Joe Milton offers Michigan Football more than just a big arm

Joe Milton might be known for his arm strength, but he will bring something else to Michigan Football this fall.

One week from now, Michigan football fans will finally get their first glimpse of Joe Milton as the Wolverines starting quarterback.

At this point, even though Jim Harbaugh hasn’t named a starter yet, everyone expects Milton to be the guy, even though Cade McNamara has impressed too this fall and is actually a lot better than most people realize.

But as far as Milton, the most we have to go on are practice reports and inside info and Sam Webb of the Michigan Insider ($) dropped some nuggets on Milton and how he can more than impact the game with just his ability to run, among other observations:

"“He will have courage in the pocket. If it comes down to it, he will stare down the rush to make a throw. He has been unflappable in practice when it comes to that. He will be a legit read-option run threat . He will move the chains with his legs a few times per game. And the most obvious translation… he will absolutely stretch the field with his canon of an arm.”"

Obviously, Michigan football fans are most excited about Milton’s arm strength and in his post, Webb alludes to a 70-yard pass to Giles Jackson, which he describes in detail here:

"“Joe dropped back, drifted to his left to extend the play, then as the rush was bearing down of on him, winged it effortlessly down the field 70 yards(!!) to Giles Jackson streaking down the right hash with a pinpoint pass over the safety for a big play.”"

That’s the kind of play Michigan fans didn’t see last year and haven’t seen for a long time, if ever. Shea Patterson was a solid quarterback, but his deep ball left much to be desired.

Now, Milton will have to do more than make the occasional great play, he has to be consistent and accurate. He also has to take care of the football. That can be the Achilles heel of any talented QB.

Milton’s feet can be a weapon for Wolverines

But the fact that Milton should be a better option in the running game than Patterson will help too. Shea wasn’t truly a threat in the zone read and even though Milton isn’t quick, he’s fast enough and his 6-foot-5, 243-pound frame should help in short-yardage situations.

Looking back over the years, the quarterbacks ability to run has always hurt the Wolverines, especially against Ohio State, which always seems to have a dual-threat quarterback.

J.T. Barrett and even Justin Fields last year, bailed themselves out with their feet when the passing game wasn’t working and that just was never an option with Patterson, outside of a few scrambles and of course, the 90-yard run against Wisconsin.

However, with Milton, it seems like he will be a real threat to run and down in the red zone, where Michigan struggled at times with Patterson, that could be a huge factor.

While Milton has stood out, so have all the running backs. According to Webb ($). Zach Charbonnet and Chris Evans have been outstanding, but Hassan Haskins has played well too and freshman Blake Corum is really turning, heads, which isn’t anything new.

As a first-year starter, Milton is going to have some growing pains, but the fact that he can lean on what I expect to be an elite running game, will help the Wolverines navigate the early part of the season as he gets comfortable. Then — watch out.