SPORTS 11 Thursday, July 25, 2019 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com Harbaugh looking to play two quarterbacks each game this season CHICAGO — The day he transferred to Michigan, many assumed that Shea Patterson would win the starting quarterback spot. And he did, starting every game in his first season for the Wolverines. Now, with a full season under his belt in addition to another offseason to understand the offense and develop chemistry with the receiving corps, Patterson seems primed to evolve into the quarterback pundits expected him to be when he came out of high school as a five-star recruit. But Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh threw a curveball at the Big Ten Media Day on Friday. “Yes, I do (see Dylan McCaffrey playing in addition to Patterson) where it stands right now,” Harbaugh said. “That could change later or not, as I seem them both playing possibly. Where it stands right now, I see it as maybe redefining what a starter is. “I’m really not talking about playing them both at the same time when I say that I’m going to play them both in games. It’s really going to be they’re both playing quarterback during the same game, and where it stands now, in every game.” This is drastically different from what Harbaugh has done in the past, though, especially in his initial years as head coach when the quarterback situation was more in flux. But with perhaps his most talented quarterback during his tenure as head coach in Ann Arbor, why would Harbaugh introduce another man into a position race that seemed set? The answer lies in the offensive scheme the Wolverines are progressively growing towards — the spread offense. With new coordinator Josh Gattis at the helm of an offense that returns nine of its 11 starters and a spread philosophy based on his “speed in space” motto, Michigan has not one but two quarterbacks it feels confident playing at anchor of the offense. “As I said, not only Shea and Dylan are really good and suited for (the spread offense),” Harbaugh said, “but I’d say Joe Milton as well and Cade McNamara. And most quarterbacks are coming out of that type of system.” Running multiple quarterbacks in a game isn’t necessarily new to the college game — some of the decade’s most successful teams have put multiple guys under center in each game and found success. And with McCaffrey’s mobility as well as Patterson’s experience running run-pass options — a staple of the spread offense — the Wolverines’ feel comfortable approaching the season with this strategy. “I trust both of them with the ball,” said senior guard Ben Bredeson. “They’re both extraordinary athletes, both of them can run the offense, both of them take care of the football really well. So I would have no problem with those guys, either both being back there, one or the other being back there, I trust them both. “ I’m sure whatever situation they’re presented, they’re going to do well. They’re going to thrive.” AKUL VIJAYVARGIYA Summer Managing Sports Editor ALEC COHEN/Daily Senior quarterback Shea Patterson may split time as a starter this season. Amid starting battle, depth at offensive line beginning to develop CHICAGO — At the start of the 2018 season, the depth at offensive line was an area of question. There was no clear starter at either tackle position, and Michigan was coming off a season in which it allowed the second-most sacks in the Big Ten. But over the course of the season, the offensive line developed and finished tied for the third-fewest sacks allowed in the conference. Fast forward to the present. The Wolverines are returning four of last year’s five starters, with the only question being who will win the battle for the starting right tackle position. “I think the way things stand right now, our offensive line is pretty darn good,” said Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. “Maybe as good as we’ve had.” Unlike the questions that faced the offensive line last season — which were more of a concern — the question this year is more of a testament to the depth that has finally developed up front for the Wolverines. Senior guard Ben Bredeson is a part of that slew of returning lineman. He believes the competition for the final tackle position between redshirt freshman Jalen Mayfield and junior Andrew Stueber couldn’t be any closer. “It’s very close,” Bredeson said. “And that’s just not me trying to hide anything. It’s genuinely something that’s going to get solved in camp between (Mayfield) and Stueber. Once that happens then we’ll know from there. But not even anybody in the building knows right now.” Last season, Mayfield appeared in three games while Stueber appeared in all 14 games and started one. Stueber established himself as a solid option to be a starter this season, while Mayfield continues to impress with his development. “I think Jalen’s going to get a lot of significant time whether that be a starter or whether that be a backup,” Bredeson said. “He’ll play a lot. He’s a tremendous athlete — a great athlete as an offensive lineman. He’s very mobile, he’s quick, he’s strong. He’s working on his technique every single day. He’s a guy that when we line up next to each other it’s not like I look over there and worry. Jalen is going to be fine. He does a great job and he’s only getting better.” Harbaugh was also quick to praise Mayfield and added that every time he watches film, he notices “No. 73.” Regardless of who wins the job, both Harbaugh and Bredeson had high praise for the development of the offensive line and the work that offensive line coach Ed Warinner has done. “Ed Warinner, he did a great job for us last year as the offensive line coach,” Harbaugh said. “Our run game improved. Our pass protection is better. We gave up less sacks. We saw the players improve a lot individually and collectively.” What was once seen as a gaping hole on the depth chart is now becoming one of Michigan’s strong suits. JORGE CAZARES Summer Managing Sports Editor CARTER FOX/Daily Senior guard Ben Bredeson will anchor a deep offensive line unit this season. I see it as maybe redefining what a starter is. Right now, our offensive line is pretty darn good.