Michigan was encountering a difficult challenge following the 2019 season, having to replace two-year starter Shea Patterson at the quarterback position. With limited spring practice and an extended period of time away from the field due to the pandemic, the task of ushering in a first-time starter became even more complicated.

Second-year offensive coordinator Josh Gattis believes that Joe Milton is the guy for the job, though. In a Wednesday Zoom call with reporters, Gattis praised the quarterback for having a “special talent,” according to Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News.

“Every day he makes some type of wow play,” Gattis said, per ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. “They would be wow plays not only in college football but they’d be wow plays on Sunday.”

Milton has appeared in just eight games over the last two seasons in Ann Arbor, behind Patterson and Dylan McCaffrey — who has opted out of the 2020 season and is looking to transfer. He’s completed 6-of-11 pass attempts for 117 yards and a touchdowns. Milton has also rushed for 47 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

With McCaffrey out of the equation, the battle for the starting job boils down to Milton and Cade McNamara, though it seems Milton is likely going to be the clear for the Wolverines this year, at least to start the 2020 campaign.

Last year, Michigan ended the season with a 9-4 record. The Wolverines reached a bowl game for the fifth time in Jim Harbaugh’s five seasons, but still failed to take down rival Ohio State.

The Wolverines are scheduled to open the season against Minnesota.