Patterson's Michigan unveiling will have to wait

4/13/2018
BY KYLE ROWLAND
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
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    Shea Patterson, a Toledo native, threw 23 touchdowns in 10 games at Ole Miss.

    Getty Images

  • ANN ARBOR — Michigan fans will have to wait at least a few more months to see Shea Patterson in action.

    Shea Patterson practices with local football players at St. Francis de Sales High School in 2016.
    Shea Patterson practices with local football players at St. Francis de Sales High School in 2016.

    The quarterback’s public unveiling was going to take place Saturday, but Mother Nature had other ideas, forcing UM to cancel its spring game. Instead, all anyone can go on is the word of players and coaches.

    “Shea is practicing, and he’s practicing very well,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said this week. “He’s going about his business and taking care of it nicely. He’s controlling the things that he can control and we’re treating it the same as a coaching staff and a team.”

    Patterson is awaiting word from the NCAA on whether he will be granted a waiver request for immediate eligibility. The Toledo native completed 60.7 percent of his passes for 3,139 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 10 games at Ole Miss.

    Patterson is competing with Brandon Peters, Dylan McCaffrey, and Joe Milton for the starting job. If eligible, Patterson is a significant favorite to win the competition. And Michigan’s expectations for the 2018 season will be heightened.

    “It’s been a great spring practice so far with the entire team,” Harbaugh said. “The energy has been great, competition has been outstanding, and I feel like we are improving in a lot of areas. It’s exciting.”

    Contact Kyle Rowland at krowland@theblade.com, 419-724-6110 or on Twitter @KyleRowland.