Michigan

Wolverine's Shea Patterson To Return For Senior Year

December 22, 2018 / 3:03 PM EST / CBS Detroit

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — He took his time, thought about it, and Shea Patterson has decided.

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines throws a pass in the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan 62-39. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

No. 8 Michigan will be short-handed against No. 10 Florida in the Peach Bowl.

Just not at quarterback.

Patterson is returning for his senior season at Michigan instead of entering the NFL draft.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines throws a first half pass while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

"There is absolutely nothing like playing in the Big House in front of the greatest fans in the country," Patterson posted Friday on Twitter . "I wouldn't trade those Saturdays competing with my brothers for anything. Can't wait to play with the seniors one last time in the Peach Bowl! I also want to welcome and congratulate the new signing class -- come in ready to work because we are coming for everything next season."

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 22: Head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates a first half score with Shea Patterson #2 while playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 22, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The junior was voted Michigan's offensive player of the year after transferring from Ole Miss and successfully appealing to the NCAA to play this season. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,364 yards with 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Directing a read-option offense at times, he ran for 268 yards and two scores as Michigan made a strong push for a playoff berth before losing at Ohio State.

Patterson won't have the team's leading rusher against the Gators on Dec. 29 in the Peach Bowl, and the defense will be without at least two of its top players.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines leaves the field after a 31-20 win over the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Senior running back Karan Higdon announced Thursday he is skipping the bowl game to focus on preparing for the NFL.

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 20: Karan Higdon #22 of the Michigan Wolverines escapes the tackle of Andrew Dowell #5 of the Michigan State Spartans during a second quarter run at Spartan Stadium on October 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Junior linebacker Devin Bush and defensive end Rashan Gary are also entering the draft and won't play against Florida. Junior cornerbacks Lavert Hill and David Long could also choose to sit out the bowl game and enter the draft.

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