Shea Patterson will take his time deciding on 2019

Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson might be coming back to play for the Wolverines in 2019, or he might take his talents to the NFL.

But unlike players such as Michigan’s Rashan Gary and West Virginia quarterback Will Grier who announced they’re heading to the NFL, Patterson won’t be deciding for at least a few more weeks.

“I’m just so excited to get one more win, and possibly finish top five in the country. That would be pretty big for us, and we’ll discuss further, further down the road with Coach Harbaugh and my family,” Patterson said.

Maize n Brew has spoken with Patterson’s father throughout the season, and Shea’s approach has been one step at a time, one week at a time, so it comes as no surprise he has the same mindset heading into the Peach Bowl.

“I’m so focused on the Gators right now that I haven’t thought about it. I’ll sit down with Coach Harbaugh pretty soon,” Shea said. “Maybe after the bowl game and have a talk with him, talk it over with my family. But I’m just so excited. I’m just ready to suit up again.”

The Peach Bowl is a big deal for Patterson’s draft stock. One game doesn’t make or break a QB’s stock, but with a good game against Florida, it could catapult Patterson into late 2nd round/early 3rd round consideration.

Patterson has put out a lot of good film this season, showing exceptional mobility and pinpoint accuracy throwing on the run. Patterson’s stats and stature are similar to Russell Wilson’s when he played for Wisconsin, and Wilson was a 3rd round selection by the Seattle Seahawks. All it takes is one team to like what Patterson has to offer, and being a Jim Harbaugh quarterback won’t hurt his stock any.

Patterson’s type of quarterback that will ace NFL Combine interviews and drills where he gets to throw in shorts and a t-shirt. Whether Patterson jets for the NFL in 2019 or decides to go to the pros in 2020, he’ll likely dominate the pre-draft process.

The counter to Patterson declaring for the 2019 draft would be another year at Michigan would only boost his stock higher, and the thought of being the first U-M quarterback to get the team into the College Football Playoff could prove to be enticing.

“I’ve had the most fun ever in my football career so far suiting up here at Michigan,” Patterson said. “It’s been such an honor to do it. I think there’s a lot more to be done.”

Patterson’s right, there’s a lot more to be done, and that type of comment is all you need to know that his mindset is all Michigan football, all the time right now. Maybe that will change after the Peach Bowl. Maybe Shea will decide to go get paid. No matter what path he decides to take, don’t expect to be hearing an official decision before early January.