Quarterback power rankings: Best college football quarterbacks of 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers throws a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 44-16. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 29: Michigan Wolverines quarterback Shea Patterson (2) during the Peach Bowl between the Florida Gators and the Michigan Wolverines on December 29, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. Shea Patterson, Michigan

At long last, head coach Jim Harbaugh had a quality quarterback to lead the way in Ann Arbor. It was poised to be a College Football Playoff-caliber season, which Michigan had not made since he took over the team.

Shea Patterson delivered, with 2,600 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. However, the Wolverines dropped their opening game against Notre Dame, won 10 consecutive matchups and dropped a crucial regular-season finale to Ohio State in late November.

Then came the bowl-game letdown, when Michigan lost another game to finish with three defeats.

Expectations will remain high for Patterson in his senior season, with the pressure also on Harbaugh to win important games and take this team to the next level. Much of that will rely on this veteran quarterback, who played well for most of 2018 and had effective games against Penn State, Maryland and Michigan State along the way.

Just how much further can Patterson go? He has the potential to rise over 3,000 yards and make this offense proficient. It was already efficient, but a dynamic aspect is needed, especially with Ohio State throwing Fields out there.

Still, Patterson is one of college football’s top quarterbacks, and he should hold that spot in one of this sport’s toughest conferences.