moves his feet very well for a player that is 6’6 tall. Throws a very accurate deep pass. Has okay arm strength that we think is going to improve. More on that in a moment. Sees the entire field and spreads the ball around.
Needs Work/Concerns:
We were a bit leary early, and as we watched more film we noticed a flaw. Wilton throws almost completely with his arm and upper body, and still has solid arm strength. Once he learns to properly set his feet and turn them towards the receivers his arm strength will dramatically improve.
Red-shirt or play his Freshman Year?
GBMWolverine believes he will definitely red-shirt his first year.
Wilton Speight reminds the GBMWolverine Staff of — Former Michigan Football Player — Elvis Grbac — who played Quarterback.
Bottom Line:
Definitely a work in progress. With a couple of adjustments he has a much higher ceiling than we first thought. Very high upside!
Highlight Videos:
Wilton Speight 2012 Season Highlight
QB Wilton Speight 2010 Collegiate Football Season Highlights
Final Thoughts:
We welcome Wilton Speight to Michigan and hope he has a successful career on and off the football field as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan. Go Blue!
Come to the message board and give us your thoughts, agree or disagree.
Just a reminder you must be a member to participate on the Message Board. Here is the link for the registration page for those people interested in becoming a GBMWolverine member of our message board. GBMWolverine Register.
Please comment on our GBMWolverine Message Board about this article and read what others comment. Make note that our message board has changed so make sure you change your favorite/bookmark as well for the direct link.
You can contact us at our e-mail address: GBMWolverine
Follow us on Twitter:
@ErocWolverine
@GBMWolverine
@Mike Fitzpatrick
@YostMeister
Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
Go Blue — Wear Maize!