Chad Kelly is the unquestioned leader of the Ole Miss football team heading into 2016. The top returning signal-caller in the SEC, he may ultimately challenge Deshaun Watson, Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, and Greg Ward as perhaps the top quarterback in the entire country.

While Kelly will garner much of the press clippings heading into August, his backup will also be under the proverbial microscope. It isn’t overly common to see a reserve quarterback get a ton of attention, but it isn’t common to see a backup quarterback have the ability of Shea Patterson.

Regarded by many as the best prep quarterback in the class of 2016, Patterson signed with Hugh Freeze and the Rebels program this past December. An early enrollee, he’s been working out with the team since January.

Via The Blade, Patterson spoke candidly about the adjustment on the collegiate level. “It’s been a huge benefit for me to get there in January for the spring. Toward the end I was fortunate to get first-team reps and get a little bit comfortable with the offense. So now I know the offense like the back of my hand.”

Patterson’s ability to get into school early helps on multiple fronts. For one (as he mentioned), he’ll be able to digest the playbook and ready himself for potential playing time — whether that’s in mop-up duty or due to injury. Being immersed in a college strength and conditioning program is also surely a benefit.

Additionally, the early enrollment theoretically has helped him adapt to college life, both socially and academically.

Without question, Patterson is one to watch for in the future.