Notre Dame enters fray for OL Jarrett Patterson

Notre Dame had been showing interest in Jarrett Patterson for a while but after he committed to Arizona State, the Irish considerably slowed down.

Now with the three-star offensive lineman back on the market, Notre Dame offered the Mission Viejo, Calif., standout on Tuesday night and there is definitely mutual interest.

“Coach (Brian) Polian had been interested early in spring and had even watched practice,” Patterson said.

“They wanted to see my first couple of games senior year before they made a final decision. Once I committed to ASU, coach Polian told me they don’t offer guys who are committed so I understood it. After I backed off my commitment, we were in contact and talked to the staff about it.”

UCLA and Michigan have emerged as the favorites for Patterson, who had an excellent senior season on a loaded team but the three-star offensive lineman is considering a visit to Notre Dame and that might change his thinking. Patterson is mainly looking at either the weekend of Jan. 20 or Jan. 27.

There’s no question the Bruins and the Wolverines have impressed Patterson during his trips to both of those campuses but he’s still keeping his options open.

If the Mission Viejo standout ends up visiting South Bend and things go really well, the Irish could move right into that top group.

“We talked earlier (Tuesday night) and (Polian) extended the offer,” Patterson said.

“I really like ND, great program and even better academics. It is still UCLA and Michigan but if I really love ND after a visit, then it will shake things up.”