Highly recruited wide receiver is 'real high' on Auburn

“I’m real high on Auburn,” said Patterson, who did not work out at the camp. “They have a great school. I loved the stadium and the facilities when I got to tour them.”

Patterson, 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, is one of the most highly sought receivers in the South with more than 40 offers. A member of the National Honor Society, he caught 43 passes for 933 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

First-year Auburn offensive coordinator and his spread scheme, Patterson said, has significantly increased his interest in Auburn.

“Big time,” said Patterson, on the ESPN 150 Watch List. “When my coach first told me I got an offer from Auburn I was excited, but I also knew that Auburn is known for being a running team and running the ball. Then my coach told me that they were changing to a new offense and that Coach Franklin was going to be the new coordinator. That was big. I already knew Coach Franklin. He recruited me when he was at Troy, and they were the first school to offer me. Having Tony Franklin as the offensive coordinator is big.”

But, for Patterson, the process is far from over. He said he has yet to narrow his choices.

“The schools that are recruiting me the hardest right now are Stanford, Auburn, West Virginia, Florida, UCF, LSU, Wake Forest, and South Carolina,” Patterson said. “I don’t really have any favorites right now; I am still trying to narrow it down.”

Though he is in frequent contact with Auburn coaches, Patterson has yet to set up any official visits.

“I’m definitely going to catch some Auburn games, though,” Patterson said. “Auburn is only an hour and 15 minutes away, so that makes it easy.”

Patterson said he will look hard academically and athletically at the schools he chooses to consider.

“First off is academics,” Patterson said. “That is why I am going to college, to get an education. The depth chart is something that I’ll look at, too. I want to get playing time early. Also, I want to feel a good bond with the team and the coaches. Pretty much I want me and my family to feel comfortable.”

ESPN, Scouts Inc. evaluation: Patterson carries on the trend of tall, imposing wide receivers entering the college ranks. He has good size, extremely long arms and big hands. Shows the ability to catch away from his body, above his head and on the run. Has a wide catch radius, attacks the ball and can make acrobatic catches. Makes tough grabs in traffic and holds on after taking the big hit. Has good overall athletic ability and is very smooth in and out of cuts for his size. Lacks great burst and suddenness, but can create separation with his route running. Builds to top speed, but is deceptive. Has excellent leaping ability and can catch the ball at its highest point. Shows strength, toughness and durability. Gets upfield quickly after the catch. He's a big target who will work the middle of the field. Has the size to develop into an effective red-zone target. Excels on slants and underneath routes, but is at his best working the sideline downfield, using his size in contested matchups. Can lull defenders to sleep and flash a little burst, but he has questionable long speed. Sometimes fights the ball. Must improve his focus and look the ball in more consistently. Patterson is a very good prospect who shows a knack for making the big play.