Anyone that's lived in Indiana knows that the weather can change drastically on a daily basis. That might be a turnoff to some recruits, but Whitehouse (Whitehouse, Tex.) wide receiver Coleman Patterson kind of enjoys the randomness of it all and was able to experience it firsthand when he traveled to South Bend for last weekend’s game against Michigan.
“I'm used to a lot hotter weather down here in Texas, but I'm kind of a cold nature guy anyway, so being up there was great,” claimed Patterson. “I got used to that weather quick and the whole experience was wonderful. It was a terrific game and the fans were great. It was just a terrific environment overall.
“This was actually my first visit to Notre Dame and my first unofficial visit anywhere. I plan on going to see SMU, and then Ole Miss, in the next couple weeks. I'm excited because things are starting to pick up.”
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound junior was able to rub elbows with a few of Notre Dame's 2013 commitments from the Lone Star State. He was able to start some correspondence with the Irish coaches also.
“While I was up there, I hung out with Corey Robinson and Torii Hunter, Jr,” shared the Whitehouse standout. “We got to see a great contest and Notre Dame played a great defensive game. The offense chipped in some points also and they came away with a victory.”
“I got a chance to speak to coach (Tony ) Alford a little bit while was up there. I was able to tell him a little bit about myself and hopefully, we’ll keep talking on Facebook.”
So, what type of receiver is the 2014 prospect?
“I'm pretty quick and explosive when I have the ball,” he stated. “On deep routes, I can usually get a step on people and I'll run by them. This past weekend, I had 12 catches for 146 yards against Carthage. When the ball comes to me, I do the best I can to make something happen with it.”
Already with double-digit completions, and almost 400 yards receiving in 2012, it's easy to see why Patterson's starting to get some attention.
“I haven’t received any offers yet, but things are picking up,” he shared. “I'm hearing from SMU, Ole Miss, TCU, Vanderbilt and those are pretty much the primary ones right now. I'll just keep playing hard for the rest of the season and hope more colleges will keep contacting me.”
Though he's still waiting on that first offer, the talented receiver has already begun to consider the criteria that will be important for him when choosing a school.
“First off, I have to have a great relationship with whoever's recruiting me,” said Patterson. “It has to be a good location and a great school academically, because academics come first because I'm trying to get into a medical profession. I’d love to get a football scholarship that would help pay for those first few years college. I can adjust to any climate and I'm hoping to find a school that has more of a passing offense.”
The Texas prospect has made the first move to show the Irish that he's interested in them and he's hoping that they feel the same way.
“I like how it's a small town up there and everybody’s so close,” he added. “Notre Dame is great, the academics are great and coach Alford seems really cool. My dad used to coach college soccer, and one of his former players is the women's soccer coach up there and that's a resource I have if I ever need to ask a question. If Notre Dame shows they’re interested in me, they will definitely be one of my favorites.”
2014 RB Starts To Draw Recruiting Attention
2014 running back Deonta Moore (Huntsville, Ala./ Huntsville) has been throwing up Madden-type numbers so far in 2012 and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
After opening up the season with 456 rushing yards in two games, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound dynamo was on his way to another big night against Lee, but his coach pulled the plug out of respect for their competition.
“I didn't really have a whole lot rushing yards because I only played the first half,” said Moore. “I believe I had 135 rushing yards and five touchdowns in the game. I really give credit to my offensive line because they’ve worked very hard to open up the holes for me to run through. We worked this off-season to make sure we had a good run game for 2012, and so far we've been really dominant.”
There’s also another reason why the junior halfback has been so successful.
“If I had to describe my playing style, it would be that I really don't like be tackled,” he said with a laugh. “I'm the type of player that's going to do whatever needs to be done to get that first down for my team.”
Though it's still very early in the recruiting process for Moore, he is still waiting patiently for that first offer to come.
“I've been receiving a lot of interest,” claimed the Huntsville standout. “I've gotten some letters from Georgia Tech, Alabama, Mississippi State, Southern Alabama and UAB.”
Would he be interested in the Irish if they entered the picture?
“I would be very interested in Notre Dame because they have a lot of tradition,” stated Moore instantly. “I've heard that a lot of really great players came from there and I'd be really interested in seeing what they have to offer.”
The talented running back will be looking for the perfect fit when it comes time for him to choose a school, so he's already put in place what a school must have to earn his commitment.
“I think the most important thing for me will be tradition,” said Moore. “I also will have to feel comfortable there, like it's a home. I'm looking for likable coaches and that's probably the most important aspects I'll be looking for.
“Right now, distance isn't going to play a factor in my decision because I'm going to go to the best school I can possibly find. I would love to stay in Alabama, but I really don't know if that would be the best place for me to stay and play football.”
