Where LSU, USC Turn After 5-Star QB Shea Patterson Commits to Ole Miss

Ole Miss added another prized prospect to its impressive 2016 recruiting class Tuesday afternoon when Shea Patterson pledged to the Rebels:

The 5-star quarterback announced his collegiate intentions during a ceremony at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. Patterson initially committed to Arizona as a freshman but reopened his recruitment last summer. 

Ole Miss lands a promising passer who threw for 5,083 yards, 72 touchdowns and just seven interceptions during the past two seasons. He is rated third nationally among pro-style quarterbacks and 17th overall in 247Sports' composite rankings. 

Patterson provides Ole Miss with a potentially dominant duo in the passing game. He joins fellow 5-star DeKaylin Metcalf, a wide receiver who committed to the Rebels in 2013 and projects as an immediate impact playmaker in Oxford.

Patterson ultimately picked Ole Miss over a pair of top contenders—USC and LSU.

"I've been to all three schools and to a game at each place," Patterson told Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Damon Sayles. "Whenever I go to a game, I try to visualize myself in their uniform and with their fans. I try to get that sense of can I see myself playing there.

"I only saw it with one school."

Despite extensive efforts from coaching staffs in Los Angeles and Baton Rouge, Patterson will make his impact at Ole Miss. The early decision gives both programs ample time to identify alternative options at quarterback.

LSU is certainly seeking an infusion of talent at the position.

The Tigers finished last among SEC teams in passing yards (162.9 per game) last fall. Sophomore Anthony Jennings and freshman Brandon Harris both failed to lock down "quarterback of the future" status during an 8-5 season.

Les Miles, who employed Patterson's older brother on his coaching staff last season, is likely looking to land two quarterbacks in this class.

He already secured a commitment from 4-star Florida product Feleipe Franks.

Credit: 247Sports

The 6'5", 220-pound prospect is rated No. 1 nationally among dual-threat quarterbacks in composite rankings. He pledged to LSU last June and helps take some of the sting away from losing a top in-state target like Patterson.

If the Tigers continue to seek a second prospect behind center—and our belief is that will be the case—Maryland quarterback Dwayne Haskins is a marquee member of this class worth keeping on your radar.

He received an LSU offer earlier this month and expressed interest in visiting campus shortly after Patterson's announcement:

"

Want to visit #Bama #Michigan #ASU #Auburn #LSU #OU #UCLA #ND #Arizona before the end of spring

— Dwayne Haskins, Jr (@dh_simba7) February 17, 2015"

USC was viewed as a distant third among finalists for Patterson due in large part to proximity and players already in place on the team.

Still, the Trojans remained a member of his final mix down to the wire.

Steve Sarkisian signed a couple of 4-star passers (Ricky Town and Sam Darnold) earlier this month. Neither player will be counted on to contribute immediately at USC, as the roster features depth and experience at quarterback.

Still, don't expect the Trojans staff to rest on its laurels there. 

Southern California standout KJ Costello, rated fourth nationally among pro-style quarterbacks, is the primary concern moving ahead. His skill set features one of the nation's strongest arms and accurate deep-ball touch that few passers in this class can match.

USC and LSU missed on a possible college superstar Tuesday when Patterson opted to become a Rebel, but both programs remain in stable condition at quarterback as the 2016 recruiting cycle rolls forward.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.