Speight healing quickly

11/8/2017
BY KYLE ROWLAND
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

ANN ARBOR — Wilton Speight’s return from injury is on the fast track.

The junior quarterback has been cleared to throw, but is still awaiting clearance to have contact. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said doctors are surprised at how quickly Speight’s fractured vertebrae are healing.

“This might sound over the top, but I think some doctors are stunned it’s so far along,” Harbaugh said. “He’s healing well. Guys can do that sometimes, get the blood flowing throughout their body.”

Speight was injured during the first quarter at Purdue Sept. 23 after taking a direct hit to his back. He wore a back brace for several weeks.

Asked if there was a chance Speight could return this season, Harbaugh responded,” Yes, there is.”

Fifth-year senior John O’Korn led Michigan to a come-from-behind win against the Boilermakers before struggling for four consecutive weeks. He was finally benched in favor or redshirt freshman Brandon Peters, who made his first-career start last week against Minnesota. He will start again this week at Maryland.

How Harbaugh would handle Speight’s status if and when he’s cleared to play remains a mystery.

“Once somebody’s back out, that’s when we’d address that — when he’s back out there practicing and competing,” Harbaugh said.

Contact Kyle Rowland at krowland@theblade.com, 419-724-6110 or on Twitter @KyleRowland.