Michigan’s had issues at the offensive tackle position and it’s making a California OT recruit a priority in the final stages of the 2018 cycle.
Mission Viejo (Calif.) 4-star OT Jarrett Patterson is fresh off of back-to-back visits. One to Michigan two weeks ago, the other to UCLA last weekend.
I mean Michigan and UCLA is somewhere https://t.co/9u4h66CUzO
— Jarrett Patterson (@jpattND) December 14, 2017
I’ve put in my Crystal Ball for Michigan to land Patterson following multiple conversations about the situation between he and the Wolverines staff, as well as his relationship with the Bruins.
“They want me to ink it,” Patterson told TWL in regards to Michigan’s pursuit of him. “Coach Drevno and I have talked on the phone four times; Coach Harbaugh and I have twice; and even Coach Dudek, just this week.”
Michigan’s pursuit comes as no surprise. The Wolverines have no clear favorite to win either tackle positions in 2018. The chance for Patterson to come in and compete within his first two seasons on campus isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
Though, with a new coach and rebuilding program, the chance to play early at UCLA is greater. Not to mention, LA is closer to home – a lot closer. And Patterson’s grown up far more familiar with the Bruins than the Wolverines.
Despite all of those factors, though, he’s been vocal about his love for the Wolverines in a bigger way, even after both visits.
“The one thing UCLA has is really early playing time available,” he said. “But Michigan is already right there. They just need to get over the hump and finish out games.
“And Big Ten football is just crazy … in a good way.”
The message is loud and clear: Patterson’s not close-minded to leaving California for Ann Arbor. And he’s enjoying every minute of getting recruited by Michigan. He’s been positive about the Wolverines recruiting him harder than the Bruins, too.
Mission Viejo (Calif.) 2018 four-star OL Jarrett Patterson (@jpatt78) enjoys in-home visit with #Michigan OC Tim Drevno ($) https://t.co/vcJwverlba pic.twitter.com/UuCvGJUxza
— Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) December 15, 2017
So why is Michigan going after the No. 362 overall prospect so persistently? Offensive coordinator Tim Drevno told Patterson why during an in-home visit last week before his trip to UCLA.
“(Drevno) said I can be a key starter, as long as I prepare myself this offseason to go there,” Patterson told TWL following an in-home visit from Tim Drevno last week, before his visit to UCLA. “No starting spots are locked for next year, so there’s opportunity to play. The home visit was reassuring and he said Coach Harbaugh will come down in January before I make my decision.”
As for a timetable, Patterson is still firm with deciding some time in January, even with the push from Michigan.
With the optimism straight from Patterson, and the strong push from Michigan, I know enough now to put in a Crystal Ball for the OT to choose the Wolverines next month.
And if you think the cold weather in Michigan is a factor for the Californian, think again.
“I like the cold,” Patterson said. “(Michigan) is great big man weather.”
All rankings come from the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
Get up to 60% off sports apparel on Fanatics with this exclusive link: CLICK.
Talk about it inside The Lounge – it’s FREE.
?