C Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame
HEIGHT: 6-4
WEIGHT: 300
HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL): Laguna Hills, CA (Mission Viejo)
247 RATING: .8912
STARS: 4
YEAR: Sophomore
POSITION RANK: 8
CAREER
GAMES PLAYED/STARTED: 16/13
2019
GAMES PLAYED/STARTED: 13/13
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Jarrett Patterson Breakdown
Jarrett Patterson gave Notre Dame the biggest surprise offensively with his 13 starts last year. The center position figured to be up in the air heading into the 2019 season, but Patterson took control, and never looked back once he locked up the starting spot. His return adds to a loaded Notre Dame offensive line, giving their quarterback time to throw.
Another year in the weight room will be the best thing for Patterson’s 2020 season. Right now, he’s a strong player, but his power was limited. He proved that he could compete with most defensive linemen, but he lacked the elite strength and power necessary to control his man. If any defender gained leverage on him, it was tough for him to recovery and reset his body to get better positioning. If he didn’t win right away after the snap, it was tough for him to make an impact.
Despite transitioning from tackle to center, he actually displayed quickness to reach defenders in adjacent gaps and to get out in space. For such an inexperienced player, he also showed that he has good awareness of defenders that threaten his gap or enter his space when he pulls. He has good intangibles for a player who’s still learning his new position, and that paired with more strength will make him a better overall prospect.
If Notre Dame is to make a College Football Playoff run, they’ll need their line to play at an elite level. Given that all five starters are returning, there’s a good chance they attain that goal. Patterson turns his surprise into an expectation, and can become a leader on the line with a full year of experience under his belt. Putting in the work in the weight room will make him a better player, and gives Ian Book confidence that there won’t be any immediate threats coming right up the middle. Patterson already has a good foundation for his development, and improvements in his game will elevate this line to a new level.
