Interview: Alabama 2017 DB Jalen Patterson Fielding JUCO Offers to Division-I Path

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When watching Parking Crossing High School on defense during the 2016 season, if a fan in the stands wanted to know where the ball was at on the field at any time, all they had to do is follow No. 7 Jalen Patterson. Patterson tracked down opposing Alabama 6A ball carriers throughout the season having a breakout campaign more than worthy of next level attention.

High school football fans outside the Montgomery area may not be familiar with Patterson… yet. The 6-1, 170 pound, talent finally got his due in 2016 lining up at free safety for the Thunderbirds. Over the past two seasons he was playing behind another phenomenal Alabama talent, Class of 2016 Florida signee Jeawon Taylor. When Patterson got his chance to showcase his skills, he made the most of it coming up with 75 tackles, 56 solo, three interceptions, 12 passes broken up, and two forced fumbles. All of the high energy and big plays on the field helped Park Crossing surpass their 8-3 mark in 2015 making a run to the semifinals in the playoffs before falling to Opelika improving to 13-1.

The push is now on for Patterson to find his next level home. Several junior college programs in the Jayhawk Conference have done advanced scouting targeting yet another Park Crossing recruit with Division-I abilities. Next level coaches see Patterson’s nose for the ball, game speed, ball-hawking abilities, and the big hits he delivers on both running backs and receivers trying to gain an inch on his side of the ball.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Patterson going over his senior year while getting an update on his recruitment thus far.

Interview

Jalen, when did you get the call up to the varsity level with Park Crossing?

“We have a three-year program at our school. My first year I was on JV (junior varsity) and was a backup my junior season. I did not start until my senior season.”

After finally getting that chance to shine on the field as a senior, what was that opportunity like for you starting for the Thunderbirds?

“We put in a lot of work in the off-season with our 7v7 program. We made it to the National Championship game with our 7v7 team. Since my sophomore year I was behind Jeawon Taylor. He’s a SEC safety (Florida). He taught me a lot. I knew what I had to do when it was my time to start.”

How did you step into that role as a senior starter?

“I was a great leader for our defense, a speaker for our team. I knew coming into my senior year I was going to have a major role for our defense, I knew I could perform for our coach when needed.”

How did your game improve this year?

“My senior year, in the spring I did a lot of work on lateral drills to improve my hips. I spent the whole summer working on my speed. I was in the weight room every day in the morning and afternoon. I worked on play recognition. When the season started the game was going fast, but then it slowed down. I was able to recognize different plays and packages the offense was in so I could make the calls on defense.”

As a safety, which are you better at so far stopping the run or covering the pass?

“With the help of my d-line, I really did not have to as much in pass coverage. I did more to help with run defense. I’m a better downhill for my team than over the top based on what we needed.”

What are you working on this off-season?

“I’m working on getting stronger, working on getting faster. I may run track this year. I’m getting in the film room working on breaking down offenses.”

What was the best 40-yard dash time you posted over the summer?

“I ran a 4.5 at a camp that was at our school this summer. But we had bad weather conditions. I know I am faster than that.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“Right now I have a few junior colleges, Dodge City, Independence, Fort Scott, Highland, a lot from the Jayhawk Conference.”

Which schools have offered you so far?

“Dodge City, Independence, Fort Scott, and Highland.”

Are you taking any visits once the dead period is over?

“I’m going to Dodge City in January. That will be my first visit. Fort Scott is trying to set up a visit too.”

Do you have plans to visit Highland or Independence?

“I have a really good relationship with the Independence coaches. I don’t think I would have to take a visit there to make my decision to go there.”

Overall, what are you looking for in a school at the next level?

“The amount of playing time I will get. I want to start. If I have to go JUCO, if I have to play one year or two years I want to make the best of it. Whatever is best for me and my family moving forward in my life.”

You mentioned you may run track this spring, which events?

“The 4×4 and 4×1.”

Are there any bowl games coming up you are excited to see?

“I’m excited to see Ohio State and Clemson. I think Alabama will win regardless.”

Jalen, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your recruiting process.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Montgomery Advertiser; No. 7 Jalen Patterson breaks up a pass.

Photo credit: Montgomery Advertiser; No. 7 Jalen Patterson gets the tackle.

Photo credit: Montgomery Advertiser; No. 7 Jalen Patterson pre-snap.