Jarrett

Patterson

Pierce was ruled out earlier in the week because of his groin injury. The Texans will also be missing Ward due to a groin issue, Patterson with a concussion and Al-Shaair out due to a shoulder injury.

Patterson was carted off in Week 8, leaving QB C.J. Stroud out a starter on the Texans’ offensive line. Backup Michael Dieter will likely take over at center. TE Teagan Quitoriano (groin) was also placed on injured reserve.

While the Texans are listing it as a lower body injury, it looks like Patterson’s ankle got rolled up on from behind. There is no official injury designation so far, but with just six minutes left in the game, it seems highly unlikely Patterson comes back on Sunday. Michael Dieter is in the game as rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud continues to operate behind a patchwork offensive line.

Patterson looks to continue the storied lineage of Irish linemen in the NFL. Having played both left guard and center in college, his position flex puts him over the top of some other prospects who can only play one of the two or even just one side. At 6'5”, Patterson utilizes his above-average height well to maintain hands on the defender. His reach allows some leeway in punch timing and he is generally fairly accurate. His body leverage may not always be in the right place due to his slow feet, but this can be ameliorated by his awareness of how to do just enough to facilitate the play. Even if he loses a defender, whether in space or in the phone booth, he is largely able to wall off the play and guide the defender away from risking blowing up the backfield. He will need to work on keeping his pad level low as well as loosening his feet from the mud. More than his performance on the field, what may be most impressive is the respect he earned from his teammates in South Bend. In 2022 he was named the team’s most outstanding offensive lineman over Joe Alt, who is projected to be a premier prospect in next year’s NFL Draft. Heady linemen like Patterson are perfect for spot duty and injury replacement as they will do what is necessary to contribute.

Patterson (6'4/305) is coming off LisFranc surgery that cost him the final five games of the 2020 season. The arrival of second-team All-American guard Cain Madden complicates things for Patterson, as it is unknown if he will slide over to center now to accommodate the new transfer from Marshall. Regardless he will play a starting role on a rebuilding offensive line this year.

Technically, Patterson is a redshirt freshman, but as you likely know, that’s not how Notre Dame does things. If he stays a fifth year, he’ll be called a graduate senior. Patterson made the move from tackle to center this offseason, and so far, the results appear to be promising. As Murphy summarizes: “Moving him to center should give Notre Dame a strong anchor in the middle of its line this season, and for years to come if he stays put.”

“I like his athleticism. He’s a smart kid,” said HC Brian Kelly this spring. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder’s move to center was necessitated by the departure of Sam Mustipher. After signing on with the Irish as a four-star recruit last winter, Patterson appeared in three games at left tackle while taking a redshirt his first year in South Bend. Patterson still has technical work to shore away with his new position -- he is understandably somewhat raw when it comes to snapping the ball -- but there is plenty of optimism around his developmental potential.

Patterson (6'5/285) had been considering Michigan, too, but they’re no longer in play for his pledge. It’s been an interesting late rise for Notre Dame, who was not in the mix at all as of December. However, they extended him an offer in January and are now a very real contender to land Patterson’s pledge. On the 247Sports composite board, he ranks as the No. 25 tackle prospect in the 2018 class.

Patterson was previously considering Michigan, but it’s down to the Bruins and the Fighting Irish for the rights to the 6-foot-5, 285-pound tackle. He’s met with both teams recently, as both coaching staffs have had in-home visits with Patterson last week. He ranks 25th on the 247 composite rankings of top tackles in the 2018 recruit rankings.

Patterson (6'5/285) sided with the Irish over UCLA. Both teams have been recruiting him in earnest, paying in-home visits to the tackle standout in the leadup to signing day. The 247Sports composite board sees him home as the No. 25 tackle prospect in the 2018 class, No. 369 overall.