Michigan Football: Week 1 Fall Camp Stock Report

The resumption of the quarterback battle headlined the opening week of fall camp for the Michigan football program.

Wilton Speight and John O'Korn are competing for the opportunity to guide the Wolverines in 2016. Both will attempt to build on past experiences, but they only have three more weeks to impress before the season opener arrives.

No matter who is under center, though, he'll likely be well-protected behind a veteran offensive line. However, the unit needs to improve its consistency in the running game.

Conversely, Michigan should boast one of the toughest run defenses in the nation. Defensive coordinator Don Brown has some tricks, but he's not explaining the process just yet.

Eyes on the Quarterbacks

Speight or O'Korn will lead the Wolverines against Hawaii. Fall camp will determine who receives the opportunity, and the competition is happening behind closed doors.

According to Nick Baumgardner of MLive, pass-game coordinator Jedd Fisch said Speight is determined not to let a fourth-quarter touchdown at Minnesota be the highlight of his career.

"He's a much different person than he was last year," Fisch said. "He's matured. He's taken on a lot more responsibility. He's excited. He's excited that [the Minnesota game] won't be the only time he throws a touchdown at Michigan. That's his mindset."

But O'Korn will attempt to limit Speight's opportunities. The Houston transfer has established himself as the playmaker of the two.

"He plays instinctively, he's not a robot quarterback," wide receiver Moe Ways said, per Mick McCabe of the Detroit Free Press. "He makes his reads and makes the play. If the play's not there, he'll create one. I think that's his best attribute as a quarterback right now."

Head coach Jim Harbaugh has repeatedly cited trust as a key element, so the quarterback who is more reliable in fall camp will probably be the starter.

Expecting Improvement Up Front

Tony Ding/Associated Press

The defensive line has deservedly received national attention, but the Wolverines are confident on the offensive side of the trenches, too. Four starters return, including right guard Kyle Kalis.

"It's going to be damn good," Kalis said, per Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News. "This is going to be one of the best lines we've had at Michigan for a while now. I'm not just saying that just to say it. The way we've come together this offseason, especially with player-led practices, we're on. Everything we're seeing we're just on."

Now, some might be wary of believing the talk, and that certainly isn't unreasonable. Last season, Michigan had a reliable pass-blocking unit but struggled to consistently create running lanes.

According to Football Outsiders, the offense ranked 88th nationally on standard-down rushes and 107th in opportunity rate. Between the size and experience of the projected lineup and offensive coordinator Tim Drevno's coaching, though, those rankings should rise significantly.

Since the Wolverines open the campaign against Hawaii, Central Florida and Colorado, they aren't expected to face a major test until Penn State on Sept. 24. That all builds up to a showdown with Wisconsin, which should have a terrific front seven.

Then we'll find out if Michigan's confidence up front is justified.

Excitement for the Unknown

Brown's arrival has brought several changes to Ann Arbor, but the defensive coordinator has only revealed a few details. He's not going to change that anytime soon, either.

"If I tell you, I have to take you out," Brown said with a smile, according to Baumgardner. "You'll have to wait and see."

Tony Ding/Associated Press/Associated Press

What will be different with the defense in 2016?

Jabrill Peppers has switched to outside linebacker but will contribute at safety in some manner. Brown brings an attacking mentality Michigan didn't have with D.J. Durkin running the defense. The Wolverines will also sprinkle in some zone defense this year.

It will be intriguing to observe those three parts coming together. Brown—whose nickname is Dr. Blitz—assuredly has a design in mind, but he won't begin to unveil the wrinkles until Sept. 3.

However, the process will be gradual. Brown won't need to unleash the defense before Michigan reaches elevated competition. If you're excited for that day, you're not alone.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from CFBStats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.