The quarterback position should be a strength in the Big Ten this season. And no player in the conference better illustrates that than Michigan's Shea Patterson.

In fact, the signal caller tops Athlon Sports' Big Ten Quarterback Rankings.

Here's why: After Michigan’s offense cycled through three quarterbacks in 2017, Patterson provided stability and an upgrade at the position in his first year on campus. The Ole Miss transfer completed 64.6 percent of his throws for 2,600 yards and 22 touchdowns to only seven picks. Patterson also added 273 yards and two scores on the ground. Coach Jim Harbaugh plans to hand over the play-calling duties to coordinator Josh Gattis this season, and Michigan’s spring game provided a small peek into what’s in store for 2019. Patterson should benefit from an approach that uses more tempo and spread looks, especially with a receiving corps that ranks among the best in college football.

How's the rest of the Big Ten looking? Check out our entire Big Ten Quarterback Rankings for the season ahead.