ACC program still working Patterson

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - In late August, McDonough (Ga.) Henry County wide receiver Jamal Patterson decided that Stanford was the place for him. He said the decision was an easy one as he sees the Cardinal program as one on the rise.

"It is a great place," Patterson said. "The academics are great but I already knew that. I knew a little bit about the football team and that we weren't the best out there but we are getting great players and we had a great class last year and this year we are getting another one. We are getting players, athletes out there, and guys are playing well out there. It is a smart school, but it can also be a smart school that is good at BCS football."

While Patterson insists he is firm in his commitment, he said that some recent rumors in regards to Stanford's Jim Harbaugh and the Oakland Raiders have caught his eye.

"There have been rumors about Coach Harbaugh leaving and everything," Patterson said. "So I am paying attention to that."

If things were to change at Stanford, one school that could possibly lure Patterson away is the Clemson Tigers.

"I have been in contact with Clemson but I have been for a long time," Patterson said. "They have been recruiting me for a really long time and I have just kept a great relationship with that staff. Coach (Billy) Napier and Coach Dabo Swinney. They have just continued to recruit me."

Patterson also mentioned interest from Georgia Tech but said Clemson has had the most consistent effort after the Cardinals. Speaking of Stanford, he will finally take his official visit there next weekend.

"I am taking my official to Stanford on January 9th," Patterson said. "I think all of our commits will be there and some uncommitted prospects as well. It is going to be a big weekend for us."

As for a visit to Clemson, he simply answered that with a maybe.

"There is a possibility," Patterson said. "I know they are trying to have a big visit weekend but it is the same weekend as my Stanford visit. I could still possibly make it there later in the month. I haven't scheduled a date but I also haven't ruled it out."

Patterson will line up with the Black Team in Sunday's Under Armour All-America Game.

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