The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1073859
36 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2019 M ichigan lost a few un- derclassmen to the NFL Draft, but got a boost when several chose to return for their senior seasons. Junior quarterback Shea Patterson initially wasn't expected to be one, thought by many to be a one-and-done at U-M, but he announced his return in late December. Patterson was a third-team All-Big Ten selection (coaches) after completing 210 of 325 passes for 2,600 yards with 22 touchdowns and seven inter- ceptions. "This is my first full sea- son of college football," Pat- terson said in explaining his decision. "My freshman year [at Mississippi], they pulled the redshirt and I finished the last three games. I got hurt the fifth game of the season last year. "I think a big reason [I'm returning] is the brotherhood and the players and this uni- versity I am a part of right now. Getting to play the full season with the team like this, it's just getting a taste of it." A 62-39 loss to Ohio State in Co- lumbus might have been the biggest reason, he admitted. He just didn't want to go out that way, and he ex- pects big things from the 2019 Wol- verines. "I just believe in us," Patterson said. "I believe in this team, I believe in the guys we've got coming back. … I think we have a lot of young guys that are going to come in who have gotten reps all year and have played in games that have produced. "I'm just excited to get another year under the same roof, as you'd say. The same system, the same coaching staff, the same players … I'm really excited." Michigan defensive backs Josh Me- tellus and Lavert Hill will also be re- turning for their senior seasons, both announced via social media. Hill, a cornerback, and Metellus, a safety, were part of the nation's top pass de- fense for much of the year before the Wolverines got blitzed against Ohio State and Florida and finished No. 2 (147.8 yards allowed per game). The Buckeyes and Florida scored 62 and 41 points, respectively, and both teams had great success through the air. "This has been a great season," Hill wrote. "Through the ups and down I appreciate all my brothers. We stayed solid. I wouldn't have done it with anybody else. "I have decided to return … and I am confident I will be productive for both my team and myself this com- ing year." Hill was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection this past season, in addition to being named a third- team All-American by the Associated Press. He was rarely targeted but fin- ished with five passes broken up and an interception. Metellus earned second- team all-conference honors from the coaches and media, and first-team honors from the Associated Press, after fin- ishing the season with 48 tack- les, three interceptions and six passes broken up. "This team is special and is going to do special things," he wrote. "I'm excited to come back and play my final year with these men." Finally, junior linebacker Khaleke Hudson announced via Instagram that he'd also be returning for his senior sea- son. His numbers dipped this year, particularly tackles for loss (to 3.5 from 18.5 in 2017). "I have unfinished business on and off the field. I want to continue to be a leader and example for my teammates," he wrote. "I want to improve my game. I want to work to- ward my degree. I want to play again for Wolverine fans across the country." Hudson has appeared in 38 career games with 23 starts. He's a two-time All-Big Ten honoree (third team from coaches in 2017, and honorable mention from media and coaches in 2018). — Chris Balas MICHIGAN FOOTBALL Patterson, Hudson, Hill And Metellus Are Returning For Their Senior Years Cornerback Lavert Hill was named an Associated Press third- team All-American this past year. PHOTO BY BRANDON BROWN 2019 MICHIGAN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 31 Middle Tennessee State Sept. 7 Army Sept. 21 at Wisconsin Sept. 28 Rutgers Oct. 5 Iowa*^ Oct. 12 at Illinois* Oct. 19 at Penn State* Oct. 26 Notre Dame Nov. 2 at Maryland* Nov. 16 Michigan State* Nov. 23 at Indiana* Nov. 30 Ohio State* Dec. 7 Big Ten Championship Game$ * Big Ten game; ^ Homecoming; $ at Indianapolis