Interview: 24-Offer 3-Star 2022 Memphis DL/OL Patrick Kutas has Three Recruiting Visits Set
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Most football fans love the big runs, long passes, and feats of athleticism displayed by all the skill guys. But for the diehards, the action in the trenches is just as exciting. The individual battles snap after snap with linemen exerting their will, technique, and strength upon the other is a spectacle, especially when one does it at a high level. At Christian Brothers in Memphis, Patrick Kutas is not only getting after opposing offensive linemen with more hand fighting than in an action movie, but the 6-5, 285-pounder, is also laying it down on defenses as an offensive lineman. The total package has caught attention from across the country, ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12 – you name it, with 20-plus offers dropped.
The offseason grind is in full effect with the Purple Wave, and Kutas is not resting on his mound of scholarship offers. Going through a bevy of strength and conditioning workouts, Kutas’ senior season promises to be attention grabbing.
In a detailed RNG interview, Kutas covers ground on both sides of the ball, his workouts, and his recruiting process that includes official visits that are already set.
Interview
Patrick, watching game film on you is watching a flurry of activity. Your hand fighting and motor on the snap of the ball is unending. Opposing offensive linemen might not like it, but I’d have to think they’d respect how hard you get after it. Any friendly chatter going on down in the trenches on Friday night?
Yeah, there are some friendly and some not so friendly words. We will complement each other, like “good play”, and all that good stuff.
Within the Purple Wave’s scheme, where all were they lining you up in the trenches?
I played defensive and offensive tackle and a little bit of defensive end.
Playing defensive tackle, what was your job on any given play?
Clog the middle, stop the run, bounce it outside, pass rush, get to the quarterback.
Besides your hand fighting and motor, what do you feel were the other strengths to your game as a defender last season?
I am an athletic guy for my size. I feel that I have great footwork and that I have great ball awareness. If I know what is happening on the play that benefits me.
On offense, were you starting during the 2020 season or were they rotating you in on certain packages?
I did not start on offense for the entire season, but I started two or three games on offense. I played a prominent role last season on offense.
Getting time in on the other side of the ball, how did that go for you?
I thought it went really well. Looking back watching my film, I have to work on my steps, techique, and pass set. I was helping out on the run and on screens, I was doing my job.
For the 2021 season, what roles are you taking on?
The same roles. If we get a trick play in maybe they will throw me the ball or let me run it in. That is a big man’s dream, score a touchdown.
That’s what I was about to say, that dream to score one. What have you been working on with your skills this offseason?
Getting my first steps in on the offensive line and my power punch. On defense, my hips my, feet, and my hands. I am working on conditioning, my athleticism, and strength; that is every day of the week. On the weekends I am conditioning and I do some conditioning during the week.
What have you been doing in the weight room to increase your overall power?
Right now, I am throwing the shot put and discus; that is a strong man’s sport. I have been doing squats, bench press, power cleans and triceps, chest and legs. Our main goal is to get as big and strong as we can.
Camp season is underway. I have you gone to any camps yet or do you have any coming up you may attend?
I have never gone to any camps. A lot of coaches have seen my film, so I have no camps in mind right now. The film says more than what a camp drill says.
Sticking with the college part, how many offers do you have?
I have 20-something offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Yesterday Indiana offered and before that it was Louisville, Army, and Purdue.
Kutas’ Offer Sheet (24): Air Force, Arizona State, Arkansas, Arkansas State, Army, Coastal Carolina, Florida State, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Liberty, Louisville, Memphis, Mississippi State, Oregon, Princeton, Purdue, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Tulane, UAB, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Western Kentucky
Congratulations on the offers.
Thank you.
This summer, are you taking any visits official or unofficial?
Yes, I have three officials set: Illinois, Virginia Tech, and Oregon. With unofficial visits, I want to see everywhere that I can.
Guessing you get this question a couple hundred times a week. Are you going to put out a Top 5 list at any time in the near future?
I have no plans for doing a Top 5, I’m not a big Top 5 guy. I will commit when I feel right.
Patrick, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you success on all your visits this summer.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Kutas family; Patrick Kutas