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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It seems rather unlikely that Michigan quarterback and winner of the team-voted MVP award Shea Patterson could or would pursue a fifth-year of intercollegiate eligibility.
The senior has already petitioned the NCAA for immediate eligibility after he transferred from Ole Miss in 2018, which was granted. And it seems he already is keen towards moving on, as he’s agreed to play in the East-West Shrine Game in Florida come January, a showcase for outgoing seniors who are looking to impress NFL Draft scouts.
But, as a former five-star and MVP of the 2016 Army All-American Bowl as a high school recruit, the former top-rated quarterback in the 2016 class certainly could look to improve his draft stock, as he hasn’t made as big of an imprint on that front as was expected as a prospect coming out of IMG Academy. Especially with him playing lights out as of late, with three straight 300 yard games — he’s the first Michigan quarterback to ever accomplish that feat — what better could help his draft stock than suiting up in the maize and blue for one more year, with full familiarity of Josh Gattis’ system?
Shea played in just three games as a true freshman for Mississippi, but the last three — and it was before the new-to-last-year rule where players could play in any four games and maintain their redshirt. Is staying another year something he’s taken under consideration?
When asked, he laughed, noting that hasn’t really been on his mind.
“I haven’t looked into it honestly,” Patterson said. “That’s something I’ll have to sit down and discuss with my family, as far as the future goes. But right now, I’m just focused on this bowl game.”
It’s highly unlikely that Patterson will pursue a fifth-year, but it’s certainly not something that can be written off completely. Given that he’s signed up to the East-West Shrine Game, however, indicates that he likely has little interest in returning for another year.
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