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Jim Harbaugh talks quarterback competition with Shea Patterson in the mix

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Nobody is sure if Shea Patterson will be eligible for the 2018 season yet, but many are curious what the ex-Ole Miss quarterback’s role will be for Michigan next fall. If fans were wanting an answer on that subject from head coach Jim Harbaugh, there going to have to wait until the season kicks off.

Harbaugh met with the media on Wednesday evening after the dust had settled from the first day of the early signing period. The Wolverines head coach addressed several topics, including the one regarding Patterson and how he fits into the quarterback picture. Harbaugh gave some pretty general answers, but essentially said that, if eligible, Patterson will have the same opportunities as Brandon Peters and Dylan McCaffrey.

“Like everyone in the program, (Patterson) has the license and the ability to be the starter,” Harbaugh said. “As I told all three of the quarterbacks, the only thing guaranteed here is an opportunity.

“All three have the license and ability to be great.”

Peters started in three games for the Wolverines in 2017 and is expected to be the starter in the Outback Bowl. He missed the Ohio State game after suffering an injury a week earlier against Wisconsin. He finished the year with 486 yards, four touchdowns and didn’t throw a single interception. With Wilton Speight transferring and John O’Korn using up his eligibility, Peters will be the only returning quarterback with experience in Ann Arbor.

McCaffrey didn’t see the field for the Wolverines.

Patterson obviously has become the fan favorite after committing to Michigan a few weeks ago. His ability to stretch the field and extend plays is something the Wolverines have been missing offensively. Once he committed, many tabbed Michigan as a College Football Playoff contender.

All of that is contingent on whether or not Patterson will be eligible for the 2018 season. There’s been no information one way or another on the subject.

The full video of Harbaugh talking about the quarterback battle was captured by Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB