Tarik Black ‘probably’ healthy enough to play in Outback Bowl

The Wolverines have been without one of their freshman phenoms since Week 3, but they may be getting him back in time for the upcoming bowl game.

True freshman Tarik Black, who broke a bone in his foot late in the Air Force game in September, is “probably” healthy enough to play in the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day against South Carolina, Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Sunday evening.

A decision has not yet been made on whether Black will play or not, but it appears Harbaugh wants to be able to get him a medical redshirt. Since Black only participated in three games this season, he will be eligible to receive a medical redshirt. But if he plays in the Outback Bowl, he will not be eligible for it.

Harbaugh also said Black should be able to go through bowl prep. The team begins practice today.

Harbaugh told reporters a few weeks ago that Black would be medically redshirted if he was not healthy enough to play in the bowl game. With Black “probably” healthy enough to play, Harbaugh now has a decision to make.

Personally, I would play him if he is able to. Getting him game experience with Brandon Peters and the rest of the offense would be huge heading into next season. I also don’t think Black would stay a fifth year to play football at U-M. I think he would go to the NFL after his junior year; I believe he is that talented and that high of a prospect.

What do you think? Would you rather have Black skip the game and receive a medical redshirt, or would you want to see him suit up one final time before the 2018 season? Sound off in the comments below.