Michigan Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Quarterback

Starting quarterback: Wilton Speight
Backup: Brandon Peters

Can you believe that there’s a quarterback battle in Ann Arbor just one season after Wilton Speight led the Wolverines to a 10-win season and Orange Bowl appearance? That seems to be the case as freshman sensation Brandon Peters, the No. 3 quarterback in the 2016 class, is pushing him for the starting job.

As a head coach, there’s a difference between being loyal and being stubborn. Although there’s a fine line, the former happens far too often and it can be perceived as the latter. Speight might be the returning starter as a senior, and a potential captain, but Harbaugh has to be fair and ask himself, “Which quarterback gives us the best chance to win?”

If the answer is Speight strictly because he’s more game-ready and Peters is still young and could make crucial mistakes, then by all means go with the senior. However, if he knows that Peters is the better option, going with Speight just because he’s a potential captain would be a disservice to the team.

Speight did show promise in his first season as the full-time starter, passing for 2,538 yards and 18 touchdowns with seven picks. He complete 62 percent of his throws.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

It’s crazy to think that Harbaugh hasn’t use “his guy” at quarterback for his first two years at Michigan and he still has 20 wins. Imagine what the team will look like when his recruits take over.