New England Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham beat out Brian Hoyer for the backup quarterback job, but “can't speak highly enough” about him, even though they only spent a few years together.

Stidham said even though the two guys were competing for the same job, Hoyer was doing everything to try and help him adjust to the NFL and learn the Patriots way of life.

“I can’t speak highly enough about Brian. He really helped me out a ton,” Stidham told reporters on Sunday via PatriotsWire. “Especially when I first got here and got going in OTAs and minicamp and all that kind of stuff, he was here every day for me and helping me in every way that he could. He’s a true veteran and a true pro, and I couldn’t be more thankful for him.”

The thought through most of the preseason was that the Patriots would keep three quarterbacks this season, so it was a bit of a shock when the team decided to move on from Hoyer, but it's clear they have the utmost confidence in Stidham.

He was a standout with the Auburn Tigers throwing for 5,982 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Right now he is the backup to Brady, but there is hope that once he decides to hang it up, maybe he can be the guy who takes over the starting role.

Then again Brady could decide to play for another five years, and Stidham could be on another team by the time that he retires.