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College Football: Top 25 breakout players for 2016

By Garrett Kroeger

Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) carries the ball during the annual A-day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) carries the ball during the annual A-day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (19) hands the ball off to running back Derrick Green (27) prior to the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (19) hands the ball off to running back Derrick Green (27) prior to the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

The Michigan Wolverines went 10-3 last season in Jim Harbaugh’s first year as the head man in Ann Arbor. And during that 10-3 season, a lot of people overlook how crucial former quarterback Jake Rudock was to the success for the Wolverines.

Rudock threw for 3,107 yards and 20 touchdowns for Michigan last year. However, he has since graduated and off in the NFL now.

This past spring Harbaugh and company decided to throw the quarterback position wide open. And the quarterback who took the ruins of the spot was Wilton Speight, which came as a surprise to some.

Speight emerged as the leading quarterback over former highly touted recruit Shane Morris and highly touted transfer John O’Korn.

Last fall, Speight threw for 73 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also led a comeback against the Minnesota Golden Gophers when Rudock was sidelined with an injury.

If he can continue to be steady during fall camp, Speight should emerge as Michigan’s lead signal-caller ahead of John O’Korn and should have a breakout 2016 season.

Next: Stacy Coley

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