Those around junior transfer quarterback Shea Patterson are more hopeful than ever. They expect the decision regarding his immediate eligibility for for the 2018 football season to be revealed by the end of the coming week. It sounds like the Patterson camp is "supremely" confident that he'll be available as a Wolverine this fall.
That's obviously good news for Michigan, since Patterson — despite a legitimate and ongoing quarterbacks competition — is really, really good. According to those who have seen him in action, he always seems to find the open receiver — 10 yards downfield, 20 yards out, when blitzed, via on-the-money, back-shoulder fades, etc.
When he has to run, he does so effectively. A recent bootleg turned into a 13-yard touchdown scamper (against a pretty good defense). Most frequently targeted by the newcomer QB? Sophomore wideouts Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black, Nico Collins, Oliver Martin, and redshirt junior tight end Zach Gentry.
Patterson's success hasn't depended upon which defensive unit he's lined up against. He's achieved success against them all. One observer noted it looked like he's been with the program for a long time. Patterson varies his cadence like a pro, and excels in making pre- and post-snap reads. He hasn't made huge mistakes or turned the ball over. One observer noted he extends plays better than Denard Robinson. He's adept at checking down to the slot and tight ends to garner positive yards when the blitz packages come.
It's fair to say Patterson doesn't know the entire playbook yet. It's also fair to say redshirt sophomore Brandon Peters and Michigan's other quarterbacks have made improvements throughout the spring, and aren't backing down in the competition. But it's tough to deny Patterson's potential impact on the 2018 season.
Peters got off to a slow start this spring, according to observers, and redshirt freshman Dylan McCaffrey drew even with him, in terms of production. Peters pulled back ahead late in the spring. McCaffrey is described as smart and talented, someone who is being challenged to crank it up to respond to the competition. True freshman Joe Milton gets the "gifted" tag, but he's headed for a redshirt, given the depth at hand.
A reasonable guess at a pecking order remains Patterson, Peters, McCaffrey, Milton. Obviously expectations skyrocket if it's Patterson … and everyone should know soon.
That's obviously good news for Michigan, since Patterson — despite a legitimate and ongoing quarterbacks competition — is really, really good. According to those who have seen him in action, he always seems to find the open receiver — 10 yards downfield, 20 yards out, when blitzed, via on-the-money, back-shoulder fades, etc.
When he has to run, he does so effectively. A recent bootleg turned into a 13-yard touchdown scamper (against a pretty good defense). Most frequently targeted by the newcomer QB? Sophomore wideouts Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black, Nico Collins, Oliver Martin, and redshirt junior tight end Zach Gentry.
Patterson's success hasn't depended upon which defensive unit he's lined up against. He's achieved success against them all. One observer noted it looked like he's been with the program for a long time. Patterson varies his cadence like a pro, and excels in making pre- and post-snap reads. He hasn't made huge mistakes or turned the ball over. One observer noted he extends plays better than Denard Robinson. He's adept at checking down to the slot and tight ends to garner positive yards when the blitz packages come.
It's fair to say Patterson doesn't know the entire playbook yet. It's also fair to say redshirt sophomore Brandon Peters and Michigan's other quarterbacks have made improvements throughout the spring, and aren't backing down in the competition. But it's tough to deny Patterson's potential impact on the 2018 season.
Peters got off to a slow start this spring, according to observers, and redshirt freshman Dylan McCaffrey drew even with him, in terms of production. Peters pulled back ahead late in the spring. McCaffrey is described as smart and talented, someone who is being challenged to crank it up to respond to the competition. True freshman Joe Milton gets the "gifted" tag, but he's headed for a redshirt, given the depth at hand.
A reasonable guess at a pecking order remains Patterson, Peters, McCaffrey, Milton. Obviously expectations skyrocket if it's Patterson … and everyone should know soon.
