Shea Patterson endorses interim coach Luke amid transfer talk

Amid speculation he could transfer from Ole Miss due to Hugh Freeze's resignation, quarterback Shea Patterson offered a ringing endorsement Monday of his interim head coach.

"There's no one better to lead this program than coach (Matt) Luke," the second-year pivot told reporters after the Rebels formally introduced Luke to the media.

Patterson was a massive recruiting coup for Freeze in 2016, and the ex-coach's departure immediately prompted questions about Patterson's future in Oxford.

Patterson, however, gave no indication Monday that he's looked for an emergency exit.

"I love this university," he said, according to Michael Bratton of Saturday Down South. "I love my teammates and with camp being Aug. 2, all I want to do is go out there and play with my brothers that I love."

Patterson has only three games of experience under his belt, but his playing style has already attracted comparisons to a young Johnny Manziel. His father previously suggested a transfer would be unlikely at this point in time.