The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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would have guided the Wolverines. Now he is eligible, following his NCAA-mandated transfer season of sitting out. Despite his laudable be- hind-the-scenes efforts, there will be no coronation. There's only an all-out battle for the most coveted spot in all of Michigan athletics. One who once filled those shoes made it clear — the QB spot is up for grabs, and may the best man win. While his teammates aren't picking favorites, they make it clear O'Korn has paid his dues. "He understands the game, is a great competitor," noted fifth-year senior wide receiver Amara Darboh. "Last year he had to do scout team the whole year, went out there and gave the defense a great look. Having that quality that you're not going to play the whole year, but you're still posi- tive to get out there and get better [is great]." "He's real resilient — relentless, ac- tually," insisted senior All-America cornerback Jourdan Lewis. "He just goes out there and competes, is a com- petitor, doesn't care about his position … just tries to run you over. He's just a competitor, definitely what we need." Spring practices will determine who best meets those needs, accord- ing to U-M offensive coordinator Tim Drevno. "We'll talk about it as a coaching staff," Drevno said of naming a lead QB. "We don't say, 'It's week two — we need to do this.' It's really a feel deal as coaches. We'll watch film, get more comfortable and progress that way. "We come out here with open com- petition. You've got to come out and prove yourself every time you take the practice field and got to get bet- ter … the best players play and love to compete." Here's a look at the competitors for 2016, with thoughts by TheWol- verine.com football analyst Doug Skene. JOHN O'KORN O'Korn certainly competed well right from the start in Houston. He was tabbed as a third-team Freshman All-American by Athlon Sports and the American Athletic Conference's Rookie of the Year in 2013. Starting 11 games as a true fresh- man, he completed 259 passes with 28 touchdowns, both UH rookie re- cords. O'Korn piled up 3,117 passing yards and tied the Houston freshman record with five passing touchdowns at Rutgers. He started the first five games of the 2014 campaign but lost his start- ing job, eventually throwing for 951 yards and six touchdowns. He took up Jim Harbaugh's offer to come north following that season and has focused on one goal ever since — be- coming Michigan's starting QB. Practice observers felt like he had what it takes, even last year. If they're correct, Skene noted, it could be a huge boost to Michigan's fortunes in the coming season. "If in fact that's true, I think that bodes extremely well," Skene said. "I watched some of the game film. One of the game films I watched, I was wholeheartedly under-impressed,