Patterson Ready To Join Brotherhood

Notre Dame’s 2018 offensive line signees made their way back to campus over the weekend to get a chance to watch practice, sit in on meetings and start to form a bond with each other. 

Jarrett Patterson‍ had the longest trip as he flew out from California and the four-star prospect enjoyed another great weekend in South Bend. 

“It was a really good visit,” Patterson told Irish Sports Daily. “I got to see how they work in the weight room and I was able to get exposed to the playbook for the first time. Seeing Coach (Jeff) Quinn and the other coaches was really exciting. It was great to see the offensive linemen and the other 2018 signees. It was a great weekend.” 

It was the first time Patterson, John Dirksen‍, Luke Jones‍ and Cole Mabry‍ had been on campus for the first time together, and all four hit it off immediately. 

“It was cool because we came in from all over the country and we clicked really well,” said Patterson. “We have the same mindset, and we’re ready to work. We want to get rolling after this weekend.” 

When it comes to the football aspect, Patterson believed the chance to watch practice and take in meetings was an opportunity to put the four signees ahead of the curve.  

“We wanted to get back and hang out with the older guys and get everything nailed down,” explained Patterson. “A huge part of it was getting ready for the playbook and the calls. We aren’t going to be clueless when we come in.

“We broke down practice film and who made the wrong calls. Coach Quinn explained what calls Sam (Mustipher) would make and what calls Alex (Bars) would make. Seeing practice definitely excited me. It was high paced, and they got a lot done.” 

Saturday was the first time the signees had the opportunity to see Quinn in action on the field and the classroom. Patterson came away impressed and noticed it was just like Quinn explained in his living room in January. 

“He has a lot of passion and fire on the field,” Patterson stated. “When they did something right, Coach Quinn made sure to praise them. He’s not 100 percent nagging on his guys. 

“In the film room, he was calm, but he was fiery. If you make a mistake, he will let you know.”

Friday night was a chance for the signees to really get to know their future teammates outside of a football setting. The offensive line gathered at sophomore Dillan Gibbons’ house to hang out and watch Rough N’ Rowdy, an amateur boxing event. 

“Coach Quinn ordered a bunch of pizzas and food,” laughed Patterson. “We got to kick back and relax. We joked around with each together and got to know each other better. We really had the chance to bond.” 

The next time Patterson steps on campus will be in June when he officially moves in, but this weekend gave him even more comfort in his decision to sign with Notre Dame. 

“When I took my official, everyone was welcoming and a nice group,” said Patterson. “They weren’t any different this weekend. The offensive line guys were the same, and we were all just being brothers.”