Oct 21, 2017; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Shea Patterson (20) moves out of the pocket against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Photo Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
University of Mississippi quarterback Shea Patterson announced on Twitter Monday that he will transfer to Michigan, where he might be eligible in 2018 due to NCAA sanctions against the Rebels’ program.
Patterson, a former five-star recruit, completed 166 of 260 passes for 2,259 yards, with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven games as a sophomore this season. His campaign was cut short by a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
“Thank you to the wonderful people, teammates and coaches at Ole Miss,” Patterson wrote. “It is a special place and I will always have great memories of experiences in Oxford. I am now excited to announce my commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Michigan.
“It’s time to go to work. #GoBlue.”
Because Ole Miss was recently hit with an additional year of a bowl ban, amid other sanctions, seniors can transfer and be immediately eligible in 2018. Other transfers out of Ole Miss must apply for a waiver in order to play in 2018, but those seem likely to be granted.
Either way, Patterson is a nice addition for coach Jim Harbaugh, who has struggled at the quarterback position in his three seasons in Ann Arbor. Patterson (6-foot-2, 203 pounds) is a pro-style passer who should fit into Michigan’s style of offense.
Last year’s primary starter, Wilton Speight — whose season ended early because of a vertebrae injury — decided after the season to leave as a graduate transfer.
Brandon Peters, who will be a redshirt sophomore in 2018, is the only quarterback on the roster with playing experience, as he took over late in the season after fifth-year senior John O’Korn struggled. Another possibility for 2018 is Dylan McCaffrey, who redshirted as a freshman this season. He is the brother of former Stanford All-American running back Christian McCaffrey.
Patterson made his college debut late in the 2016 season as a true freshmen, starting the final three games for an injured Chad Kelly. He completed 72 of 132 passes for 880 yards and six touchdowns.
