The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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APRIL 2018 THE WOLVERINE 33 PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM 2018 SPRING FOOTBALL PREVIEW. QUARTERBACKS M ichigan needs a huge step forward at this spot to become what it wants to be in 2018. That step needs to start with quarterbacks not winding up with their toes pointed skyward after plays, or carted off the field. The main contestants for the job — junior transfer Shea Patterson, redshirt sophomore Brandon Peters and redshirt freshman Dylan McCaffrey — all possess plenty of skill. But they need more help to operate than U-M's 2017 quarterbacks enjoyed. Patterson is the best scrambler of the bunch, and that could prove a huge asset. But getting away from enduring run-for-your-life situations involving the QBs has to be a major priority for Jim Harbaugh's offense. BY THE NUMBERS 3 S t a r t i n g q u a r te r - backs used by the Wolverines last sea- son, with redshirt ju- nior Wilton Speight, fifth-year senior John O'Korn and redshirt f re s h m a n B ra n d o n Pe t e r s a l l b e h i n d center. The trio com- bined to go 185-of- 346 passing for 2,226 yards and nine touch- downs with 10 inter- ceptions. 4 C a r e e r s t a r t s a t Michigan by U-M's re- turning quarterbacks for 2018. 9 M i c h i g a n t o u c h - down passes in 2017, its lowest tally since 1975. 3,139 Ya rd s, 2 3 t o u c h - downs and 12 inter- ceptions junior trans- fer Shea Patterson threw for as a fresh- man and sophomore while playing and starting in 10 games at Mississippi. POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH Shea Patterson completed 63.8 per- cent of his passes as a sophomore at Ole Miss, with 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns in a tough Southeastern Conference. His scrambling style could be the perfect fit if Michigan involves more run/pass option offense. Jim Harbaugh, though, made it clear to his other QBs that even if Patterson is eligible for 2018, they shouldn't give an inch. That's to be expected from both Brandon Peters, who got a taste as a starter in 2017, and Dylan McCaf- frey, who redshirted and learned un- der Harbaugh last fall. This will represent the highest level of overall quarterback talent assem- bled since Harbaugh took over as head coach. How it all shakes out will mark a major factor in the Wolverines surviving and thriving against a very tough 2018 schedule. WHO'S GONE WILTON SPEIGHT After he suffered fractured vertebrae in Michi- gan's Big Ten opener at Purdue, Speight sat out the rest of the season and announced his intention to utilize a graduate transfer when it ended. JOHN O'KORN The former Houston transfer stepped in after Speight exited, eventually losing the job to then- redshirt freshman Brandon Peters. The fifth-year senior started against Ohio State and had Michi- gan up 14-0, but the Wolverines couldn't hold that advantage. ALEX MALZONE Malzone graduate transferred to Miami (Ohio), following three years with one game appearance for the Wolverines. WHO'S BACK REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE BRANDON PETERS Peters is Michigan's only experienced quarter- back off last year's roster. He concluded a year of growth with a 20-of-44 passing effort against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, featuring 186 yards and two interceptions. He completed 52.8 percent of his 108 passes on the year for 672 yards and four touchdowns against the two picks. REDSHIRT FRESHMAN DYLAN MCCAFFREY McCaffrey's the young gun, having earned Michi- gan's 2017 Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year honors in his rookie season and high praise for his approach from defensive coordinator Don Brown. TOP NEWCOMERS FRESHMAN JOE MILTON The early enrollee comes in out of Orlando, a 6-5, 220-pounder who will likely spend at least a year grooming behind Michigan's other young quarterbacks. JUNIOR TRANSFER SHEA PATTERSON The Ole Miss transfer could take Michigan from also ran to a Big Ten title and more, according to some national observers. He'll soon know if he's eligible for 2018, and if so, look out. BY JOHN BORTON SHEA PATTERSON "I know Shea Patterson had a lot of stats coming from Ole Miss, and everybody thinks he's the next savior of Michigan football. I always caution everybody, the grass is always greener on the other side. "I hope he comes in and creates great competition at that position. I want whoever is the best to be in there. But it doesn't necessarily mean he's going to beat out Brandon Peters." — U-M All-American Jon Jansen QUOTABLE