Shane Morris on Michigan QB contest: 'Right now, it's my job to lose'

ANN ARBOR, Mich. --Michigancoach Jim Harbaugh said after spring practice that junior quarterbackShane Morriswas ahead of the other competitors for the open signal-calling spot. On Saturday, Morris said he believesthejob is his to lose.

His comment came in response to a question about why he believes he will win the quarterback job.

"I think I can win the starting job because I have the mentality to do so," Morris said during a break in the Michigan A4 Aerial Assault camp put on by Harbaugh at the University of Michigan. "Right now, it's my job to lose. Working hard, fighting off any competitors that are trying to take it away from me."

The main competition for Morris, who completed 43 of 87 passes for 389 yards in his first two seasons, likely is Iowa transfer Jake Rudock.

Rudock was a two-year starter for the Hawkeyes, completing 417 of 691 passes for 4,819 yards, 34 touchdowns, 18 interceptions and a 130.0 passer efficiency rating. He became eligible immediately as a fifth-year transfer to Michigan after graduating from Iowa.

The quarterback competition also could include freshmanAlex Malzoneand and sophomoreWilton Speight.

Morris said he hasn't gotten to know Rudock well yet but that the two are essentially always competing.

"I've talked to him here and there, we've thrown against each other," Morris said. "It's a competitive atmosphere every time that I'm around him, whether it's running sprints, throwing.

"He came here to take my job, and I'm just not going to let it happen."