Michigan Football: Shea Patterson talks breakout candidates

Michigan football’s Shea Patterson attended the annual “The QB Retreat” and was asked by 247Sports who he thought were the breakout candidates for the 2019 season.

Tom Loy from 247 Sports caught up with Michigan football‘s senior QB Shea Patterson at the annual “The QB Retreat” in California which he has attended since middle school. During their conversation, Tom asked Shea which guys are potential breakout candidates this year.

"Ronnie Bell like you saw in the spring scrimmage we had. Mike Sainristil early enrollee. Yeah I think they’re both going to come onto the scene and help us out a lot."

Mike Sainristil is getting high praise since bursting on the scene after a Tweet from offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, making him the poster child for Gattis’ speed in space mantra.

https://twitter.com/Coach_Gattis/status/1112853457994702848

"Some times in order to teach you must show! If you know me you must master the details (key emoji) on 2nd level releases! Head/eyes/hips Inside foot stays in the ground Re-stem snap the head pin the shoulder on the out #Crafting101 ft: young @MikeSainristil"

Head coach Jim Harbaugh complimented Sainristil’s speed and toughness, specifically mentioning his downfield blocking ability.

“There’s probably three examples where you can really just see him second, third, fourth effort down the field, sometimes 20, 30, 40 yards downfield blocking for whoever does have the ball,” Harbaugh said on his podcast. “If you don’t have the ball then you become a blocker.”

Defensive backs coach Mike Zordich told reporters after spring practice that he’s trying to steal Sainristil for the defense and Harbaugh has mentioned the possibility of allowing him to play both ways.

Ronnie Bell was the benefactor of injuries last season which allowed him some in-game action. During his freshman campaign, Bell hauled in eight catches for 145 yards, two of them ending in touchdowns.

Much like Mike, Ronnie was a three-star out of High School and he was the No. 16 player from Missouri.

When Harbaugh last updated the depth chart, Sainristil was starting alongside Oliver Matin and Tarik Black; however, at that time Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins were both out with injuries.

That depth chart also included Ronnie Bell in the backup role with another breakout candidate, freshman Erick All. All came in as a tight end and has been experimenting with both positions.

All was a four-star out of high school and the No. 13 TE in the country for the 2019 class. His early enrollment is clearly helping his chances of getting on the field this fall although that might be difficult should the WRs get healthy, and as for the TE spot, veterans Sean McKeon and Nick Eubanks will be filling the void left by Zack Gentry.

While Bell is currently in the backup role, the new offense will need to create space and they can do that by employing more five-receiver sets allowing Bell and Sainristil playing time likely at the slot position.

Their breakout year doesn’t have to come from catching passes as Harbaugh’s depth chart included Bell as both punt and kick returner and Sainristil as the backup punt returner. Bell will serve alongside Ambry Thomas returning kicks.

You can watch the entire Patterson interview here.