Jason Patterson (X Photo)
Several months ago Kentucky felt that Florida running back Jason Patterson, who led the state in rushing as a junior, was going to commit to the Wildcats. Instead, he committed to Cincinnati.
Kentucky recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow and UK coaches never quit on a recruit and find ways to stay in contact.
With Cincinnati’s struggles this year under former Louisville coach Scott Satterfield — how can anyone be surprised by that — the three-star running back announced Tuesday he was now a Kentucky commit.
That gives UK 22 commits in its 2024 recruiting class and the Cats are now ranked 20th in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting rankings. However, that is only 11th best in the Southeastern Conference.
Patterson picked the Bearcats Aug. 1 but UK running backs/special teams coach Jay Boulware never gave up on Patterson.
“I loved everything about Lexington,” Patterson told 247Sports. “It reminds me a lot of my town! Also coach (Mark) Stoops is known for running the ball which made me more attractive to Kentucky.”
The 5-11, 200-pound Patterson also decided he wanted to play against the nation’s best players in the SEC.
He ran for 2,721 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2022 when he averaged 13 yards per carry. This season he is averaging nearly 11 yards per run and has 1,1124 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.
247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins believes Kentucky is adding a quality player.
“Dominated a lower level of competition as a junior and senior, totaling just over 3,800 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on the ground. Has been utilized here and there as a run-first quarterback, but has the makeup of a potential featured ball carrier at the next level with his blend of quick feet, plus vision, and strong contact balance,” Ivins wrote. “Hasn’t been targeted a whole lot coming out of the backfield but has flashed in the past as a pass-catcher on the camp circuit, which suggests that he can play all three downs if he improves take-on technique.
“Not only owns a 10.97-second effort in the 100-meter dash, but has also gone 4.5 on the lasers in the 40-yard dash. Likely going to need some time to get adjusted to the pace and demands of Power Five football, but has an all-conference type of ceiling.”
