Zaquan Patterson Commitment Preview

Five-star safety Zaquan Patterson is set to make his commitment on Saturday, August 26^th. The big-time prospect out of Chaminade Madonna High School in Hollywood, Florida had a huge offseason where he proved many of his doubters wrong. The 6’1-190lb safety has always been known for physicality and versatility, but this offseason he showed the speed and coverage ability to line up across from just about anyone in the 7on7 and camp circuit. 

Patterson will be announcing his decision from his final five of Auburn, Michigan, Florida State, Miami and Ohio State. This has been a long recruitment that has seen multiple schools looking like they have the upper hand. Michigan, Miami and Ohio State seemed to be the early leaders, with Michigan appearing to be the leader out of the gate. 

As Ohio State faded, Auburn emerged as a major player in the recruitment after an unofficial visit in early April. Miami, Auburn and Michigan looked to be the three teams competing for the talented DB, but the Seminoles have made a late push over the past few weeks and now appear to be the favorites heading into Saturday’s announcement.

The Noles have been on an impressive recruiting run recently, especially with defensive backs. DB coach Pat Surtain Sr. has been a major key in landing five-star safety KJ Bolden and five-star cornerback Charles Lester in the last month. Surtain, a South Florida native with an impressive track record on the field and on the sidelines, has played a big part in FSU’s emergence for Patterson along with WR Coach Ron Dugans and Mike Norvell. 

As we close in on Saturday’s announcement, it looks like the Noles will continue to stay hot on the trail. As of right now, I’d predict Patterson to choose FSU when he goes public with his decision. Regardless of where Patterson commits on Saturday, I expect the other schools to continue recruiting him hard. This feels like a recruitment that could continue to evolve between now and signing day.

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