Michigan prides itself on having one of the toughest, stingiest defenses in the country. Shea Patterson arrived at UM a former 5-star recruit with two years of Power 5 experience, averaging over 300 yards passing per game against SEC defenses. Everyone knew the on-field battles in camp between the Wolverines defense and the Patterson-led offense were going to be intense.

Defensive coordinator Don Brown has already explained why Patterson has his respect. DE Rashan Gary told reporters after Friday’s practice that the Ole Miss transfer can do it all.

“He can do everything you want him to do,” Gary said. “He expands plays, so you have to watch the rush lanes and can throw the deep ball. Playing against him is going up against a quarterback who can do anything – run the ball, throw the ball. He’s everything you need in one.”

Gary and the rest of the UM defense has welcomed the challenge of defending against a quarterback of Patterson’s caliber.

“We contain him. He busts plays a little bit, so it’s a good battle,” Gary said. “But we hold our defense to a high standard, so I’m not going to say that he’s running all over our defense and stuff like that.”