Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com MARCH 2018 59 2018 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY DAVID MCKINNEY Jarrett Patterson comes from a high school program at Mission Viejo (Ca- lif.) High that amassed a 51-4 overall record during his four-year varsity career, and the future Irish offensive lineman knows that record isn't a byproduct of minimal effort. Patterson's goal in everything he's doing is to do it better than anyone else. "I know that in order to be the best I can possibly be, I have to work as hard as I possibly can," he said. "I'm extremely competitive, and to be at the top, you have to outwork every- one else around you. "That's the way I view things." Coming from such a winning pro- gram, Patterson was plenty familiar with the recruiting process and what it takes to make it to a major college football program after watching sev- eral teammates do it. "Seeing my older teammates, see- ing them go through the process and seeing how hard they worked out- side of football, sacrificing time with friends and family to do what they did best motivated me" he said. "I knew I needed to spend more time on my craft and get better." Also helping Patterson find his way was Sam Baker, the offensive line coach at Mission Viejo and a former first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons. Working with Baker was huge for Patterson's develop- ment as a player. "Talking to him about his expe- rience, there's so much more to it than training and practice," Patter- son said. "They're huge on nutrition and eating healthy to help your body recover faster. "That's what it's all about, and that's what really inspired me." Baker's teachings, along with Pat- terson's work ethic, have delivered exactly what the Notre Dame signee wanted, but it wasn't easy. The Cal- ifornia talent said his efforts went far beyond the practice field or the weight room, and that's how he got where he is today. "A lot of guys think it's just train- ing hard and lifting hard and that's it," Patterson said. "There's a lot more to it. You need to get the right sleep, proper nutrition, always stay hydrated and keep up with your schoolwork. "You just have to outwork every- one at everything. Some guys think it's all about one part when it's really about the whole picture." Patterson cherishes what all his hard work has provided him — a scholarship to Notre Dame. "It's amazing," he said. "I know when I graduate from Notre Dame, whether or not I make it to the NFL, I'll still have something to fall back on. "I will know that those years of hard work will pay off and lead me to bigger and better things through- out my life." ✦ JARRETT PATTERSON OFFENSIVE TACKLE 6-4 · 280 MISSION VIEJO H.S. MISSION VIEJO, CALIF. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ — 29 49 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 27 48 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 214 17 32 STATISTICS • Anchored an offensive line that led Mission Viejo to an average of 340 yards and 39 points per game as a senior. • Played on an offensive line that led Mission Viejo to an average of 458 yards and 45 points per game as a junior. HONORS • Selected to the 2017 All-USA California squad by USA Today. • Named first-team All-California Interscholastic Federation Division I first team as a junior and senior. • Tabbed as a first team All-California pick by CaliHiSports.com in 2017, and was a second-team choice in 2016. • Recognized as a 2017 Los Angeles Times Foot- ball All-Star. • Also was listed a first-team All-Orange County and first-team All-South Coast League performer in both 2016 and 2017. RECRUITMENT • Committed to Notre Dame on Feb. 7, 2018, picking the Irish over UCLA and Michigan. • Originally committed to Arizona State. • Primarily recruited to Notre Dame to special teams coordinator Brian Polian. • Took one trip to Notre Dame, an official visit on Jan. 19, 2018. NOTABLE • Born on Sept. 1, 1999. • Plans on majoring in English or computer science. • Boasts a 3.4 GPA. • Also a member of track and field team at Mis- sion Viejo, competing in the shot put and discus throw. 2018 PROJECTION • Patterson will likely redshirt as a true freshman next season. THEY SAID IT Head coach Brian Kelly: "He's a guy that's long and can play both guard and tackle. Versatility was really what we were looking for at that offensive line position." Offensive line coach Jeff Quinn: "I want to coach him, and he wants to be coached. When I first met him, I could tell he's very analytical in terms of under- standing the game, the schemes and the necessary ingredients of being a championship football player." BGI football analyst Bryan Driskell: "Patterson is a lean blocker with long arms, which makes him an ideal body type for offensive tackle. He is a gifted pass blocker that has the tools and instincts to handle the edge. "He fires off the ball in the run and pass game, stays light on his feet and shows good change of direction skills. He makes quick reads in the pass game, displays impressive lateral quickness and responds well to double moves. Patterson has a nice punch and can lock defenders out. "He must work on playing with better pad level in the run game. He does a good job driving his feet through contact, and he finishes well. If he can sink his butt and bend more at the knees he'll be even more effective as a run blocker." Jarrett Patterson Wants To Outwork Everyone Patterson was listed as the No. 17 offensive tackle and No. 214 overall player nationally by 247Sports. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM