2018 California 4-Star OT Jarrett Patterson Dishes on ASU Commitment and Upcoming Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There really is little left for Jarrett Patterson to accomplish on a California High School gridiron. Over the past two years, the 6-5, 285 pound, offensive lineman has racked up first team All-League, first team All-County, first team All-CIF, and second team All-State honors while helping his Mission Viejo squad to a two-year 27-1 win-loss record. The big man helped the Diablos capture a title in 2015 and anchored a line that posted an 11-1 season with a two-game run into the Division-I playoffs in 2016. Another goal Patterson can cross off the list of accomplishments, being a Power Five Conference verbal commit.
The hard work put in on the practice field, weight room, and during games paid off with 22 scholarship offers and a four-star recruiting ranking. Some of the many wanting Patterson on their squad at the next level included Cal, TCU, Wisconsin, Iowa State, San Diego State, Indiana, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nevada, San Jose State, Fresno State, Central Florida, Virginia, Duke, Boise State, and Washington State. But, a May 31 offer to Patterson from the Sun Devils turned into a publicly announced Aug. 5 verbal commitment to ASU.
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with Patterson after his commitment to Arizona State and ahead of his senior season to get updates on his busy summer.
Interview
Jarrett, congratulations on your commitment to ASU.
“Thank you.”
Fill me in on the recruiting process. Did you take any unofficial visits leading up to your ASU commitment?
“I took quite a few. I went to Fresno State’s Junior Day in February, Duke, UConn, San Jose State, Nevada, Washington State, TCU, Texas, and Arizona State twice.”
What impressed you about the campus and program during your ASU visits?
“Tempe is a fun city to live in. It is close to Phoenix and everything is modern and new. The facilities and living accommodations are top of the line, maybe best in the country.”
How did you narrow down all your offers landing on ASU?
“Mostly by places where I saw myself living and playing football.”
What influenced you to commit when you did?
“There was no reason to wait because ASU was the place I loved.”
How did the commitment take place?
“I texted Coach (Donnie) Yantis (recruiting coordinator) on Friday asking for a good time to call Coach (Todd) Graham (head coach). I think they knew because I was announcing on Saturday. Even though I think they knew, they were excited when I told them.”
Which coaches did you speak with when you committed?
“First, I told Coach Yantis, then Coach (Billy) Napier (offensive coordinator), and then I told Coach Graham after their practice.”
You mentioned that the coaches were excited when you told them, how did they respond and what did they say to you?
“They thanked my parents for letting me go to ASU. Coach (Rob) Sale (offensive line) said I will coach you hard but love you like a son.”
Did any California recruits play a part in helping you lean towards ASU?
“Definitely, (linebacker) Christian LaValle (Mission Viejo teammate). I was told not to go because of a teammate, but I do love the campus, coaches, student life and facilities at ASU.”
Have you set an official visit to ASU yet?
“I’m going to a game during the season for my official. I’m not going to other schools while committed to ASU for a visit.”
Let’s look ahead to the 2017 season. How is Mission Viejo looking so far in practice?
“We have really good team chemistry. We are ahead of this time last year. Up front, we are pretty close. We have some guys playing both ways, but they are in shape to do it and are up to the task.”
How has your skillset come along this spring and summer?
“I’ve been focused on footwork, on run blocking, keeping my hands low, and cutting off the linebacker on the second level.”
Did you max out in the weight room this spring or summer?
“I did. My max this spring on bench was 325, 320 on clean, and 505 on squat.”
Very nice. What has you excited about the season?
“I get to focus on football. A senior year is not known to be the hardest. With recruiting over, I am 100 percent focused on finishing out as a winner.”
What are the top games you are excited to play this year?
“Long Beach Poly (Sept. 15) and Santa Margarita (Sept. 22). Those games should be a lot of fun.”
Jarrett, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Patterson family; Jarrett Patterson (right) with Coach Sale
Photo credit: Orange County Register; No. 78 Jarrett Patterson