A few days ago, I got to interview University of Buffalo Running Back- Jaret Patterson
Patterson is a 5’9”, 195 lb Running Back from Glendale, MD. Patterson was a star in his senior year at Vincent Pallotti High school, as he won the schools POTY award, and rushed for over 2,000 yards. He was also an All-State Honorable Mention. Despite his productive season, Patterson had two stars and eleven offers from a few D1 schools. He decided to commit to the University of Buffalo along with his brother, James Patterson.
Patterson played a key role in Buffalo’s success his freshman year, as he led the team in rushing yards (1,013) and touchdowns (14). He was named the MAC Freshman of the Year, and was selected to the All-MAC Second team.
Patterson was a completely different player in his sophomore year, and I mean that in a good way. He produced the best season by a RB in school history. Patterson ran for a single season school record 1,799 yards, and 19 rushing touchdowns. He ranked fifth in the nation for rushing yards.
In Patterson’s last game against UNC Charlotte, he rushed for 173 yards, 2 touchdowns, and was named the Offensive MVP of the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl. He also received an All-MAC First team selection for his record breaking season. By the end of the season, Patterson totaled eight 100 yard rushing games.
Patterson enters his junior season as one of the top backs in the country, as PFF ranked him as the third best RB for the 2020-21 season. *Interview was done over Instagram DM.
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Q: You were a standout player your senior year in HS, yet you weren’t highly ranked as you only had two stars to your name. According to Rivals, you had offers from Buffalo, Air Force, Toledo, and more. What made Buffalo different from the rest?
Well Buffalo offered me and my brother, James Patterson, in which he plays LB. We wanted to attend school together and we saw Buffalo as a fit for us not just on the field, but off the field as well. My former high school coach, Justin Winters, went to UB and since my 8th grade summer he was telling just the cool stories about Buffalo and how they won the MAC championship in 2008 when he was there. Buffalo showed us the most love during the recruiting process.
Q: In your two years playing for Buffalo, what has been the most memorable game you’ve played in and why?
Probably my freshman year when we came back to beat Toledo on the road. That showed how good we were and how we didn’t flinch, we just came back and won.
Q: You made an immediate impact your first year on campus, as you set records in rushing yards (1,013) and rushing TD’s (14). A year later, you proceeded to have the best season by a RB in school history. What were some things you did in the off-season to make such a significant improvement in your game?
To be honest, I just put my head down and grind. I always think I can improve in everything I do you know? At Buffalo, we use the phrase “daily improvement” and that’s how I go about everything each day.
Q: Which NFL player, past or present, would you say you model your game after and why?
I don’t really model my game after any players. I like players and like to watch some players to see what we do similar and what we do differently.
Q: Off the field, what are a couple things you enjoy doing to keep yourself busy?
Working out, and spending time with family. I’m a really laid back guy.
Q: You have gone from an unknown HS recruit, to a Top 10 player at your position in College Football. What advice would you give to low ranked recruits that are trying to be great?
Ranks don’t matter because at the end of the day, you have to play the game of football and the ranks go out the window.
Q: What are some goals you have for yourself and the team next season, and what are you looking to improve most about your game?
Definitely win a MAC championship, and everything you know you can never stop improving on your game as a whole!
Big thank you to Jaret for doing this interview!
Photo: Greg Vorse/ Spectrum News
