Interview: 4-Star 2023 Kentucky WR/TE Dakota Patterson is a Legit P5 Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Without missing any words, Dakota “DJ” Patterson is a “can’t miss” college football prospect. The only unknown about the Class of 2023 recruit is at which position he will play. Already with a collegiate body, the 6-3, 205-pound, athlete is fast (4.48) and fearless going across the middle taking on linebackers and safeties. As a freshman, he stepped up for Corbin High School tearing through 4A Kentucky defenses for 565 yards and five scores off 33 receptions. With opposing teams keying on him, Patterson has posted an estimated stat line of 15 receptions for 175 yards with two touchdowns during the early part of the Red Hounds 2-1 2020 season. The skills have brought in offers from Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, Purdue, and West Virginia.
As Patterson’s body and skills evolve, so do his roles with Corbin. In addition to playing receiver, Patterson is looking at getting time in this season at tight end and as a rover/outside linebacker. To talk about it all, Patterson sat down for an RNG one-on-one interview.
Interview
Dakota, the Red Hounds had a tough opening game against Beechwood (Fort Mitchell) but have been rolling since winning four straight. How is the team looking at the halfway point of the season?
I think we are just now starting to roll. Everyone is getting where we need to be.
A year ago, you made the game look easy. You were seemingly doing whatever you wanted on the field burning 4A secondaries for 565 yards and five scores. How are opposing teams defending you in 2020?
It is a lot harder. I am in double coverage every time if I split out. It is hard, but I still have to make plays.
One area of your game that really jumped out at me from the 2019 season was your game speed. Even with corners playing 10-yards off, you were blowing past them. This offseason, how did you work to improve your breakaway speed and quickness?
I was doing a lot ladders, lateral drills with trainer, and a lot of lifting.
Did you post a 40-yard dash this offseason?
Yes, I ran a 4.48.
Wow. My assessment of your game speed was right on, you are fast. Congratulations.
Thank you.
On tape, your hands look soft catching passes cleanly and your routes are crisp. What are some of the other skills to your game that makes you a dangerous receiving threat?
For one, I am big, I am a strong, and I am a fast receiver. You put that together, that is hard to stop. I am pretty decent at catching.
You are being modest on the catching, but we will go forward. What style of offense is the team running this season?
We are mixing it up a lot. This year we are running a lot more formations, I’m talking a lot more.
You were running go-routes and 10-yard slants across the middle in 2019, which routes are you running in the scheme in 2020?
This year I am running more posts, hitches, quick screens, and five-yard ins. I am still running vertical routes, of course.
After four games, where do you feel you’ve improved the most on the field?
To be honest, my blocking, that is what I say. I know that is weird coming from a receiver.
That is great coming from a receiver. I saw some of the knockdown blocks you’ve been getting this season.
Thank you.
Other than receiver, what other positions are you playing this season or will you be playing?
I will be more at tight end the rest of the season and I will be playing rover and outside linebacker.
Are you excited about getting snaps on defense this season?
Yes, I am very excited.
The Red Hounds get on the bus on Friday traveling to see Wayne County (2-2), what kind of game will the Cardinals give you guys?
I think they will play us tough and all the way to the last whistle. The more physical team will come out on top.
Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools that you know of are showing interest?
I think Ohio State is showing some, but they cannot do much with me right now, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Louisville is all that I know of right now.
How many offers do you have?
I have four.
Which program was the first to offer?
Kentucky.
Last question. When visits start happening again in 2021, are there any schools you’d like to see in-person?
Yes, Louisville, I have to go there, Purdue, hopefully Notre Dame, probably West Virginia.
Dakota, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the Red Hounds success against Wayne County on Friday.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Patterson family; Dakota Patterson