Michigan Wolverines football first-year offensive coordinator Josh Gattis spoke with the media yesterday for the first time since fall camp began, and discussed senior quarterback Shea Patterson and head coach Jim Harbaugh's involvement with the offense.
We tackle the highlights of what Gattis said in this News & Views format…
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NEWS: Despite the fact that Harbaugh said he plans on playing both Patterson and redshirt sophomore quarterback Dylan McCaffrey in every game this fall and insinuated the two are neck-and-neck, most still expect the former to be the guy who takes the first snap this season.
That notion was only strengthened when Gattis praised Patterson's work ethic and understanding of the offense yesterday.
GATTIS: “Shea is playing lights out right now. I was a little worried about him coming into camp because he spent so much time on the golf course this offseason. His play making abilities and ball placing abilities are impressive, and I’ve been pleased with his footwork in the pocket as well.
"The other players around him see it too, and accountability is one of the things we stressed coming into camp. Shea has a great feel and a great presence, and has improved on his weaknesses — timing, understanding reads and progressions, etc."
VIEWS: None of what Gattis said about Patterson is surprising. Yes, Harbaugh stated that McCaffrey is pushing him for the starting job (he is, and will continue to do so), but it would still be surprising if Patterson isn't the man under center on Aug. 31 against Middle Tennessee State.
Whether or not anything actually comes of 'the two-quarterback system' Harbaugh briefly discussed in Chicago remains to be seen, though it should be noted Gattis also said yesterday he has played two quarterbacks (at times) everywhere he's been and has no problem doing so.
Having two outstanding signal callers is obviously a good 'problem' to have, and further exemplifies how far the position has come in just two short years.
NEWS: Ever since Gattis was hired, most of the buzz surrounding the football team has involved what his up-tempo, no huddle system would look like.
Fans got a glimpse of it in the spring game (though Gattis admitted not all of it had been put in place yet), and the first-year coordinator gave an update yesterday on how much of it he has since thrown at his players.
GATTIS: “We just finished day five of our install and have a few more days of it. I’d say 65 to 75 percent of it has been installed, and we have a lot of creative ideas still in mind. We’ve found creative ways to put in new wrinkles and other things to sprinkle in as camp has gone on.
"Having a ton of guys who have started and played in games before has been a big asset for me as a coordinator, because so many of our players have outstanding chemistry. You have to have chemistry to be able to have confidence.
"Yes, we’ll do things from spread principles, but we want to be a downhill running team who comes off the ball aggressively.”
