Michigan Football: Top 5 storylines to follow this spring

1. Will Shea Patterson have a repeat performance?

Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson rejuvenated a Michigan offense that previously had a stretch with otherwise humdrum play at the position since transferring from Ole Miss.

The rising senior will have one last chance to shine at the college level following a season in which he finished as the second-best passer in the Big Ten Conference –– behind a likely first-round draft pick in Dwayne Haskins.

Perhaps overshadowed by Haskins, Patterson still put together a fine performance. In 2018, he passed for 2,600 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 65 percent of his passes.

Safe to say, Patterson’s performance next season will play an integral role in determining whether or not the Wolverines can move the football and manufacture points.

Fortunately for Patterson, Michigan brings back almost all of its pass catchers from 2018. The junior trio of Tariq Black, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins will all be at his disposal.

Jones and Collins were the team’s top two receivers last year and the tandem combined for 85 receptions, nearly 1,250 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The offensive side of the ball won’t pose many issues for the Wolverines next season with the exception of the running game (possibly).

Given the veteran experience that the Wolverines bring back, they could quell the rushing woes by leaning heavily on the passing game headlined by Patterson.